Do You Want to Know How Long Do Veneers Last?

With good dental care your teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but living a full time can take its toll on the appearance of your teeth. For many people, porcelain veneers offer an opportunity to change the size, shape and colour of the teeth but most patients want to know how long do veneers last before they go ahead with this life-changing cosmetic dentistry treatment.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Veneers are thin shells or covers that are affixed to the front of the teeth using dental cement. They are quite fragile on their own but once they are bonded to the teeth, they are quite strong.

How Dental Veneers Can Improve The Appearance Of Your Teeth?

Porcelain veneers offer the opportunity to change the appearance of your teeth relatively quickly. They can be used to alter the shape and size of the teeth, as well as change the colour of teeth that don’t respond to whitening treatments. Dental veneers create an even look and can transform your smile instantly, correcting a gappy smile.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

In order to make space for your porcelain veneers, your dentist will file away a portion of your tooth surface. This is so that they fit well into your mouth, look natural and are comfortable to wear. Because some of your tooth enamel has to be worn down, it’s vital that the veneers last for as long as possible.

Porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 20 years with proper dental care. Many patients can get at least 15 years of wear from their veneers.

Composite resin can also be used to make dental veneers, however, porcelain does create a much more natural look and fits in especially well with the other teeth in your mouth.

Composite resin veneers are more affordable, however, they also have a shorter lifespan and may last for only four to eight years on average.

What Can You Expect From The Procedure?

During your first consultation, your dentist will assess whether you are a suitable candidate for veneers. Even though this kind of cosmetic dentistry can be used for a number of dental issues, not everyone is a candidate. Your dentist will remove a small portion of your tooth enamel, and then create a digital impression of your tooth, to send off to the laboratory.

In many cases, it is necessary to fit a temporary veneer to your teeth while you wait for the final design to be sent back from the lab. Once your veneers are ready your dentist will contact you for your fitting when they will be fitted to the front of your teeth.

Extend The Lifespan Of Your Dental Veneers

You can take some measures to keep your veneers looking new and in good condition. Make sure you brush and floss twice a day to keep your teeth clean and cavity-free. Don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months too.

If you’d like to ask us how long do veneers last or find out more about any of our other cosmetic dentistry services, please contact us for an appointment: (02) 4210 9078.