When you first get veneers, your main concern is whether they fix your smile in the here and now. How they hold up over time can seem trivial in comparison. Even so, there’s a key question to ask ahead of treatment: How long do dental veneers last? You’ll need to address this point if you want to make sure the shells are worthwhile. That being said, here’s a primer on veneers, their average lifespans, and how to help them last.
A Definition of Veneers
For context, you’ll need to review the definition of veneers. Only then will you see why the shells have their specific lifespans.
Dental veneers are custom shells placed on the fronts of teeth. Given their design, their main role is to hide various smile flaws – tooth stains, chipped or cracked teeth, small gaps between teeth, etc. As the shells are usually made of porcelain, they also blend seamlessly once placed on your smile.
Before you can get veneers, your teeth have to be “prepped” for them. Dentists remove bits of enamel as part of this process, thus ensuring the shells can fit comfortably.
Veneers’ Average Lifespans
Veneers’ lifespans can vary from one patient to the next. Still, these shells tend to last an average of ten to fifteen years.
Such longevity largely stems from the veneers’ material. Dental porcelain has high durability and stain resistance, so it can last quite a while. Indeed, some veneers can work for 20 years or more if they’re well-maintained enough.
With all that said, material isn’t the only big factor. How long a veneer lasts also depends on its location in your mouth, your lifestyle, and so on.
Ways to Help Veneers Last
To keep your veneers functional, you must care for them well. So, please do the following:
- Keep a Clean Mouth – Good oral hygiene will keep your veneers from eroding quickly. Given that fact, please brush your teeth twice daily and floss between them once daily.
- Quit Smoking – In truth, smoking can stain veneers and harm the bonding that keeps them in place. You should thus quit or avoid smoking.
- Get Dental Checkups – Through twice-yearly checkups, your dentist can ensure your veneers remain strong.
Tips like those above should help your veneers last, making your treatment successful long-term. Remember them in the years ahead!
About the Practice
All Smiles Dental of Carrollton is based in Carrollton, TX. Led by Dr. Jordan, our practice always aims to provide the top-tier, tailored, and caring dentistry you deserve. It’s for this reason that we offer a wide range of oral treatments, with results adjusted to your specific smile’s needs. Whether you need a dental cleaning or dental veneers, our team is here for you! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-306-2273.