If you are dreaming of a flawless smile, dental veneers often top the list. Yet, the decision to invest in veneers is not always easy, especially with their significant price tag.
Once you have them, it is only natural to want them to last as long as possible. With a variety of veneer types, mainly composite resin and porcelain, each with unique material strengths, their durability can vary.
In this blog, we will explore the factors that affect the longevity of dental veneers and share practical tips to help you maintain a smile that shines for years to come.
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How are dental veneers fabricated?
The process of applying dental veneers begins similarly in all cases, starting with the administration of local anesthesia, followed by minor tooth preparation to create space for the veneer while maintaining the natural tooth contour.
Composite veneers are directly applied to the tooth surface by selecting the appropriate shade of composite resin and incrementally building up the veneer. This process is followed by finishing and polishing to create a smooth, natural-looking surface.
For porcelain veneers, an impression is taken and sent to the dental laboratory, where the veneers are fabricated indirectly. The veneers are then bonded during a subsequent visit.
Composite vs porcelain veneers’ durability
Composite resin used in the fabrication of composite veneers is a porous material that can be easily stained if proper care instructions are not followed. Additionally, it has lower strength, making it more prone to chipping and fracturing. However, composite veneers can be repaired if fractured and may require frequent touch-ups to maintain their appearance. These factors contribute to the composite resin’s lower durability compared to porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers, made from porcelain material, offer superior aesthetic restorations that are indistinguishable from neighboring teeth. They resist staining and possess high strength, making them more durable.
The average lifespan of composite veneers is 6 to 8 years, which can be extended up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. Porcelain veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years, with some studies indicating their lifespan can extend beyond a decade.
Still having questions about how long dental veneers can last? Book a visit with our experts and have all your questions answered.
Factors affecting the durability of your dental veneers
The main factors affecting the durability of dental veneers are the veneer material. Porcelain veneers are more durable and provide a more aesthetically pleasing restoration. While composite veneers are less durable, they are more affordable and can be repaired if fractured.
Aside from the material choice factor, these are the other factors that may affect the durability of your dental veneers:
- Oral hygiene
Keeping good oral hygiene around dental veneers is essential for their durability. Neglecting daily oral hygiene practices and regular hygiene sessions may lead to the development of tooth decay around the veneer margin, gum inflammation, which can progress to gum recession and exposure of the veneer margin, and reduce the chances of veneer staining.
- Bruxism
If you are a bruxer, you are placing extra stress on your teeth and restorations, which increases the likelihood of tooth wear and veneer cracking or fracturing due to their thinness.
- Dietary choices
Your dietary choices have a huge impact on the durability of your dental veneers. The high consumption of tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco products can significantly increase your chances of having stained veneers. This is especially true for composite veneers because they are porous.
- Lifestyle habits
Certain lifestyle habits, such as using your teeth as tools to open closed cans, nail biting, and chewing ice, put extra stress on your dental veneers, which can cause them to fracture.
- Dentist skill
Designing dental veneers is fundamental to their durability. Improper tooth preparation, selecting an unsuitable veneer material, and failure to achieve a successful bond can all contribute to veneer cracking and failure.
Your dental veneers need to be replaced if you notice:
- Veneer wear or cracking.
- Staining.
- Veneer margin exposure due to gum recession.
- Tooth decay beneath the dental veneers.
Dos and don’ts to make your veneers last longer
- Brush your teeth at least twice and floss once daily.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid scratching of the denture surface.
- Maintain regular hygiene visits to maintain your gum and teeth health and extend your veneers durability.
- If you are a bruxer, use a custom-made nightguard to avoid excessive stress on your veneers.
- Avoid using your teeth with veneers as a tool or biting on hard objects.
- Limit your intake of staining foods and beverages and avoid smoking to prevent staining of your veneers.
- If you play contact sports or activities with a high risk of falling, use custom-made mouthguards to protect your teeth and veneers.
- Use alcohol-free mouthwash to maintain your gum health and avoid damage to your veneers.
Time for your dental veneer check-up? Click here to book your hygiene and check-up visit to maintain them longer.
Long-term dental veneers result at Camden High Street Dental Practice
Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic solutions for achieving a flawless smile. Regardless of the type, dental veneers can last for many years. Additionally, proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of your dental veneers.
Camden High Street Dental Practice is a leading cosmetic dental centre in London, offering top-quality dental veneers performed by world-class dentists. We provide continuous support to our patients through easy booking for hygiene appointments to help maintain their oral health and the longevity of their veneers. Additionally, we offer personalised oral hygiene tips to improve their home care routine.
If you are considering dental veneers or seeking advice on how to extend their lifespan, visit our dental experts for professional and efficient care, ensuring a lifetime of a beautiful smile.
