How Long Will My Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain Veneers, the extremely thin shield-like restorative tooth treatments are the perfect option for those looking for a total smile transformation. Whether the patient is suffering from dental cracks, chips, discoloration, separation and much more, porcelain veneers can restore and cover these issues with ease.
It’s easy to decide whether to opt for porcelain veneers as they offer many more positives than they do negatives. The investment in this restoration is worth getting the appearance you’ve dreamed of.
Veneers are typically made of porcelain. Porcelain is an incredibly popular material used in the dental cosmetic industry. Porcelain is the only material that mimics the look and feel of natural teeth. It is also incredibly sturdy and can withstand the pressure of a normal bite.
Although the porcelain material is incredibly strong, it is not indestructible. Damaging your veneers are not uncommon, but can be prevented. Many patients pose the question of, just how long do porcelain veneers last? And while many patients know that the veneers will last as long as they are cared for, they aren’t made to last a lifetime.
Dental veneers are meant to last between 10-15 years, depending on how well the patient takes care of them. They can be cared for just as you would care for your natural teeth. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day. A patient should visit their general dentist every six months for a bi-annual checkup and professionally clean.
Veneers may need updating after the average time listed above. Some may only need a partial update, while others may need a full replacement. Certain habits can be avoided in order to make the lifespan of your porcelain veneers (and natural teeth) last longer.
Check out the list of tips below on how to make your porcelain veneers last longer.
- Good Oral Hygiene: It’s extremely important to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth is highly recommended as you do not want to harm your veneers. Visiting your dentist twice a year is also great for check-ups, professional dental cleanings , as well as to prevent the spread of bacteria or gum disease.
- Wear Protection: If you grind your teeth at night or your play rough sports, be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth! Nothing could be more frustrating than seeing your veneers crack or chip much sooner than your 10-year mark. Take good care of them with a mouth guard.
- Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools: We are all guilty of trying to open up a bag using our teeth when there are no scissors lying around. It’s extremely important to stay away from doing this as it could majorly harm your teeth.
- Watch What You Eat: It’s recommended to stay away from chewing extremely hard foods as it can crack or damage the veneers. You can also avoid drinking staining liquids like coffee, tea, alcohol. Tobacco users are more prone to staining their veneers quicker as well. As mentioned above, making your porcelain veneers last could be entirely up to the patient. Be sure to take care of your veneers, and you will see them last upwards of 15 years!
Contact Us
Interested in learning more about our veneer process? Read about our beautiful veneers here. Or, contact us via our online form and we'd be happy to setup a free consultation to talk about your new smile. We're also available during normal business hours at (303) 557-6453.
Want to just learn more about veneers in general? Read more here about how much you can expect to spend on some new porcelain veneers.