How Long Do Veneers Last?

Veneers have become one of the most popular ways to enhance your smile. They’re a custom restoration that can give you back your confidence and willingness to show off your teeth. They do this by fixing cracks, chips, and discolouration, as well as closing small spaces in between your teeth.

But, did you know that there are two types of veneer and that the properties of each are very different? One of the main factors determining the durability of veneers is the materials used, and so is how you care for them in the future.

Composite and porcelain are the two materials available when getting a veneer.

Let’s delve a little deeper into the factors that will determine the lifespan of a veneer, and why.

Summary

• Composite veneers look their best for 3-5 years and require frequent re-polishing and replacements.

• Porcelain veneers last around 12-15 years and maintain their shiny appearance for a lot longer.

What are composite veneers?

Composite veneers are an accessible type of veneer, involving fewer appointments than their porcelain counterparts (we’ll be comparing the two throughout this blog).  

Composite veneers have soared in popularity over the last few years. An increasing number of people are looking for minimally invasive and speedy solutions for smile enhancement, and composite veneers certainly tick both of these boxes. However, they do have their limitations.

The dental composite used to make composite veneers is moulded into place by your dentist. They will match the composite resin to your tooth shade, to produce a natural-looking and uniform shade. However, these resins are prone to staining, especially if you have an appetite for teeth-staining food and drink.

Composite veneers can also begin to lose their structural integrity after approximately 3 to 5 years. For this reason, you will need to be prepared to get them repolished on an ongoing basis and replaced after this period.

Ageing of composite veneers

• Start to lose their shine after 1-3 years and look matte

• Fade in colour over time

• Can chip and crack easily

• They stain differently to your teeth

• Can be repaired and repolished to regain their shine

What are porcelain veneers?

Now onto the gold standard in cosmetic dental restorations: porcelain veneers.

There’s no doubt that porcelain veneers are an upgrade from composite veneers.

Firstly, they last significantly longer, with an average lifespan of 12-15 years.

Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory and bonded to your teeth at a second appointment. The adhesive used to bond them to your teeth is incredibly hardwearing, and porcelain is far more robust than dental composite resin. Porcelain also has far better aesthetic durability than composite resin, being much more resistant to staining and loss of shine and translucency.

At this point, you might be thinking, ‘Why on earth would I consider composite veneers? Porcelain veneers sound like the clear choice when it comes to durability!’ There are some drawbacks…

Being a premium material, dental porcelain is expensive. You will need to be prepared to pay more for this type of veneer, because it lasts longer, and keeps its cosmetic appeal for longer.

Porcelain isn’t invincible, but it’s more resistant to cracks and chips than composite resin. It’s also much more wear-resistant, though you can expect some staining around the margins along the gum line. For this reason, regular hygienist visits are essential if you want to keep staining to a minimum.   

A further consideration with porcelain veneers is the preparation needed. Your dentist will need to remove some tooth enamel (typically 0.5 millimetres) before they can be placed. This is performed under local anaesthetic and your tooth will need to be drilled.

Ageing of porcelain veneers

• Last for 12-15 years and maintain their shine very well

• Can chip and crack but usually after a long time

• Can pick up staining at the edges of the veneer where the cement is

• Can not be repaired easily

Which factors determine the lifespan of a veneer?

As we’ve already touched upon above, there are several factors that determine the longevity of a veneer.

One we haven’t yet covered is the fact that not all veneers are made equal. The dentist’s experience plays a big part in how long the veneer will last and what the end result looks and feels like.

With this in mind, make sure you do your research to find a skilful and experienced cosmetic dentist. A reputable cosmetic dentist will have in-depth knowledge of bonding processes and material preparation and use state-of-the-art technology to plan your treatment.  

Your at-home hygiene efforts, lifestyle, and diet will also determine how long your veneer might last.  

What can I do to maximise the lifespan of my veneer?

Whether you opt for composite veneers or porcelain veneers, there are several things you can do to maximise the durability and condition of your veneer. These include:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports.

• Don’t bite or chew on foreign objects like ice, nails and pens.

• Try not to bite onto hard foods with your veneers (use your side teeth if you can). This is particularly important for composite veneers, which are more prone to chipping.

• Don’t skip your dentist and hygienist check-ups. Scale and polish treatment with your hygienist will routinely remove superficial plaque and tartar staining.

• Avoid smoking.

• Brush and floss your teeth twice a day.

Veneer durability: a round-up

Hopefully, you have gained a greater understanding of the properties and factors which underpin a veneer’s durability.

It’s true that the preparation involved with porcelain veneers is slightly more extensive than composite veneers. But, if durability is your primary concern, a porcelain veneer may be the best solution. If it’s simple and a non-invasive solution you’re after, and you’re happy to compromise on durability, composite veneers may be more suitable.

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