How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are cemented to the fronts of the teeth. These cosmetic dental treatments can be used to mask stains, camouflage gaps and chips, adjust the appearance of the dental alignment, and even supplement the size of unusually small teeth. Porcelain veneers don’t last forever, but with the proper care, they can be expected to last a decade, if not longer. Once a porcelain veneer wears out or if it breaks, though, it’s imperative that you replace the veneer so the tooth stays protected. This is necessary because the dentist will first shave away microscopic layers of tooth enamel to accommodate the porcelain veneer so it appears naturally recessed into the gum line
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If you think about it, this makes sense. If your dentist cemented a thin layer of material to the front of your tooth as it is naturally, that material would bulge out, interfering with the natural gum line and creating an artificial, uncanny appearance. To prevent this from happening, the first step in any porcelain veneer procedure is to prepare the surfaces of the teeth by removing about a millimeter of enamel in an even layer. After the teeth have been prepared, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to make a wax diagnostic for the dental lab that will craft your porcelain veneers.
Your dentist will match the porcelain tint to your adjacent teeth so that they appear completely natural and will also provide temporary protective veneers for you to wear while your veneers are crafted. Once the porcelain veneers are completed, they are cemented to the fronts of the teeth, aligning with the adjacent teeth in a natural, balanced arch while masking any dental imperfections or defects and creating your ideal smile.
With good care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last a decade, if not longer. Of course, it’s important to brush and floss daily and see your dentist regularly for routine cleanings and checkups. While porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, they rely on the natural teeth for support, and oral hygiene helps keep these teeth strong and stable; without healthy gums and sturdy teeth, veneers can’t exist.
If you habitually grind or clench your teeth, make sure you wear a nightguard while sleeping so your veneers don’t get damaged, and you should also wear a protective mouthguard if you play contact sports or are in similar high-risk situations. You should never use your teeth to do anything other than biting or chewing, and this is especially true with porcelain veneers; using your veneers to untie a knot or open a bottle, for example, could cause irreversible, costly damage.
While porcelain is more stain-resistant than tooth enamel, it can still become discolored when exposed to certain foods and drinks, so you should make careful nutritional choices and reduce or eliminate black coffee, red wine, and other dark-colored substances to prevent staining and prolong the brightness of your porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers may cost more than some other comparable cosmetic dental treatments, but they’re relatively easy to maintain with some simple steps, and they can be an indispensable part of your new and improved smile.
