Thinking about getting porcelain veneers? Not sure if it’s a wise investment? Porcelain veneers can permanently whiten teeth, and they can transform the shape of your smile. Nevertheless, they may need to be replaced over time. Let’s take a look at how long porcelain veneers last so you can make an informed decision.
The Average Lifespan for Porcelain Veneers
The average lifespan for a porcelain veneer is 10+ years, and they can last more than 20 years with persistent oral care. There are many factors that impact the durability of veneers, from the foods you eat to how often you see the dentist. For best results, visit the dentist twice per year and follow your personalized care instructions.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Veneers
If you have veneers already, here are some indicators you may need new ones:
- The veneer is falling off your tooth. This applies whether it is loose or has fallen off completely. You may not need a new veneer if the existing one can be reattached, but either way, you need to see your cosmetic dentist.
- You can see stains below your veneer. The porcelain itself will not stain, but the adhesive behind it might with time. If you can see the stained adhesive through your veneer, come in to get that resolved.
- The veneer is cracked or chipped. This will likely require you to get a new veneer, but we can find a temporary fix while that comes in. You don’t want to chew with a broken veneer because that may damage the tooth below.
- Your teeth have shifted. If you have gaps in your smile or missing teeth, the remaining teeth will try to shift into the open area. This can cause your smile to adjust over time, which may impact the appearance of your veneers. We can address the shifting and make sure your veneers look pristine.
If you see your dentist for yearly oral exams, you can catch a lot of these issues early on. This is the best way to preserve your smile, whether you have natural teeth or porcelain veneers.
How to Extend the Life of Porcelain Veneers
To protect your porcelain veneers, avoid chewing on hard objects like pen caps. Brush and floss your teeth every day, and visit the dentist once or twice a year.
If you grind your teeth at night, you may need a mouth guard to protect your veneers. Wear a guard when playing contact sports or doing activities that may impact your smile.
For more information about caring for porcelain veneers, contact Clinton Dental Center at (586) 949-5363.
