How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?

Veneers are thin shells made of composite resin or porcelain laminate that are glued onto the front surfaces of your visible teeth, giving the appearance of a perfect smile. The lifespan of veneers depends on the material they are made of and how well you care for them.

Composite Resin Veneers

Composite resin veneers last around 4 to 8 years. To make them, a mixture of resin and glass is applied to the prepared tooth one layer at a time. Some benefits of composite resin veneers include:

• Repairable if chips or cracks happen

• Less expensive than porcelain veneers

• You can keep more of your natural enamel

Some drawbacks include:

• Shorter lifespan than porcelain veneers

• Appear bulkier and less natural than porcelain veneers

• Less durable

• More susceptible to staining

Porcelain Laminate Veneers

Porcelain veneers last on average 10 to 12 years. These are thin shells of porcelain that are made to fit over your natural teeth. Benefits of porcelain veneers are:

• A natural appearance

• Longer lifespan than composite resin veneers

• More durable and stain resistant

Potential drawbacks of porcelain veneers include:

• Cannot be repaired if damage occurs; they must be replaced

• Longer treatment time compared to composite resin veneers (3 days)

How to Get the Most Life Out of Your Veneers

Whatever material you choose to have your veneers made of, there are things you should and should not do to make sure they last a long time:

• Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily

• Visit your dentist once every six months for a checkup and cleaning

• Don’t bite down on hard foods or use your teeth to open packaging

• Wear a mouthguard to play sports and at night if you grind your teeth

For more information about dental veneers, don’t hesitate to call or stop by Perry Dental & Perry Dental Kids in Perry, Utah!