Thanks to veneers, it’s possible to cover up multiple imperfections on your teeth at once in order to completely transform your smile. But before you commit to getting veneers, you probably want to have a reliable idea of what their lifespan will look like. Just how long will your new restorations last before you need to replace them? And is there anything you can do to help them last longer?
Exactly What are Veneers?
A veneer is a thin shell that is made out of stain-resistant porcelain. When a veneer is placed on the front of the tooth, it completely hides chips, cracks, stubborn discoloration, and other cosmetic flaws from view. Note that before you can have veneers placed, a small amount of enamel needs to be removed from the teeth in question. This creates extra room for the veneers so that they don’t make the teeth look unnaturally bulky.
What is the Lifespan for Veneers?
As you can probably guess, some veneers last longer than others depending on the care they receive. That being said, the average lifespan for a veneer is in the range of 10 to 15 years. However, it is not unheard of for veneers to last as long as 30 years with excellent maintenance.
How Can You Help Your Veneers Last Longer?
If you want your veneers to last as long as possible, you should follow these simple steps:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your veneers and the area around them at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This will help minimize your risk for tooth decay, which is a common cause of veneer failure.
- Be Careful of What You Eat: Try to avoid biting down on particularly hard foods such as peppermints. Doing so could end up breaking your veneers if you’re not careful. Additionally, it may be a good idea to limit your exposure to highly pigmented beverages such as coffee. Veneers are stain-resistant, but they can still become discolored over time.
- Avoid Bad Oral Habits: Biting your fingernails or chewing on the end of your pen can put unnecessary pressure on your veneers and eventually cause them to fracture.
- Visit Your Dentist: Routine dental checkups can give your dentist a chance to check on the current condition of your veneers. If they see any issues, they’ll let you know what steps can be taken to address them.
In short, it’s possible to get many years of use out of your veneers before they eventually need to be replaced, and you can help them last even longer simply by maintaining the right habits.
About the Author
Dr. Ray Bollin earned his dental degree at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He has regularly been named one of America’s Top Dentists in the fields of general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and holds membership with the American Dental Association. At Sunset Avenue Dental in Springdale, he offers multiple options for improving smiles, including lifelike veneers. If you’re interested in pursuing cosmetic dentistry to enhance the appearance of your teeth, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Bollin by visiting his website or calling (479) 309-8682.