How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

The most common way to fix missing, crooked, cracked, or discolored teeth is to wear porcelain veneers. While they help address several dental anomalies, porcelain veneers do not last a lifetime.

Typically, porcelain veneers can last 10 years or longer. Their durability depends on how well your dentist prepares your teeth before placing the veneers. In cases where the installation process is proper, porcelain veneers can go for as many as 20 years.

So, What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, personalized tooth-colored shells made from porcelain. They cover the outer surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain is possibly the most frequently used ingredient for veneers.

Another common material that dentists use for veneers is resin composite. Composite veneers are likely to last five or more years. So compared to porcelain veneers, composite veneers are not as durable.

What Happens to Porcelain Veneers After 10 Years?

After 10 years of use, your porcelain veneers may start showing signs of wearing out. If you observe any of the following, it may be time to change your porcelain veneers.
 

• Chipped or cracked veneers. Although porcelain is durable, it can break or wear out if you use it roughly.

• Loose-fitting veneers. Your porcelain veneers could fall off if your dentist did not fix them well. Proper fixing means scraping off some of your tooth's enamel and attaching the porcelain veneer with dental glue.

• Rotten teeth under the veneers. While the porcelain in your veneers will not rot, teeth underneath the veneers can still develop cavities. When that happens, the resulting tooth rot can put your dental health at risk and shorten the duration of your porcelain veneers.

• Poor oral hygiene and gum disease. Porcelain veneers need the same level of care as your regular teeth. If you do not take good care of your teeth, you may develop gum disease and leave your veneers needing replacement.

• Wrong size of veneers. If your dentist puts veneers that are not the right size and fit for your teeth and mouth, they can feel sore. Your dentist should measure your mouth to ensure that the veneers fit perfectly when placing them over your teeth.

Replacing Your Porcelain Veneers

The replacement process is quite like the first installation process. Your dentist will scrape off as much of the old veneer and dental glue bonded to it. Then, your dentist will measure your teeth, create a new veneer, and attach it back to your teeth.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

Getting the full benefit of your porcelain veneers relies on making sure you take good care of them.
 

• Clean and floss your teeth and veneers regularly

• Avoid biting hard objects

• Use oral protection when playing sports

• Wear a mouth guard to avoid clenching or grinding while sleeping

For more on how long porcelain veneers last, visit Elite Dentistry & Implant Center at our office in Chelsea, Alabama. Call 205-224-0040 to schedule an appointment today.