How Long Do Veneers Last?

How Long Do Veneers Last?

If you’re looking to improve your smile, research may have led you to think about getting veneers. Veneers are cosmetic dental treatments, mainly used to improve the aesthetics of your smile – the way your teeth look. Essentially, the goal of veneers is to improve the appearance of your smile in line with what both you (and your dentist) think will work best.

If you’re looking to get veneers, you should find a dentist that will work to achieve your goals in line with how you’d like your final results to look. Veneers can be a big investment – in terms of both price, and trust. Once you’ve had them done, you’ll likely never look back! But the process of deciding which types of veneers to get, and which dentist you trust to work with, is definitely worth considering.

Another thing you’re likely wondering is: How long do veneers last? While thinking about the right treatment, you want to know you’re getting the best quality for your investment. So, here’s our guide to how long veneers last.

What Are Veneers?

Essentially, veneers act almost like a shell that sits over the tooth. This protects the teeth from damage, as the materials veneers are made from – either porcelain or composite materials – are hardwearing and offer long-lasting effects. Both porcelain and composite resin veneers are designed and sculpted by hand, created to look as natural as possible.

Veneers are especially popular for the teeth at the front of the mouth, as they’re usually the most visible. Veneers are therefore ideal if you want to cover up any damage, stains, or irregularities you may have on your natural teeth. If you’re looking to achieve a more aligned smile, veneers can be designed to obscure any imperfections.

How do Veneers Work?

Veneers work to cover your teeth as your dentist will create a tailor-made protective shell that sits on top of your natural teeth. They will do this using a combination of dental techniques, including taking a mould of your mouth so your veneers are precisely sculpted to sit comfortably on your teeth.

Below, we’ll outline the process you’ll go through if you have veneers fitted.

1. You will have your initial veneers consultation with your chosen dentist. This is where they’ll examine your teeth, check you don’t need any preparatory dental work done beforehand, and take a mould of them. You will then be booked in to re-visit the practice for your fitting appointment.
2. Between your consultation and your fitting appointment, your dentist will use the mould and any scans of your mouth to tailor the shape and fit of your new veneers.
3. Before you have your veneers fitted, your dentist will clean your teeth thoroughly.
   This prevents any bacteria from living (and then growing) underneath the veneers – which could cause significant problems later down the line.
4. They will then remove any enamel that would prevent your veneers from sitting comfortably on your teeth. This may not be necessary in some cases, but with some patients it’s necessary so that the veneer can fit snugly on the teeth. This improves the outcome of your veneers procedure – allowing the veneers to for a stronger, longer-lasting bond to your teeth.
   While veneers may involve the removal of some enamel, there will be less enamel removed than there would be if you opted for dental crowns.
5. Your dentist will then use what we call a specially mixed ‘dental cement’ to bond your veneers to your teeth. Dentists go to great lengths to get this right, as they work to ensure your veneers are well-shaped and fit perfectly.
6. Once attached, your veneers cover the treated teeth entirely – so you’re left with a revitalised smile that will last for years. But how long do veneers last?

Your veneers will last longer if you seek the treatment from a highly qualified and experienced cosmetic dentist! They are the experts, and know exactly how to perfect your smile using specialised techniques that they have refined over years of experience. They’ll also organise regular check-ups to help maintain your overall dental health, as well as that of your veneers. This all contributes to how long veneers will last. As well as this, the material you choose for your veneers can impact the lifespan of your treatment.

How Long do Composite Veneers Last?

Composite veneers can last anywhere from 5 to 7 years, and will last longer if you care for them properly. Composite veneers only require one appointment, as opposed to the multiple appointments you will have when getting porcelain veneers fitted.

This is because composite veneers are shaped by hand, rather than requiring external production like porcelain veneers do. Composite veneers can be less invasive, with less removal of enamel required to get the desired outcome. This leaves your natural tooth more intact, too. Composite veneers are priced at £380 per tooth, so they are a cheaper option than porcelain veneers.

If you get composite veneers, you should take the following precautions to ensure they last as long as possible:

• Avoid staining – foods such as red wine, berries, and habits such as smoking.
• Avoid abrasive toothpastes – you might think abrasive toothpastes are great for reducing staining. But this can wear down the composite material slowly over time, reducing the lifespan of your veneers.
• Minimise habits that could cause chipping – such as contact sports, using your teeth as a bottle opener, and biting your nails. If you grind your teeth at night (bruxism), make sure you tell your dentist beforehand – veneers may last significantly less time if this is an issue for you. They may also recommend alternative treatments instead.

Composite veneers can discolour over time, usually after a few years. To combat this and maintain a colour that’s similar to that of your natural teeth, composite veneers may need some occasional polishing. All of this additional care, however, contributes to longer lasting, healthy composite veneers – and the improved smile that comes with them!

How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers last longer, allowing you to enjoy your new smile for up to 10 – 15 years. As mentioned above, porcelain is the most suitable material we can use for veneers. This is because it has very similar properties to the natural materials in our own teeth. Porcelain is stronger, harder, and less reactive than composite material, and this is why porcelain veneers do last longer. They are also more suited to cover up significant staining on the teeth, and can work to minimise the appearance of larger spaces in between your teeth.

While they require slightly less care than composites, you still need to look after your porcelain veneers to get the most out of them. You should still follow your dentist’s recommendations, avoiding; abrasive toothpastes and oral hygiene products, chewing harder foods, and opening things with your teeth.

Porcelain veneers are more of an investment, priced from £850 per tooth. The thing is to consider the length of time they last, and whether this makes them a better investment for you in the long run.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers

Porcelain veneers are considered the most effective veneer material if you are willing to invest more in your smile. With porcelain veneers, you can gain a more bespoke and natural looking smile, especially where gaps and alignment problems are bothering you. Lasting between 10 and 15 years, they’re the more durable option when it comes to veneers.

Composite veneers are still popular, however, and they cost less. But, they don’t last so long, eventually needing replacing after 5 – 7 years. Composite veneers are cheaper and faster to repair.

Your dentist is the expert in helping you determine which type of veneers are best for you. Make sure you any questions you have about the treatments during your first consultation. Whichever material you choose for your veneers, your cosmetic dental experts will work with you to create that resilient smile you’ve been waiting for.

Long-Lasting Veneers with Ringway Dental

If the appearance of your teeth is worrying you, veneers are an ideal option. Whether you choose porcelain or composite veneers, our team at Ringway Dental are experts in cosmetic dental treatments. We know just how to help you achieve the smile that will help you improve your confidence, boost your mood, and brighten up your appearance.

As experts in cosmetic dentistry, our range of quality treatments combined with our luxurious Manchester dental practice have led to an impressive number of highly satisfied patients. We’ll support you through every step of your treatment, working to align our dentistry skills with your own personal goals.

To book a free online consultation with our Smile Advisor, check our availability here.

You can also get in touch with us online if you have any questions. To call us directly at the practice, phone 0161 437 2029.

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