How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Many people who are unhappy with their teeth’s appearance—dullness, gaps, chips or cracks, stains, or crookedness, for example—will choose porcelain veneers as a cosmetic solution. Patients love veneers for their natural appearance, resistance to stains, and brilliant white surface. Patients’ mouths love veneers because the process does not require extensive tooth shaping, and gum tissue tolerates the material well. Veneers don’t last forever though, and, because your teeth will have to be slightly shaved down for fitting, the procedure is irreversible. That said, those considering veneers may wonder—how long do porcelain veneers last?

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers will last 10, even 20 years. After that, you will need to have them replaced. But, just like the rest of your mouth (and body!), you can affect how long your veneers will last by how you care for them. To ensure your porcelain veneers last as long as possible, maintain them using these simple guidelines:

Avoid soda, red wine, coffee, team, and other staining agents.

While these drinks won’t stain the veneers themselves (porcelain veneers very rarely become stained), consuming too much of them could stain your remaining teeth. Then, your teeth wouldn’t match your veneers.

Avoid grinding your teeth

While this is never a good habit, it’s particularly detrimental to those with porcelain veneers. Grinding your teeth will place a good amount of pressure on your veneers and could potentially cause them damage. If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, let Dr. Vora know during your consultation. You may be asked to wear a bite guard while you sleep to minimize pressure.

Maintain strong oral health habits

What’s nice about porcelain veneers is that they don’t require any additional care. But just like with staining agents, how you care for your natural teeth will affect your satisfaction with your veneers. For instance, if you ignore your gum health and, over time, your gums begin to recede, you might be able to see the edge of your veneers, taking away from their natural appearance. Developing tooth decay has a similar effect.

If you continue to brush at least twice a day and floss regularly, you’ll be caring for your veneers along with your teeth. Make sure to choose nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste for brushing, and don’t worry about damaging your veneers when you brush and floss—they’re much stronger than you might think!

Bottom line

So, how long do porcelain veneers last? Your own habits and behavior can affect the answer. If you’ve been considering veneers as a cosmetic solution but were unsure about how long they could serve you, we hope this helped! Veneers may not be a permanent solution, but if you keep these tips in mind, they can be a long-term one. Of course, you’ll want to speak with your cosmetic dentist to discuss your individual case.