Dental veneers are durable shells that cover your teeth to create a white, even smile. If you’re considering investing in this type of cosmetic dentistry, you’re probably wondering, “how long do dental veneers last?”
Most dental veneers will last 10 years before they must be replaced, but with proper care, your veneers can last up to twice as long.
Dental Veneers Enhance your Smile
Dental veneers are made from a thin layer of porcelain that is glued to the surface of your teeth. Veneers can be used to hide discolouration that is deep within the dentin of your teeth and doesn’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. You might also get dental veneers to restore the look of chipped, misshapen or gapped teeth.
Veneers are custom-made to match the colour of your natural teeth or the colour you’d like your teeth to be. You can choose to cover all your teeth, or a single problem tooth, with dental veneers.
When Dental Veneers Need to be Replaced
When dental veneers can no longer enhance your smile, they will need to be replaced. Your veneers may chip or become discoloured around the edges.
Porcelain veneers are very durable, however, behaviours that put your natural teeth at risk of chipping, like chewing on hard foods or using your teeth to tear open objects, also put your veneers at risk of chipping.
Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant, so they should retain their pearly lustre throughout their lives. If you have partial veneers or gum recession, you may notice some of your natural teeth darkening, making your bright veneers stand out in contrast. You may decide to use teeth whitening treatments or get more veneers to combat this problem.
You won’t know the answer to the question, “how long do veneers last,” until it’s time to replace them.
Replacing your Dental Veneers
The replacement process for dental veneers is largely the same as the initial installing process.
Your dentist will remove the original veneers and file away the bonding agent before taking an impression of your teeth.
New veneers will then be custom-made and bonded to your teeth, just as before.

Risk Factors for Damaging Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a long-term investment, but some activities and conditions will put you at a higher risk of damaging these products.
If you play contact sports or have a habit of eating ice or using your teeth to open packaging, you will put your veneers at a higher risk of chipping. See your dentist about a mouthguard for sports and try to break your unhealthy chewing habits before getting dental veneers.
If you have bruxism, or you clench or grind your teeth in the morning or at night, you should see your dentist about getting a custom mouthguard before proceeding to a cosmetic dentistry treatment.
If you are a smoker, you may stain your dental veneers, the bonding agent, or your natural teeth. Smoking can also cause other oral health problems, so it will help more than just your dental veneers if you drop the habit.
Gum disease, and the ensuing gum recession, is another risk factor for damaging your veneers. Gum recession exposes the lower parts, or even roots, of your teeth, which can cause instability and oral problems for your natural teeth and the veneers. Practising good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist twice a year can help reduce the risk of gum disease.
How to Lengthen the Lives of Your Veneers
Aside from doing what you can to reduce your risk factors for damaging your veneers, you can lengthen the lives of your veneers by practising good oral health care. This includes brushing, flossing, and getting professional dental cleanings twice a year.
This will also improve your overall oral health and prevent tooth decay, which is still possible with dental veneers.
Why Cosmetic Dentistry
People undergo cosmetic dental procedures to enhance the appearance of their natural teeth. Stained or chipped teeth can make people self-conscious about their smiles.
A mouthful of healthy, white teeth can also help you make a great first impression, as it communicates to people that you take care of yourself. If you’ve been hiding your teeth when you talk and smiling with your mouth closed, cosmetic veneers may be able to enhance your quality of life as well as improve your smile.
Visit Dental Spot for Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental veneers are a great way to invest in yourself and your smile. Dental Spot offers modern, high-quality cosmetic and general dental services in Croydon. Contact us today to discover if dental veneers are right for you or to book an appointment.
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