The answer to how long do veneers last depends on a few factors. Factors like dental hygiene, as well as the material used to create your veneers, will influence how long they last. At Broadford Dental we are committed to helping our patients make the best long term dental choices they can afford. Let’s find out a bit more about dental veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are covers or thin shells that are fitted over the outside of your teeth. They provide you with the opportunity to improve the aesthetics of your teeth and can change the size, shape, colour and spacing of the teeth in a few visits to your dentist.
Veneers are used to make cosmetic enhancements to the appearance of the teeth and are usually made out of ceramic (porcelain) or composite resin. A few years ago they could only be afforded by the rich and famous because only porcelain veneers were available. Now with the availability of composite resin, dental veneers are available and accessible to everyone.
Why Are Dental Veneers Used?
Veneers cannot be used to replace missing teeth; they are fitted over your existing teeth and are a form of cosmetic dentistry. They are used most commonly for teeth that are:
- Discoloured or stained
- Misshapen or unevenly spaced
- Cracked, chipped or broken
- Gappy or widely spaced teeth
- Worn down
It’s important to note that you are only eligible for veneers if your teeth and gums are in a healthy condition. If you suffer from bruxism or jaw clenching your dentist may discourage you from veneers, because they may crack or chip under the pressure.
How Long Can You Expect Your Veneers To Last?
Porcelain veneers have a longer lifespan than composite resin and can last on average for 10 to 15 years with good care. Some patients have reported their porcelain veneers lasting for as long as 20 years. Porcelain veneers resemble the natural teeth the closest in the way that they resist stains, and reflect natural light.
Composite resin veneers have a shorter lifespan and may only be expected to last for eight to ten years. They are more prone to chipping and may require more maintenance than porcelain veneers.
What Can You Expect From The Procedure?
In terms of cosmetic dentistry procedures, a dental veneer procedure is relatively quick and affordable to perform and can usually be completed in two to three sittings. A little anesthetic is often used to make the procedure more comfortable.
Your dentist will need to prepare the surface of your teeth, by removing some of your dental enamel. Your dentist will then take an impression of your mouth, to ensure that the size and shape of your veneers matched the rest of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are usually sent off to the laboratory to be made and may require some reshaping and adjustment when they are ready. Your dentist will apply dental cement and use a blue light to harden the veneers and speed up the adhesion process.
Still wondering how long do veneers last and whether they are a viable option for you? Please contact us today to speak to a professional about your cosmetic dentistry needs: (03) 5749 1208.
