When it comes to achieving that perfect, radiant smile you might have always desired, dental veneers are among the top options for many patients at Beaches Dental Mona Vale. However, it’s natural to wonder about the longevity of this cosmetic dental solution.
This informative guide will delve into the crucial question: How long do veneers last? Keep reading to learn the factors influencing their lifespan, how to maximise veneer longevity and professional tips to care for your veneers.
Understanding Dental Veneers: A Brief Overview
Before exploring how long veneers last, let’s first discuss what this widely sought-after treatment is! Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material. They’re designed to fit seamlessly onto the front surface of your teeth, bonded to the tooth enamel. In most cases, veneers are used to treat aesthetic dental concerns such as tooth discolouration, chips, crooked teeth, gaps, and small teeth.
What influences how long veneers last?
Several factors can influence the longevity of dental veneers, regardless of the material used. Here are the top factors you should be aware of to maintain your veneers for as long as possible.
Material – Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental laboratory and generally last longer than composite resin veneers. This is because porcelain is more durable and resistant to stains. The durability of porcelain ensures they resist wear and tear better than their composite resin counterparts.
Dental hygiene – Proper oral care and regular dental check-ups play a significant role in maintaining the appearance and longevity of both composite resin and porcelain veneers. Brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash will help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Just like natural teeth a build-up of plaque can cause staining or discolouration of the veneer material.
Usage habits – Avoid using your veneers to open packages or bite your nails. This excessive pressure can potentially damage and chip your porcelain or composite resin veneers. Let’s face it, veneers are expensive, so always treat them with care and avoid habits that place unnecessary stress on them. Consuming hard or sticky foods, using your teeth as tools, or chewing ice can jeopardise how long your veneers stay in great condition.
Diet – Consuming highly pigmented or acidic foods and beverages may cause stains and may affect how long your veneers last. Highly staining foods consumed regularly can increase the risk of staining, especially at the edges of your veneers.
How Long Do Porcelain and Composite Veneers Last?
Now that we’ve outlined the factors that influence the longevity of dental veneers, it’s time to explore how long different types of veneers last on average.
Porcelain veneers – Porcelain veneers also known as ceramic veneers, typically last for 10-15 years on average with proper care. This material is known for its exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal, closely resembling the sheen of natural teeth. The superior durability and aesthetics of porcelain veneers are why they’re a popular choice for those seeking a natural-looking and long-lasting solution to improving their smile.
Composite resin veneers – In contrast, composite resin veneers are made from a tooth-coloured resin material. These veneers are applied and sculpted directly onto the teeth during a single dental visit. Although more cost-effective, composite resin veneers have a shorter lifespan, lasting for around 5-7 years on average. While they might be a suitable option for some patients, the trade-off in durability and stain resistance might outweigh the cost savings in the long run.
Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Veneers
To ensure your veneers maintain their pristine appearance, here are some expert tips from Beaches Dental Mona Vale:
Practise good oral hygiene – Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste and floss regularly. Make sure you carefully clean the areas where the veneers meet the gum line. A consistent daily oral hygiene routine gives you the best chance at keeping your veneers clean, free from plaque and looking their best for years to come.
Visit your dentist regularly – Regular check-ups and cleanings are crucial to maintaining both the health of your natural teeth and your veneers. Dental professionals at Beaches Dental Mona Vale will check your veneers for signs of damage, wear, or potential problems, ensuring your veneers and the rest of your teeth stay healthy and looking their best.
Avoid tooth-staining foods and drinks – Do your best to limit the consumption of coffee, tea, red wine, and other highly pigmented substances that may stain your veneers over time. Opting for a straw when consuming staining beverages is also a great idea that can help minimise their contact with your veneers.
Wear a mouthguard/night splint – If you engage in contact sports or suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), protect your smile – and your investment – with a custom-made mouthguard or night splint. At Beaches Dental Mona Vale we can provide you with a custom-fitted mouthguard, which will offer superior protection compared to store-bought, ”boil and bite’ mouthguards.
The Role of Dental Professionals in Veneer Longevity
It’s important to point out your dentist’s important role in just how long you get out of your veneers. Correct placement of dental veneers by an experienced and qualified dentist is critical. If veneers are improperly placed, it can lead to chips, fractures and failure of the adhesive bond between the veneer and your natural teeth.
Conclusion: Invest in Your Smile with Confidence
In summary, how long dental veneers last depends on multiple factors like the type of veneers (porcelain or composite resin, an individual’s oral hygiene habits, and the expertise of dental professionals. Nevertheless, when cared for correctly, veneers offer a long-lasting solution to various dental issues, both cosmetic and at times, functional.
Trust the team at Beaches Dental Mona Vale to provide top-notch cosmetic dentistry services. Our friendly team will provide guidance on the different treatment options available as well as veneer maintenance, ensuring a smile that will stand the test of time. Book a veneer consultation with one of our experienced dentists or call us directly on (02) 9997 8822.
