Dental veneers are made out of porcelain or composite resin and offer excellent longevity and aesthetics. They are wafer-thin shells that are custom-made and specially designed to fit over the front surface of the teeth. They help to restore your smile to its natural beauty and help in making your teeth look better especially if your teeth have stains, are chipped, have uneven bites, or have gaps. There are different types of veneers that have different lifespans, but all of them aid in hiding your imperfections and making you smile better. In this guide, we will be discussing how long the various dental veneers last and their properties.
Material
There are composite veneers, porcelain veneers, and no-prep veneers.
Porcelain is the most commonly used material for veneers because it is thin and translucent, thereby making the results look as realistic as possible. Numerous studies have shown that porcelain veneers can last for 10 years or more in most cases. Thus, porcelain veneers are also known for their longevity. However, studies have also shown that porcelain veneers that were applied to teeth that were not properly prepared in advance may reduce their lifespan.
The resin-based composite is another good material known for making dental veneers. However, if you opt for composite veneers, do note that the lifespan is shorter than traditional porcelain veneers at roughly 5 years or more. However, composite veneers are more affordable and less expensive than porcelain veneers.
The major difference between composite and porcelain veneers other than the material is that composite veneers require a highly skilled dentist or prosthodontist, while a porcelain veneer requires a skilled lab technician for the veneers to turn out well.
No prep veneers do not require intensive work on your teeth before they are installed and help to improve the appearance of your teeth while minimizing any changes to your tooth enamel. The process for applying no-prep veneers takes less time and is less invasive. No prep veneers can last up to 20 years and are supposedly the most durable out of the three veneers. However, this is provided that you take good care of them.
Other Factors
Other than the material of the veneers, other factors can affect the lifespan of your dental veneers. The state of your teeth, your oral hygiene, and mouth protection are some of the factors. If you regularly floss and brush your teeth properly, you will prevent plaque buildup and you can prolong the lifespan of your veneers.
Mouth protection means wearing a mouth guard if you choose to play contact sports to prevent other teeth from chipping or breaking. You should also avoid excessive or hard grinding of your teeth as these may cause the tooth enamel to wear and tear while putting excessive pressure on your veneers. You should also avoid biting hard foods such as hard candy, ice or nuts, and using your teeth as a tool to open objects such as bottle caps. If you listen to the dentist’s advice, maintain good oral hygiene and take good care of your teeth, then your dental veneers are sure to last for a long time.