Are Veneers Permanent?
Stained or discoloured teeth and chipped or broken teeth are a couple of reasons a person may seek out a cosmetic dentistry treatment like veneers. But you may be wondering if veneers are a long-term fix.
While veneers may eventually need replacement, they are designed to last for many years. They are considered a permanent procedure because they cannot be removed.
How you care for them and the material used can affect how long they last, but veneers typically last up to 15 years. Your dentist can review your veneer options and help you determine the best option for your teeth.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom shells that are attached to the surface of your teeth. They are a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of your teeth. Some of the most common reasons patients opt for veneers include discolouration that whitening cannot solve or chipped, broken, or other aesthetic imperfections in teeth.
Unlike a crown, which typically covers the entire surface of the tooth, a dental veneer only covers the tooth’s front surface. It doesn’t provide structural support and is purely a cosmetic procedure. Tooth decay can still happen if you have veneers, so proper oral hygiene is still important.
Types of Veneers
There are a couple of common types of dental veneers separated by the material used.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made from a thin, translucent material that gives realistic results and is typically the longest-lasting veneer, lasting 10 years or more. One study even observed veneers lasting up to 20 years.
Veneers often require 2 or more appointments. Your dentist will typically remove some enamel from your teeth to prepare them for the veneers during the initial appointment. Then, they will take moulds to send away for custom-made veneers.
At Shine Dental, we provide you with temporary veneers to give you a preview of your new smile. After achieving the proper fit and look, your dentist bonds the veneer to its tooth with a special adhesive during your second visit.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are typically a less expensive option, but they only last around 5 to 7 years on average. They are made from a composite resin, which can be directly applied to your teeth (direct composite veneer) or made then bonded to your teeth with a composite resin (indirect composite veneer).
While the material used is the same, indirect composite veneers are typically more crack or abrasion-resistant compared to direct composite veneers.
Are Veneers Permanent?
Even though they last for a limited number of years, composite and porcelain veneers are both considered permanent procedures because they cannot typically be removed or reversed.
There is an exception to this that may be an option if you’re not ready to commit to permanent veneers. Removable veneers, also called snap-on veneers, mimic traditional veneers but are designed to be temporary.
Temporary veneers are relatively new, so their effectiveness and safety haven’t been researched extensively. If you’re interested in learning more, speak to your dentist for personalized advice.
Taking Care of Your Veneers
There is a significant difference in longevity between porcelain and composite-material veneers simply based on their material and how they adhere to your teeth. But caring for them is essential to keep the teeth beneath the veneers healthy, and get the most life out of the veneers.
Some crucial things to consider and remember for veneer aftercare include:
Avoid chewing on hard things like ice, fingernails, or pens
Don’t use your teeth to open hard packaging
Avoid chewing with your front teeth if possible, especially harder foods
Use a splint or retainer to avoid grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep
Wear a mouthguard while playing sports where you could be hit in the face
Similar to your natural teeth, continue brushing and flossing as recommended by the Canadian Dental Association. Brushing at least twice and flossing once daily will help prevent tooth decay from developing on your teeth surrounding or behind your veneers. Your dentist may need to remove the veneer to fix the tooth if it begins decaying.
Discuss Veneers with Your Dentist
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of dentistry. There are often several things a dentist can do to improve the aesthetics of your teeth in addition to veneers, such as teeth whitening. Each situation is unique, so your dentist will be the most qualified person to recommend the ideal treatment for you.
Call us at Shine Dental if you’re interested in learning how you can improve the look of your smile. We’re happy to get you in at any of our 3 locations to see an experienced dentist.