While getting a “Hollywood smile” may seem like one of the primary reasons people choose to get veneers, they are more often used to fix stains, chips and gaps that appear in teeth. Put simply, they are thin shells that get attached to the front of your teeth. But considering that the procedure is permanent, let’s take a closer look at the longevity of the different veneer types.
What are veneers?
As mentioned earlier, if you have minor problems with the front of your teeth, like staining or chipping, you may consider getting teeth veneers, which are basically thin shells made of composite resin or porcelain. These veneers get applied to the front of the teeth to give them a more uniform and healthier appearance.
Depending on the type of veneer you decide to go with, the longevity of the material, as well as other factors, can play a role in how long they will stay until you need to get them replaced. So let’s take a look at how long do veneers last.
How long do veneers last ?
Veneers can survive many years without breaking or discolouration if you maintain proper dental hygiene and attend regular dental appointments. In order to get the veneer to blend seamlessly with the other teeth, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel (typically a millimetre) from your teeth. This implies that if a veneer has to be removed, you will need to get a new one to replace it with.
The lifespan of your veneers can be somewhat increased by maintaining them well. Caring for your new veneers requires similar attention as maintaining the rest of your teeth. Therefore make sure to keep good oral hygiene. Some of the things to avoid include:
- Biting into hard foods
- Checking ice to prevent breakage
- Consuming/drinking foods and drinks that might stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and blueberries
Now that you have an idea of how to care for your teeth, here is a list that can affect the lifespan of your dental veneers.
Factors that affect the lifespan of dental shells
The longevity of the types of veneers you select might be affected by a number of variables such as ceramic veneers. Let’s examine these factors in more detail.
State of the teeth before application
Typically, you cannot get a veneer if your teeth have serious dental issues. However, even if you don’t have major problems, the state of your teeth prior to the veneer application can have an effect on their lifespan.
Materials
The most common veneer materials are porcelain and composite resin. Composite resin veneers are often more affordable than porcelain veneers, but their lifespan is usually shorter than that of their counterparts 5-10 years). Then how long do porcelain veneers last? Most experts believe about 10-15 years if properly cared for.
Still, veneers are long-term commitments and depending on where you get them, their price may differ. For example, if you’re in Australia, when deciding which one to install on your teeth, you should factor in the dental veneers cost in Australia and if the lifespan of those veneers is a good investment for you.
Dental hygiene
Taking good care of your teeth is vital at this stage. Frequent flossing and brushing your teeth twice a day are essential for extending the lifespan of your veneers. In addition, it is recommended to get regular dental checkups and cleanings once in 6 months.
Playing sports
Protecting your teeth is very important, especially if you’re playing a contact sport. In such instances, a mouthguard can help protect your veneers from breaking or chipping.
Grinding
A nighttime mouthguard can help protect your veneers if you often find yourself grinding your teeth when you sleep. Why should you keep this in mind? Because grinding can put further pressure on the veneers, thus reducing their potential lifespan.
Using teeth as tools
Although it might be obvious, it should be stated. Do NOT use your teeth to open objects you have difficulty opening with your hands or other tools.
Hard foods
As mentioned above, biting hard foods such as nuts or hard candies can cause damage to the veneers, so it is best to avoid them.
Do veneers last longer than crowns?
Besides veneers, another alternative can be crowns, which, unlike veneers, are placed over your whole tooth. Similar to veneers, many types of crowns are created from substances such as porcelain, composite resin, metal, or a combination of the mentioned materials.
Dental veneers are often thinner than crowns. They measure 2 millimeters as opposed to veneers, which have around 1-millimeter thickness. They protect more of your teeth than a veneer, and less of the tooth gets exposed to new decay. However, since more of the tooth gets removed, your teeth can become more sensitive to heat.
Similar to veneers, the lifespan of crowns may vary depending on the material used. On average, they are said to last around 15 years but can go on for longer with proper care.
By the way, if you’re wondering how much do veneers cost in Melbourne and how much do porcelain veneers cost in Sydney, you may want to consider reaching out to local dental clinics for specific pricing information.
How to make veneers last
Porcelain veneers are considered to be sturdier than composite resin veneers, but they can also wear out with time. Therefore, now that you know what factors may affect the lifespan of your veneers, let’s take a closer look at what should be done to make them last as long as possible.
Avoid grinding
If you have a habit of clenching or grinding your teeth, it is best to wear a “bite guard” at night to ensure your veneers don’t accidentally get damaged.
Keep good dental hygiene
While this step is important, even if you don’t have veneers, it is even more crucial when you do. Therefore, make sure to regularly brush your teeth and floss them. And, in case of any issues, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
Use oral protection when applicable
This point is especially vital for those who play active sports or can appear in a situation where their teeth might get damaged (like at a construction site). Therefore, to avoid potential cracking and chipping, wearing a mouthguard is highly recommended.
Do NOT bite any hard foods or surfaces
While some of us may be used to relying on our teeth to open certain items, it is best to avoid doing so if you have veneers, as even opening packages or loosening knots can potentially damage them.
Final thoughts
Dental veneers are made of various materials, and the answer to how long do veneers last can change depending on the type of materials they are made of. However, it is possible to elongate it with proper care and caution. Therefore, if you’d like to improve the lifespan of your veneers, make sure to avoid grinding and biting any hard foods or surfaces, maintain good dental hygiene, and use oral protection when necessary.
English (Australia)