If you’re considering dental veneers for your cosmetic dentistry needs it’s important to find out how long you can expect them to last before you have treatment done. Every time veneers are applied to your teeth, your dentist has to remove a thin layer of dental enamel in order to make space for them. Today we’re going to investigate how long do veneers last, if you opt for porcelain or composite resin.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are used to cover the front of your teeth. They are used to make cosmetic dentistry improvements to the appearance of teeth and can be used to address:
- Misshapen teeth
- Damaged, cracked, broken or chipped teeth
- Discoloured teeth that don’t respond to teeth whitening
- Small teeth
- Gappy smiles
Veneers also have a protective element; because they are placed over your teeth, they can also prevent further damage from occurring.
Veneers are either made out of porcelain or composite resin. Once you commit to dental veneers you won’t be able to change your mind or have them removed. Even though they are very thin, once they are applied to your teeth they become quite hard.
Porcelain is generally the preferred material for cosmetic dentistry because it lasts the longest but it is also the most expensive.
Before you can have dental veneers fitted in your mouth, your dentist will need to conduct an oral examination to inspect the condition of your teeth and gums. This is important to ensure that any damage to your teeth doesn’t run below your gum line, and also to ensure that your mouth is free of untreated tooth decay and gum disease.
What Can You Expect If You Opt For Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers reflect light very effectively and resemble your natural teeth the closest. They also resist stains more effectively than resin. Porcelain veneers do take longer to finalise than composite resin and you can expect to make two to three visits to your dental practitioner to have them done.
First your dentist will remove a layer of dental enamel from the front of your teeth so the finished dental veneers are the same size as the other teeth in your mouth. This is usually done under anaesthetic so that the experience is as comfortable as possible. Then he or she will take an impression of your mouth to send to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be made.
Because some dental enamel has been scrapped off your teeth you can expect to wear a temporary veneer while you wait. When your dental veneers are ready, you will return for the fitting. Your dentist will bond the veneers securely to your teeth using dental cement. He or she might need to make some adjustments once the veneers have been placed. Once you are happy with the final result they will be polished to look like the other teeth in your mouth.
What Can You Expect If You Opt For Composite Resin Veneers?
Composite resin does not look as natural as having porcelain but the positive is that chips and cracks to them can usually be repaired.
Composite resin veneers only require one visit to your dentist because your dental practitioner will make them up in the office. You will still need a dental consultation and to have some dental enamel removed from your teeth
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers can last from seven to 15 years, maybe even longer with good dental care. Composite resin veneers may only last for four to eight years. Once your veneers have reached the end of their lifespan, they will need to be redone.
Why Would Your Veneers Need Replacing?
It is possible for veneers to crack and chip over time. They may also move forward and expose a space between your gum line and veneer. It is also possible for veneers to break owing to gum recession, tooth loss. If you do not have enough dental enamel for a new veneer, you may need a dental crown.
You can increase the lifespan of your dental veneers by
- Wearing a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth at night
- Avoiding biting down on very hard substances
- Ensuring you follow sound dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing twice a day, and visiting your dentist every six months.
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
You can expect to pay from $700 to $2000 per tooth for porcelain veneers and $200 to $600 for composite resin veneers.
Interested to find out how long do veneers last before you have treatment? Please visit our clinic in Kellville or contact us for an appointment: (02) 9158 6379.
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