Are dental veneers permanent?

You know that dental veneers can address many aesthetic issues, but are they a permanent solution? Our dentists in Dawson Creek explain the purpose of these restorations and factors that can impact longevity.

What are dental veneers?

Your dentist can bond these thin, custom-made slivers of tooth-coloured porcelain to your teeth. Dental veneers are bonded to your teeth using composite resin cement, leaving a surface that looks and feels similar to natural teeth.

Veneers can help to change the perceived colour, shape or position of your teeth, leaving you with a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

How long do porcelain dental veneers last?

At some point, porcelain veneers will likely need to be replaced. Therefore, they are not considered a permanent procedure. However, porcelain veneers can last a significant length of time if properly cared for - typically on average, for about 15 years. Depending on some key factors, they may last much longer (20 or more years).

After your veneers have been placed, maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine will be more important than ever, since the longevity of your dental veneers will depend largely on how well they're cared for. Patients who visit the dentist regularly for professional dental exams and cleanings and maintain good oral hygiene (daily brushing and flossing) at home are more likely to have their veneers last longer.

Any oral health issues such as grinding and clenching (which put excessive pressure on your teeth and veneers) should be corrected since these can impact longevity. Other problems that can affect longevity of dental veneers include bite problems and biting hard objects.

Why do porcelain veneers need to be replaced?

Though porcelain is very durable, porcelain veneers can chip, fracture, decay or debond over time. You may also need to replace them if you experience gum recession, as this may cause the veneer to not fit correctly anymore.

Caring for dental veneers

There are a few things you can do to make your veneers last as long as possible. As mentioned, continuing an excellent oral health care practices is the best way to ensure your veneers stay in great condition. This can include:

Wearing a mouthguard while playing contact sports

Trauma to the mouth (such as a run-in with another person or object) and cause dental veneers to fracture or fall off. This is why it’s important to wear a mouthguard to protect your restorations if you play contact sports.

Avoiding sticky, hard foods or using your teeth as tools

While your dental veneers will stand up to everyday chewing, don’t get into the bait of chewing ice or using them to rip open packages, as this increases the risk of chipping, loosening or breaking them.

Attending your regular dental appointments

When you attend your regular dental exams, you not only allow your dentist the opportunity to give your teeth an essential deep clean, but they will also take the time to check the condition of your veneers and treat any problems early before they have a chance to fully develop.

Practicing excellent oral hygiene

You know the drill - brush twice a day for two minutes each time, and floss at least once per day. Tooth decay is a common cause of failure of dental veneers.

Are porcelain veneers right for me?

Though dental veneers can be used to address several aesthetic concerns, they are not the right treatment for every dental health issue - or every person. In some cases, other restorations such as dental crowns, dental bonding, teeth whitening or orthodontics may be more effective treatment options.