Veneers are becoming increasingly popular as an option to improve smiles and build confidence in people everywhere. If you’re reading this, chances are that you have thought about getting veneers yourself. However, before making that decision, it’s essential to know all the facts about this cosmetic dental treatment, including how long they last and who’s a good candidate for them.

If you’ve ever wondered how long veneers last, look no further. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about veneers to determine if they’re the best option to boost your smile.

Introduction to Veneers

Let’s kick things off by describing what veneers are.

Veneers are thin tooth-coloured shells placed on the front surface of your teeth. These shells are custom-made to fit the shape and colour of your teeth. The point of veneers is to improve the look of your teeth by permanently bonding to them. They are typically made from porcelain (though composite resin veneers are also available) and serve purely cosmetic purposes. Veneers are most often used to correct cosmetic dentistry concerns such as:

• Chipped teeth
• Discoloration
• Uneven sizes in teeth

The goal is to make your smile look natural but uniform, based on your needs. For this reason, you have different options regarding the number of veneers you get. Most people choose to get veneers on the eight front top teeth to ensure an even look.

Getting traditional porcelain veneers is typically a lengthy process. These shells are permanently bonded to your teeth, so you want to ensure it’s done right!

Veneers require grinding your tooth structure down, often removing part of the tooth to allow room for proper placement. Once the reshaping is done, your dentist takes a mould of your mouth and sends it to a lab to make your veneers fit perfectly. Your dentist will also advise you on the shape and colour of veneers that blend in with your mouth.

The veneers are set at a second appointment using dental cement and a light beam to harden them. Depending on your dentist, they may also use other technologies. From there, you’re ready to flash your new smile!

Now that you know what veneers are, you might wonder if they’re the right choice. Let’s explore who veneers are a good match for.

Who Can Get Veneers?

Veneers can give everyone the boost of confidence they need. However, veneers aren’t for everyone, and there may be reasons to consider other options to improve your smile.

At the most basic level, if you don’t like the look of your smile and are looking to improve it, then you’re a good candidate for veneers. However, there are a few exceptions where, even if you want them, you may not be able to get veneers. For example, most dentists will refuse to put veneers on rotting teeth. This doesn’t entirely disqualify you from getting veneers, but you may need to get some other work done first.

What’s more is that the purely cosmetic nature of veneers separates them from other artificial tooth options, such as crowns and implants, which serve more functional purposes. Veneers are only meant for the front surface of your front teeth. If you want to replace your molars, you’ll need a crown or a dental implant, which is more invasive as it requires planting a tooth in the root.

If you have an excessively large chip in your tooth or a missing tooth, your dentist may recommend a dental crown instead of veneers. If your tooth is so damaged that there’s little dental enamel left, the bond will have trouble sticking to your tooth.

Lastly, if you grind your teeth when you sleep, your dentist may be concerned that you may damage your dental veneers with the grinding. A mouth guard might help with this habit, but the best choice may still be to skip the veneers.

All of this new knowledge on veneers raises the question: How long do veneers last? Let’s find out.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With proper care, veneers can last up to or over a decade. However, the resilience of your veneers depends on how well you take care of them. As mentioned, if you grind your teeth in your sleep, you may damage your veneers and shorten their lifespan. You may also get injured, and your veneers can become loose or damaged.

Remember: you still have your natural teeth beneath your dental veneer. You can develop a cavity beneath your porcelain veneer, which would mean that the veneer needs to be redone.

Cavities and tooth decay can negatively affect your veneers, as they erode the natural tooth that supports the permanent veneer. Despite being artificial shells, you should continue to maintain good oral hygiene as you usually do to prevent cavities or infection in the underlying tooth.

Finally, porcelain veneers are prone to chipping if you aren’t careful and mindful of your bites. Avoid biting hard foods such as ice or using your teeth to do things such as opening a bottle.

Recap: Veneers Last as Long as You Make Them

To recap, cosmetic veneers have the potential to last over ten years. However, they require you to take proper care of them through brushing, flossing, and regular checkups.

Veneers are a great option to give you the confidence to flash a smile anytime. Getting veneers can be extensive, but many people find it worth it in the end.

If you want to discuss whether veneers are the right choice for you, get in touch today.