How Long Do Veneers Last?

One of the most exciting benefits of porcelain veneers, aside from their ability to quickly and dramatically transform your smile, is their longevity. 

How long your veneers last depends on oral hygiene, lifestyle choices, and other variables. But generally speaking, you can expect a long lifespan from your veneers.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth. They're made from porcelain and bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their aesthetic appearance. 

Veneers are made from high-quality ceramic materials and can be fabricated in the office with our CEREC technology or in a Dental Lab. A digital impression of your teeth will be taken, which will be used to fabricate your veneers.

Veneers are very thin (about 0.1 - 0.4 mm thick) and custom-made for each patient. The procedure typically involves two separate appointments: the preparation and shaping stage and bonding the custom veneer onto your teeth during a second appointment. However, in our office, we do treatment in one day, and the veneers are fabricated right in our office with our CEREC technology. 

What Aesthetic Issues Can Veneers Correct?

Veneers can improve or restore your smile by correcting discolored, chipped, or misaligned teeth. They can also correct gaps between teeth and transform teeth that are too small, too large, or crooked.

Will My Veneers Look Natural?

To ensure beautiful, natural-looking results, a number of measurements are taken, and consideration is given to determining the size, length, and shape of your natural teeth, among other factors.

A shade guide is used to choose the correct color for your new veneer to match the rest of your teeth. The shade guide has a range of shades to choose from, and the dentist will choose one closest to your natural tooth color to ensure that the final product looks natural.

What's the Process for Applying Veneers?

Your dentist will begin by removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth being veneered--about 0.5 mm. This creates space for the veneer to fit over the existing tooth and improve its appearance.

If a trial fit has been done, the dentist will remove the temporary veneer and clean the area before placing the final custom veneer on top of the tooth.

Your dentist will place a composite resin on the tooth and then use a special light to harden it so the veneer bonds with your natural tooth. Finally, your dentist will polish and trim any excess material to ensure your veneer is smooth and comfortable when you bite down.

Most patients find the process of placing veneers to be quick and painless.

How Long Will My Porcelain Veneers Last?

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, assuming proper care is taken, patients can expect between 10 and 30 years from their porcelain veneers.

Proper care includes brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, smoking or chewing tobacco, and eating hard or crunchy foods. Caring for your veneers is essential for longevity and appearance.

Are Veneers Right For You?

Veneers may be the perfect option for a quick, long-lasting smile makeover. Call 772-569-4118 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.