How long do porcelain veneers last

How long do porcelain veneers last

Have you been considering getting porcelain veneers fitted and want to know how long your investment will last before more work is needed? This is a common question we get asked, as although veneers are permanent, they are not just a one-time fix kind of procedure. Instead, porcelain veneers will need to be swapped out for a fresh set after a certain period of time.

As dental experts, this is something we often advise patients on, which is why we wanted to share our knowledge in this article. Keep reading to learn how long porcelain veneers last

What is the recommended lifespan for a set of porcelain veneers?

The average lifespan for a set of sparking porcelain veneers is around ten years. There are a few reasons that contribute to this, which we will cover later in this article. However, even though this is the average and recommended period, studies have found that amongst some people, 91% had veneers that lasted for as many as 20 years!

When considering what type of veneers, you should consider what budget you have to work with. Although the cost of porcelain veneers is higher, they do last longer than composite alternatives. This means you should plan for the financial upkeep of maintaining a new smile if it’s a procedure you choose to invest in.

Why do veneers need to be replaced?

The reasons that porcelain veneers have to be replaced after around a decade of time is for the following reasons:

Due to damage or staining

Porcelain veneers do not easily stain, but can certainly lose their brightness over time. The surface area is stain-resistant thanks to the smooth finish that isn’t porous. However, the look of dulling is also possible if the tooth underneath becomes damaged or rotten. It should also be mentioned that you cannot normally whiten veneers again due to the material. Instead, a dental professional would need to look at replacing some of the surface matter to create a dazzling finish.

In this sense, replacing veneers is important as it allows the real teeth to be properly cared for and ensures that any porcelain caps have a sparkling finish.

Due to damage

Another reason that veneers may need to be replaced is if any damage has occurred. This is normally something that is likely to have happened after at least ten years of having them in place, which is why swapping them out for a new set is important. The main contributing factors to veneers wearing down over time include over-brushing, grinding of teeth, eating tough or acidic foods, smoking and not flossing.

This also doesn’t always have to be a dramatic crack or chip. The reality is that even the smallest of fractures can lead to bacteria getting behind the veneer, leading to serious dental issues.

Changes to teeth, gums and jaw

Veneers also need to be regularly changed to meet the current oral needs of the patient. From real teeth moving to issues of gum disease, there are many reasons why veneers can end up looking different after ten years. Another example is that you can get veneers with crooked teeth in some cases. This involved shaving down a layer of the tooth and placing a porcelain cap on the top. If teeth then keep on growing or moving, the veneer will eventually need to be adjusted to ensure they are in the correct position.

Leaving veneers in a position that suited the imprint of a mouth ten years prior can lead to serious dental problems. These can include damage to real teeth and even bleeding of the gums.

How can you help porcelain veneers last for longer?

Even though veneers will have to be changed after a certain period of time, as we mentioned, there are ways to keep them in good condition and stretch the length a little further. This should always be done with regulatory consultations from a dentist to ensure that the veneers remain safe in place.

The best ways to improve the lifespan and usability of porcelain veneers are outlined below:

• Only use dentist-approved cleaning products, including toothbrushes and mouthwashes. If you are not using items designed for medical-grade usage, the veneers will likely deteriorate long before their time.
• You can also request a mouthguard from your dentist to ensure your teeth are protected during certain periods, such as when sleeping.
• Being mindful of veneers is also important. Of course, you can treat them like real teeth, but that doesn’t mean showing off by opening bottles or deciding to crack a crab leg. You should always be mindful of your teeth, real or cosmetically enhanced, as damage can sometimes be irreversible.
• Are you a smoker? Whilst a set of veneers can hide the habit to begin with, thanks to their white finish, over time, this will dull. It’s best not to smoke to preserve the gleaming smile you have paid for.
• Another common problem is staining due to rich foods and drinks. Our rule is everything in moderation, and always deep clean veneers when you have finished with the colourful offender.
• Choosing a dentist who offers good-quality porcelain veneers is also important. You should look for reviews of completed work and also aim to understand more about the methods and materials they favour. The better the initial result, the longer the veneers will remain in great condition.
• It’s also important to floss veneers a couple of times a day when cleaning them. This will ensure that the correct spacing is in place and that real teeth are not being forced into an uncomfortable position. This will also help keep gums healthier and ensure no areas for bacteria to set up camp.
• Finally, anyone with porcelain veneers should also attend regular hygiene and check-up appointments to ensure everything is as it should be. If veneers are left without regular attention, you may find yourself with a pricy dentist bill before you have taken the time to save up successfully for your next set.

Does choosing a reputable dentist improve the longevity of porcelain veneers?

Yes, this can have an impact.

The way that veneers are fitted should be the same, but you will find that different professionals have their own methods. By selecting a recognised and trusted UK dentist, you can eliminate the chance of your new smile causing issues in the future.

As long as your chosen dental office is recognised by the General Dental Council, you will be fine. Getting veneers in the UK will cost you more than travelling abroad, but by the time you factor in the risks of choosing unqualified professionals and the lack of post-treatment support that is available, we don’t think it’s worth the risk. Do you?

Why choose the Eye and Dental Clinic for porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are a popular service that we offer at The Eye and Dental Clinic. Whether you want to transform your smile into a bright Hollywood star or opt for something more natural, our team can curate the perfect set of teeth. Whilst porcelain veneers do cost more than composite solutions, they do promise to last for longer with some proper care.

Our team of dental professionals are very experienced in fitting veneers, ensuring they are painless and finished to a high-quality standard. We can also support other dental queries, such as wanting to get veneers with missing teeth or providing support for dental emergencies.

To learn more, you can click these links to find out about our practice policies and deposit requirements. You can also book an appointment now to discuss your dental dreams and to receive a quote for a full set of veneers. When fitted by the best dentist, porcelain veneers can remain bright and beautiful for years, offering a fantastic return on your financial investment.

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