If you're considering getting dental veneers, you may be wondering how long they will last. While veneers are not permanent, they are irreversible. This is because a small amount of natural tooth enamel is removed to make room for the veneer. Once this enamel is removed, it won't grow back.
The longevity of porcelain veneers depends on the care taken to maintain them and the condition of the natural teeth before they were placed. Generally, people replace their veneers after 10 to 15 years. To extend the lifespan of your veneers, it's important to take good care of them. As some teeth have to be trimmed, teeth that have had a conventional porcelain veneer placed will always need some type of dental restoration (veneer or crown) to look satisfactory.
Depending on the type of veneer chosen and other lifestyle factors, the lifespan of a veneer typically lasts between 5 and 10 years. It's important that veneers only be attached to the enamel layer, as placing them in the deepest part of the tooth requires removing the enamel. If this is done, it can lead to the veneer breaking and rotting under it. There are two types of veneers available: composite and porcelain.
Composite veneers require a highly qualified provider (dentist or prosthodontist), while porcelain veneers require an excellent laboratory technician for a successful outcome. Composite veneers are sometimes placed as diagnostic restorations, allowing the patient to evaluate the proposed changes before committing to the placement of porcelain veneers.Studies suggest that porcelain veneers can be expected to last between 5 and 10 years, with some lasting up to 30 years if general precautions are taken. However, most veneers will begin to show signs of damage after 20 years. The dentist may detect tooth decay or partial removal of the veneer during a dental exam.Veneers are among the strongest and most reliable dental restorations available, and when properly cared for, there's no reason they shouldn't last several years.
