Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular by the day, and veneers are a common choice. If you’re considering veneers, you may wonder: are they permanent?
With proper care and maintenance, veneers can last extremely long—sometimes even decades. Veneers are permanent in that they aren’t designed to be removed whenever you want. However, they do have a limited lifespan. They may need repairs or replacement at some point, so it’s important to practice proper oral hygiene and take care of them so they last a long time.
And just like with your natural teeth, regular cleanings and dental exams are crucial to keep your veneers healthy and functional.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their shape, size, or colour by covering stains and hiding chips and other small forms of damage. Typically made from porcelain or a resin material, veneers are designed to look, feel, and act like your natural teeth.
Getting veneers is usually a multi-step process beginning with a consultation with your dentist. During this consultation, they’ll examine your teeth and ask about your goals and expectations for the outcome of the treatment. If you and your dentist determine that veneers are the right choice for you, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface so the veneers can be fitted properly and won’t look or feel too bulky.
Once your teeth are prepared, the dentist will take an impression of them to create a custom veneer that suits your unique situation and the shape of your teeth. These veneers are made in a special laboratory over a few weeks. Your dentist may install temporary veneers while you wait for the permanent ones.
These temporary veneers can be changed or adjusted if you don’t like their look or feel. It’s crucial to communicate with your dentist during this process so any changes can be made before the permanent veneers are made. Once the permanent versions are complete, your dentist will bond them to your teeth using a special adhesive.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
While the finished veneer is referred to as “permanent,” they don’t last forever. But with proper care and hygiene, your veneers can last many, many years. The lifespan of your veneers varies greatly depending on several factors, like:
- The materials used
- The quality of the make
- The skill of the dentist installing them
- How well you clean and maintain them
Porcelain veneers are typically more durable than other materials, lasting up to 15 years or more, while resin-composite veneers usually last 5–7 years. When your veneers reach the end of their lifespan, you should have them replaced by your dentist.
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common reasons people develop problems with their veneers. If you don’t care for your teeth, you can develop tooth decay or gum disease, compromising the bond between the veneers and your teeth. Habits like grinding or clenching your teeth can put too much pressure on the veneers, causing them to chip, crack, or shift in extreme circumstances.
How to Help Your Veneers Last Longer
If you want to help your veneers last as long as possible, there are several steps you can take to protect and maintain them. One of the most important things you can do is to practice good oral hygiene.
It helps to:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes
- Floss once a day
- Use mouthwash to kill any residual bacteria
- Visit your dentist regularly for dental cleanings and exams
If you tend to clench or grind your teeth, your dentist may recommend a mouthguard to help protect your veneers while you sleep. It’s also recommended to avoid smoking or using tobacco since these can stain the veneers and cause them to deteriorate.
The most important thing, though, is to follow your dentist’s recommendations. They can give you advice during your dental exams for properly maintaining and protecting your veneers and can monitor their condition and make adjustments or repairs as needed.
Where to Get Veneers
If you’re interested in veneers, the first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Not all dentists offer veneers, so it helps to ask your dentist ahead of time whether they provide this service.
Here at Shin Dentistry, we understand how important it is to have a dentist you feel comfortable with. If you or a loved one are interested in veneers, please schedule an appointment with us today!
