Dental veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment used to fix chips, gaps, stains, or uneven shapes and sizes of teeth. While veneers can dramatically transform your smile, they do not last forever. The lifespan of dental veneers depends on several factors.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers, also called porcelain veneers or composite veneers, are custom-made thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth. They are made of either porcelain or composite resin material that is molded and shaped to fit over your existing teeth.
The veneer shells are about 0.5 – 0.7 mm thick. They are bonded to the front of teeth using dental adhesive to permanently attach them. Unlike crowns or caps, veneers do not require removing much of the natural tooth structure. They offer a more conservative approach to changing the color, shape, size, and length of teeth.
Veneers provide an effective and quick way to enhance your smile by:
- Masking stained, discolored, or unevenly shaped teeth
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Repairing chipped or worn down teeth
- Straightening crooked or misaligned teeth
The thin veneer shells blend seamlessly with your natural teeth to create a smooth, white smile. Veneers are stain-resistant and mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
What factors affect the lifespan of veneers?
There are several variables that determine how long dental veneers last:
Type of material
Porcelain veneers tend to be more durable and fracture resistant than composite resin veneers. However, newer composite formulas are more resilient and can last many years with proper care.
Oral habits
Clenching, grinding teeth, chewing on hard objects, and nail biting put more stress on veneers and can lead to damage. People with these habits may require veneer replacement sooner.
Thickness
Thinner veneers are more prone to chipping and fracturing than thicker ones. Dentists aim for the greatest thickness possible while still maintaining a natural appearance.
Quality of bonding
Proper bonding technique and using high-quality dental adhesive helps veneers adhere better and last longer on teeth.
Oral hygiene
Poor brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, which can undermine veneers over time.
Excessive grinding
Aggressive grinding during the veneer placement process removes more enamel and weakens teeth, shortening the lifespan.
Accidents and trauma
Experiencing blows to the mouth, accidents, sports injuries, etc. can cause fractures or dislodge veneers, requiring repair or replacement.
What is the average lifespan of dental veneers?
With proper oral care and avoiding damaging habits, dental veneers can last many years. However, they are not a permanent solution and will eventually need replacing. Here are the estimated timeframes:
Porcelain veneers
- 10-15 years
- 15-20 years
Composite veneers
- 5-10 years
While composites may need replacement sooner, they are generally less expensive than porcelain. With good care, even composite veneers can last up to 15 years.
Factors that shorten veneer lifespan
The following factors can decrease the longevity of dental veneers:
- Grinding or clenching teeth
- Poor oral hygiene and buildup leading to decay
- Chipping or fracturing from trauma/impact
- Excessively thin veneers prone to damage
- Weak bonding from low quality adhesive
- Bruxism or teeth grinding disorders
- Receding gums that expose unbonded veneer edges
Patients that engage in teeth grinding or have other concerns may only get 5-10 years from their veneers before needing a replacement.
Factors that lengthen veneer lifespan
You can maximize the longevity of your veneers by:
- Practicing good oral hygiene with daily brushing and flossing
- Seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups
- Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Avoiding nail biting, chewing on hard items, and other damaging habits
- Getting small cavities or other issues treated early
- Protecting veneers from trauma by wearing a mouthguard during sports
Patients that are meticulous about dental care and minimizing damage can get 20 years or longer from their porcelain veneers before replacement is needed.
What happens when veneers need replacement?
Over time, veneers may chip, stain, become loose, or succumb to decay underneath. When replacement is needed, the old veneers must be removed. This is done by drilling away the bonded adhesive. Minimal enamel is removed during this process.
New veneers are created and bonded to the teeth. In some cases, an impression is taken and temporary veneers placed while the permanent ones are made. This generally takes around two dental visits.
The process for replacing veneers is similar to getting them for the first time. The same care must be taken by the dentist to ensure proper fit, shape, color, and bonding.
Can damaged veneers be repaired?
Minor damage to dental veneers may be repairable in some cases. Small chips at the edge of a veneer can sometimes be smoothed over and polished. Fractured or cracked veneers usually require full replacement.
Repairs to dental veneers may buy a little extra time before needing new ones. However, multiple repairs weaken the bond and underlying tooth. At some point, replacement will be the best option for longevity.
Cost to replace dental veneers
The cost to replace veneers is similar to the initial fee, ranging from $925 – $2,500 per veneer. The total expense depends on how many need replacement and the material used. Other factors affecting price include:
- Dentist’s fees
- Geographic location
- Amount of preparation needed
- Porcelain versus composite resin
While replacing veneers represents a significant investment, enjoying a beautifully restored smile for another decade or two makes it worthwhile for many people.
Can veneers be replaced indefinitely?
Dental veneers can be replaced multiple times if needed. However, each replacement process removes a little more enamel. After several replacements, the teeth may become too thin and fragile to continue placing veneers.
The lifespan of veneer replacements is also slightly shorter than initial veneers. Damage and decay risks go up each time the tooth structure is worked on.
Most people can get at least 2-3 rounds of veneers over their lifetime. Proper oral care and maintenance will maximize how long each set lasts.
Alternatives to veneer replacement
For patients who have worn down their tooth enamel too much for additional veneers, alternatives include:
- Orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth
- Dental crowns or caps
- Dental implants
- Teeth whitening
- Composite resin fillings or bonding
The best option depends on the condition of the remaining tooth structure and the patient’s cosmetic and functional goals. Consulting an experienced cosmetic dentist is recommended.
Frequently asked questions
How long should veneers realistically last?
With good oral care, porcelain veneers can last 10-20 years, while composite veneers last 5-15 years. Some may need replacement sooner if habits or damage speed deterioration.
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
Veneers do not damage teeth if done properly. Little natural tooth needs to be removed for veneers compared to crowns. While replacing veneers repeatedly can wear down enamel, they preserve more structure than many other options.
Should you replace all veneers at once?
It is generally best to replace all veneers at the same time even if only one is damaged. The existing veneers will have faded or stained slightly over time. Replacing just one can create an obvious mismatch in color and appearance.
Can you go without veneers after having them?
It is possible to remove veneers and not replace them. This will expose any discoloration or flaws again. Some dentists recommend wearing a retainer at night to protect teeth and prevent shift after veneers are removed.
Are cheaper veneers lower quality?
Lower prices sometimes indicate lower quality materials, bonding agents, or less attention to detail during the veneer creation and placement process. Reputable dentists often charge more for high-quality, long-lasting veneers.
Conclusion
Dental veneers can remain beautiful and functional for many years with proper oral hygiene and care. Porcelain veneers generally last 10-20 years, while composite options may need replacement after 5-15 years. Maintaining veneers with regular dental visits, avoiding damage, and getting issues treated early helps maximize their lifespan.
Over time, veneers may need to be replaced due to staining, chipping, cracking, or other damage. The replacement process is similar to the initial placement. While veneers can be replaced multiple times, alternatives may be needed after many rounds due to wearing down the underlying enamel.