Veneers are thin, custom-made covers that adhere to the front of the teeth. The purpose of veneers is to improve the aesthetics of the teeth, making them appear whiter and straighter. There are generally two options for veneers: composite and porcelain, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll cover the differences in the installation, features - and, most importantly, durability of porcelain veneers and composite veneers. By the end of the article, you should be able to answer:
- How long does each veneer type last?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of veneer?
- Which type should suit my needs best?
Firstly, let’s discuss how veneers work. If you’re feeling insecure about your smile - e.g. if your teeth are discoloured or crooked - veneers can be a helpful option. If the structural integrity of your teeth is compromised - e.g., if they’re cracked or chipped - then veneers can also restore both their appearance and functionality.
The veneer installation procedure works like this:
- A trusted dentist will examine your teeth to ensure that you’re a suitable candidate for veneers.
- Next, they’ll remove a small and safe amount of enamel from the front and sides of your teeth. By (very minorly) resculpting small parts of your teeth, they can ensure the veneers will ultimately fit better.
- They’ll then take an impression of your teeth, which will be sent to a lab technician who will carefully design custom veneers.
- The dentist will control the shape and fit of the veneers to ensure that they align with your expectations. Once confirmed, they will then use dental cement to bond the veneers in place permanently. This should be a painless procedure, though if you’re apprehensive, you can ask your dentist about sedation options. The veneers should feel comfortable, which the dentist will check by measuring your bite and making any necessary adjustments.
The process of having veneers fitted shouldn’t last longer than 2-3 appointments and should provide long-term value.
Often, veneers have a bad reputation, with people assuming that veneers are invasive. Some people envisage having small white pegs left behind after veneers have been installed. Indeed, traditional or old-school veneer applications involved having many layers of tooth stripped away - even past the layer of enamel. However, improved cosmetic dentistry practices ensure that veneers only require removing a small layer of the surface enamel in order for the adhesive to be applied.
The main disadvantage of veneers is that they can be expensive. Unless you choose a dentist with flexible payment options, the upfront cost for having your front teeth veneered can be several thousand dollars. But if considering the cost in the long-term, veneers are an affordable treatment - assuming the veneers last.
How Long do Composite Veneers Last?
Composite veneers last around 5-7 years. Composite veneers are made from resin, which is more susceptible to chips (requiring extra touchups or complete replacement).
Some benefits of composite veneers include:
- Depending on how the procedure is performed, composite veneers can require smaller amounts of tooth enamel to be removed for a natural fit. Patients looking to preserve their natural teeth shape might consider discussing composite veneers with their dentist.
- Composite veneers come with a lower price tag, which applies to their touchups and repairs, ensuring that it’s the most cost-friendly option.
It’s definitely worth having a consultation with a dentist, who can advise you on achieving your dream smile and whether porcelain or composite veneers might be of more help. For example, if it’s purely aesthetics that you’re looking for, they can’t completely emulate the depth and clarity of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers excel at replicating the appearance of straight, healthy teeth.
In contrast, if you’re basing your choice of veneers purely on their longevity, you might opt for porcelain veneers, which generally last longer.
How Long do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain veneers last for 10-15 years (assuming that they are kept in good condition). However, as porcelain veneers are more durable than their ceramic counterparts, they are generally more expensive.
However, the longevity of the veneers’ fit and appearance isn’t just down to whether you opt for porcelain or composite. There are various factors spanning diet, lifestyle, usage and implementation that determine how long your veneers will remain immaculate.
Some of the factors that determine how long veneers can last without being replaced include:
Care.
Maintaining high levels of oral hygiene will definitely make the veneers last for longer. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Good oral hygiene doesn’t just mean brushing; flossing and regular checkups will keep your teeth squeaky and clean. Although the veneer material - whether porcelain or composite - can’t decay, the teeth underneath can decay if high standards of oral hygiene are not maintained.
Diet (and lifestyle).
Composite veneers are susceptible to staining with regular consumption of coffee, tea and red wines. The tannins contained in each drink can leave a mark on both natural tooth enamel and porcelain. One advantage of porcelain is that it is less susceptible to staining. Even if you completely avoid these foods, you could expect your veneers to experience natural wear and tear, especially if your diet includes a lot of hard foods.
The quality of the fitting.
A professional fit, delivered by an experienced dentist, will ensure that the veneers perfectly adhere to your bite - with no compromise on alignment - and are bonded correctly. If veneers are not fitted correctly, however, the result can be faster decay. Likewise, higher-quality veneer materials will be more resilient and more able to withstand natural wear and tear.
Avoid teeth grinding.
Teeth grinding accelerates natural wear and tear. If you find that you grind your teeth in the night, invest in a quality nightguard that prevents erosion. You can speak to your dentist; they might be able to design nightguards at the same time they design your veneers.
If needed, you can invest in touchups to keep your veneers in pristine condition. During a touchup, a dentist will buff your veneers, removing any small imperfections. However, your dentist may recommend replacing the veneers altogether if you have worn them for several years and their appearance or fit is compromised. Ultimately, with very little effort, you can increase the lifespan of your veneers, prolonging the time before you opt for a replacement.
In conclusion, veneers are a durable option for a better smile. Thousands of people around the world have used veneers to invest in a better smile. But if you’re looking to maximise the value of your veneers, you could consider porcelain veneers, which typically last longer and are less susceptible to stains. However, porcelain veneers also come with a higher price tag, which should be taken into consideration.
If you’re reviewing your options for veneers, Smile Society would be happy to help. We’ve helped hundreds of customers regain confidence in their smiles with our safe, effective procedures. Your comfort and convenience come first as we guide you through the veneer installation procedure, with our offices deliberately designed for maximum relaxation. Also, we can arrange flexible payment plans, with no need to pay off the full cost upfront.
If you’re ready to get started on your veneer journey, book your free consultation now.