Veneers are a permanent procedure. But, that doesn't mean what most people think. They are permanent in the sense that you can't go back to your natural teeth after getting them. However, veneers do need to be replaced.
Feeling a bit confused?
Here's a more detailed explanation.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells that are used to fix dental flaws like tooth chips and cracks, gaps between teeth, uneven teeth, and so on.
They are bonded to the front surface of the tooth after a dentist near you has removed a small amount of enamel. Enamel, unlike other tissues in your body, doesn't grow back, so once you get veneers, you will always need veneers.
Do Veneers Last Forever?
While they are made from sturdy materials, veneers don't last forever. Their lifespan is affected by a number of factors, such as:
- The type of material used - Porcelain veneers are more resistant and last longer than composite resin ones.)
- Your dental hygiene - People with very good oral hygiene usually enjoy their veneers a lot longer than those who often neglect to clean their teeth
- Your lifestyle - People who consume lots of acidic and sugary foods and beverages may need to change their veneers sooner
- Your habits - People who bite their nails, chew on pen caps, grind their teeth, and so on may damage their veneers faster.
What Happens If I Don't Replace My Veneers?
If your veneers are damaged or worn out, you need to replace them. Otherwise, your entire oral health may be affected.
- The veneers will start separating from the tooth, making it easier for bacteria to get in. Over time, the tooth under the veneer will decay.
- The veneers may become loose and fall out, leaving your teeth exposed and unprotected.
- The veneers will stain and lose their brightness, giving you a dull, yellowish smile.
How Often Do Veneers Need Replaced?
The answer depends on the type of veneers used. On average, composite resin veneers last between 5 to 8 years, while porcelain veneers have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. With proper oral care, you can expand the life expectancy of your veneers with a few good years, but it's safe to say that you will probably need to replace your veneers every decade or so.
Are Veneers Good for Me?
Most people are good candidates for veneers in Baltimore, especially if they have overall good oral health. But, depending on your dental issues, Dr. Amanda Hurley may determine that another cosmetic or restorative treatment is more appropriate.
That's why it's a good idea to schedule an initial consultation at Be More Dental and find the best way to restore your smile.
You can do so by requesting an appointment online or by calling our office at (410) 276-4455.
FAQs
On average, composite resin veneers last between 5 to 8 years, while porcelain veneers have a lifespan of about 10-15 years. With proper oral care, you can expand the life expectancy of your veneers with a few good years, but it's safe to say that you will probably need to replace your veneers every decade or so.
Do dental veneers need to be replaced? ›
The average lifespan of a dental veneer is about 10 years. With proper care and treatment, that time frame can be lengthened, to up to 20 years. If one of the following occurs, you may have to replace your veneers early: Your dental veneers are chipped or cracked, or they are simply worn down.
How many times do you need to replace veneers? ›
Replacing veneers typically happens about 15-20 years after they were placed. Some of the signs that it's time to replace your porcelain veneers are that they are chipped or cracked.
What happens if you don't replace veneers? ›
When you do not replace the veneers, your tooth that supports the veneer can decay. The veneer can stay solid or intact, even when the underlying tooth is decayed. This may lead to tooth decay.
What happens to veneers after 20 years? ›
Veneers are durable surfaces with the material having five, 10, or 20 years of longevity. However, you must replace them eventually when you think they are too old or notice damage on them that impacts your smile. As veneers age, they change shape, develop cracks and breaks and cause the gaps to widen.
How do veneers look after 10 years? ›
By the time you reach the tenth year, your veneers will have aged like fine wine. While they may not sparkle quite as brightly as they did in their infancy, their enduring charm remains intact. The subtle imperfections that have emerged over the years only enhance the natural beauty of your smile.
Can you go back to normal teeth after veneers? ›
Once veneers are placed, removing them and returning them to the original teeth with some intervention is generally only possible. As previously stated, before veneers are attached to the teeth, a tiny portion of enamel is usually removed. Enamel is not a regenerative tissue, meaning it cannot regrow independently.
Do veneers fall out with age? ›
If you take good care of your veneers and visit your cosmetic dentist regularly, they should last 10 to 15 years before needing to be replaced. Over time, the bonding material that holds the veneers in place can begin to break down, causing the veneers to become loose or fall out entirely.
Are veneers a lot of upkeep? ›
Aside from brushing, flossing, and keeping up with your regular dental appointments with your Carrollton dentist, veneers require no special maintenance. Ultimately, veneers can be a great way to improve the look of your smile, giving you a natural appearance that you can cherish for years to come.
What are the cons to veneers? ›
Cons
- High Cost. The price of veneers will vary based on your location. ...
- Increased Sensitivity. Some people experience an increase in tooth sensitivity after getting veneers. ...
- It's Irreversible. Your dentist will need to change the structure of your natural teeth to place them properly.
Most people do not have any regrets about moving forward with veneers. If anything, they regret having waited so long to correct their smile. Veneers can erase years and years of insecurities and confidence issues.
What happens after 15 years with veneers? ›
After 15 years, veneers may show more significant aging, including noticeable wear, discoloration, and potential changes in shape.
What happens to your teeth after years of veneers? ›
The average lifespan of porcelain veneers is seven to 20 years with proper care. But if you do not follow the proper care and oral hygiene practices recommended when caring for your porcelain veneers, you could be at risk for a serious compromise of your tooth enamel and tooth structure.
Can teeth still decay under veneers? ›
Although the veneer material is not vulnerable to decay, the tooth underneath is. As the bacteria eat away at the enamel, they will cause decay. Cavities or decays under cosmetic dental restorations often go undetected, which means patients may not know they have a cavity until they experience tooth pain.
Are lumineers better than veneers? ›
Lumineers' thinness allows dentists to install them without shaving the teeth, but that also means they break easily and cost more long-term. The main difference between Lumineers and porcelain veneers is the thickness. Lumineers are thinner and therefore require less prep, but they're also less durable.
What is the longest lasting veneers? ›
The lifespan of dental veneers depends on whether you have porcelain or composite veneers, and how well you care for them. Porcelain laminate veneers can last from 10 to 12 years. Composite resin veneers need to be replaced sooner, since they last for around 4 to 8 years.
How do you know if a veneer is loose? ›
Noticeable Movement: The most common way to tell if you have loose veneers is if they feel like they are moving. You may be able to notice when you are eating or chewing.
How long do veneers last? ›
Dental veneers can last between 5-15 years depending on the materials you choose (porcelain or composite) and how you care for them. At Aspen Dental, your team can help you choose the right solution for your smile.
