How Long Do Veneers Last?
Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments in Australia, allowing anyone to instantly transform their smile. Placing veneers can be a long-term alternative to treatments such as chemical teeth whitening that fades over time, but veneers aren’t permanent either, and they usually need to be replaced by your dentist after a number of years.
How long your veneers will last depends on:
- The material they’re made from
- How well you care for them
- Your oral health and habits
Read this guide to find out how long porcelain and composite veneers last and how to help your veneers last longer. If you want to discuss veneers and other options for enhancing your smile, get in touch with our dentists at Mosman 3D Dental today.
Porcelain veneers: 10–15 years
A premium option, porcelain veneers are hard-wearing, resistant to stains and a close match to natural tooth enamel. These veneers are custom made by dental technicians from a block of porcelain and bonded into place by your dentist using strong cement. With good care, porcelain veneers typically last 10–15 years, but they can last 20 years or longer.
Porcelain veneers could be the best choice if you want your veneers to look and feel natural, or if you’re worried about damage and stains. While they cost more than composite veneers, they also last twice as long on average.
Composite veneers: 4–8 years
A more affordable option, composite veneers are made from composite resin that a dentist bonds directly to your teeth. The procedure can usually be completed in a single visit to the dentist and you can expect your composite veneers to last 4–8 years or longer with good care.
Composite veneers tend to look duller than porcelain, and can be more prone to damage and stains, but they can still be a good option for less visible teeth. An advantage of composite resin is that your dentist may be able to patch up minor damage or wear by applying new resin rather than having to replace the whole veneer.
How to make your veneers last longer
Your veneers will last for longer if they’re provided by an experienced dentist and you follow their self-care advice. This includes:
- Avoid hard foods: Porcelain veneers are more durable than composite veneers, but your dentist may still advise that you avoid some harder foods, such as nuts.
- Avoid sources of stains: Composite veneers can stain after prolonged contact with coffee, wine and other food and drinks with strong pigments.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to keep the underlying teeth healthy and free from cavities.
- Discuss teeth grinding treatments: If you grind or clench your teeth at night (bruxism), this can cause veneers to wear down or crack over time. Your dentist can discuss treatment options, which may include wearing a night guard.
- Keep up with your routine dental visits: Seeing a dentist twice a year for a check-up and clean can keep your mouth healthy and your veneers looking their best.
Book a veneers consultation in Mosman
If you have more questions about veneers or want to discuss your own smile transformation, get in touch with our experienced cosmetic dentists at Mosman 3D Dental today. Call us on (02) 9969 8610 or book online.