FAQs: Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?

Are Veneers Permanent?

Porcelain veneers to fix the problem of unsightly teeth aren’t regarded as a permanent solution. That said, they can transform your smile over many years, and some people never need to replace them.

16 August 2021

The Secret...

The lifespan of porcelain dental veneers depends on how well you look after them. You also need to keep up a good standard of oral hygiene. On average, porcelain veneers last 10 to 15 years, and even longer with proper care. For many people, their veneers still look great after 20 years.

Here, we’ll answer questions people often ask about the durability of porcelain veneers. We’ll also cover some other porcelain veneer FAQs.

How can I make my porcelain veneers last as long as possible?

With proper care and maintenance, porcelain veneers can last more than a decade before you need to replace them.

Avoid chewing on objects such as pens or pencils.
Refrain from biting your fingernails.
Avoid tobacco products.
Avoid dark-coloured food and drinks.

You should also:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
Floss daily.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash
Wear a mouthguard for sports.
Get regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.

When should I replace my veneers?

You’ll need to replace your veneers if they do eventually wear out. When your veneers were fitted, your dentist removed a small amount of dental enamel. So, you need another veneer as an enamel substitute to protect the tooth.

Replacing veneers is a similar procedure to the first treatment, but the old bonding agent has to be removed first and a new mould of your teeth taken.

Do porcelain veneers last longer than composite veneers?

Composite veneers may last three to seven years. As we’ve seen, porcelain veneers are a more permanent solution, typically lasting 10 to 15 years. Besides greater durability, other benefits of porcelain veneers compared with composite veneers include:

Porcelain is naturally stronger than composite resin.
Better resistance to stains.
More natural appearance.
The gums tolerate porcelain better.

What problems can porcelain veneers fix?

Porcelain veneers address a wide range of problems that spoil smiles, including:

Slight teeth crowding.
Minor gaps between teeth.
Chipped teeth.
Stained or yellowed teeth.

Veneer treatment resolves issues like these with tooth-coloured shells that are extremely thin and custom-made to fit over the front of teeth.

How many veneers do I need?

Many people looking for a comprehensive smile makeover get six to 10 veneers on the teeth that are most visible. In most cases, veneers are placed over the top teeth, which show most when you smile. If you’ve damaged just one tooth, a single veneer may be all you need.

Am I a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

Most people with teeth that are basically healthy are good candidates for porcelain veneers. Some need another treatment first – if you have an untreated cavity or gum infection, for instance.

Getting your veneers from a specialist veneer dentist increases the likelihood of a more permanent, longer-lasting solution.

Porcelain Veneers Sydney can help you decide whether veneers are right for you.