How Long Do Veneers Last?

Do you often find yourself comparing your teeth with the Insta-perfect smiles you see on social media or on TV?

The fact is, everyone’s teeth are naturally different, yet we all want to have what society sees as the “ideal” smile. It’s our goal to have straight, even, white teeth, but most of us have “flaws” in our smiles instead.

What would you say if you knew that almost every “perfect” smile you see is either a) heavily filtered or b) the result of cosmetic dentistry?

It’s true. Statistics show that only about 1 in 90,000 people are born with genetically straight, even teeth. The rest of us have to use special dental technology (or filters!) to get that result.

While statistics may say that you can’t have the smile you want, we at Shabani Dental disagree. It’s our mission to help you reach your oral health goals, and cosmetic dentistry is one of our specialties!

Many of our patients have minor imperfections that can easily be fixed with a special dental appliance called a veneer. This tiny shell bonds to the front of the enamel to conceal a variety of flaws.

Is a veneer is the solution you’ve been looking for? Read on to find out!

The Basics on Veneers

It’s more common to have minor imperfections than straight teeth. When you have a lot of crooked teeth or other dental issues, braces are the normal form of correction. But when there’s only a couple of teeth that have the problem, veneers could be the answer.

In our office, people come in all the time with complaints about parts of their smile that make them feel insecure. Things like chips, cracks, gaps, and spaces are easily fixed with veneers.

Made out of porcelain or composite resin, a veneer is truly a powerhouse packed in a tiny shell. The investment in your dental health is one of the fastest, easiest ways to change your smile completely.

Before you decide if the investment is right for you, you probably have questions like “Are veneers permanent?” and “How long do veneers last?”

What Are Veneers, and How Long Do They Last?

Veneers are dental correctors that can fix a range of problems, such as:

Chipped or cracked teeth

Damage to teeth caused by grinding or chewing (bruxism)

Gaps or spaces between teeth

Overbites

Stained or discolored teeth

But how long yours will last depends on the material you choose and how well you take care of them.

The Process of Choosing Your Veneers

The procedure used to apply veneers is simple and, for most people, painless. Anesthesia isn’t necessary—in fact, getting veneers is probably the easiest dental visit you’ll ever have!

You don’t need to have any prep or aftercare to plan for before you get your veneers. At your visit, we’ll make an impression of your mouth out of a mold. The impression will be used to match the shade and shape of your new veneers.

Whether you choose to use standard composite resin, you can have your veneers applied as early as the same visit. As long as they’re not customized, we can sculpt them to match your teeth as closely as possible. Otherwise, custom-made veneers take a little longer, and porcelain always is individually designed.

The decision of composite resin versus porcelain veneers isn’t just about customization, though. Each one has its own advantages.

Composite Resin or Porcelain?

Composite resin and porcelain were chosen decades ago to be the materials used for veneers. They’re similar in appearance to natural enamel. And both types are durable enough to hold up under the substantial pressure our teeth are put under daily.

Choosing the one that’s “best” for you depends on your specific needs. Are you looking for a veneer that fits your budget and can be applied fast? Or would you rather have one that you have to wait for patiently, but once it’s put on, you can forget about it?

Budget-friendly and fast veneers would be the composite resin. These shells typically last around five years if they’re taken care of. You can eat like normal with them, but you should still avoid sticky or hard foods. It’s possible to damage composite resin shells; however, repairing veneers is a simple technique if it’s caught early enough.

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, have an average lifespan of around 15 years. It’s difficult to damage this hard shell, making them the preferred veneer for people in contact sports.

Porcelain is also more stain-resistant than composite resin. Dentists recommend this material for those who use tobacco or have coffee, tea, or soda habits.

Stain-resistant isn’t the same thing as stain-proof. It’s possible to discolor porcelain, composite resin, and your natural enamel over time. The better you care for your veneers and teeth, the longer they’ll stay white and in good shape.

Let Us Help You Make Your Veneers Last

To make any investment last, you must take care of it. With your veneers, the solution to a long lifespan depends on your oral health habits. Make sure you follow the ADA-recommended dental routine of brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. Mouthwash is also a good idea because it helps kill any hidden bacteria and germs.

The other part of an overall healthy mouth is scheduling and attending regular checkups. Professional cleanings take care of pockets of hidden bacteria, and the exams give the dentist a chance to catch problems early.

Preventative care also gives your veneers a better chance to last as long as possible. We can check your shells and verify that they’re not shifting or cracking. If there’s an issue, it’s much easier to repair it while the problem is just starting.

At Shabani Dental, we’re here to help you with all your dental needs, from preventative to corrective and, if necessary, restorative.

Our dentist and professional staff will work with you to design an individualized treatment plan. Whatever your dental goals are, let us help you reach them!