How Long Do Veneers Last? (Plus 3 Aftercare Tips!)
Want to know the secret behind your favorite celebrity’s picture-perfect smile?
The answer: Dental veneers.
They’re one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments – and for a good reason, too!
This cosmetic treatment fixes a variety of smile flaws, including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Undersized teeth
- Discolored, stained, or dull teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Misalignment
Now you’re probably wondering:
“How long do veneers last?”
In this blog, you’ll learn:
- The two types of veneers
- How long each last
- Tips on how to make them last longer
Let’s dive in.
What are the types?
The two most popular types of veneers are:
- Composite veneers
- Porcelain veneers
The most significant difference between the two is the material used. This affects the final result, durability, and lifespan of your veneers.
Composite resin veneers
Composite veneers typically require less prep to your natural teeth and can be completed in one visit.
Your cosmetic dentist will shade match a resin material to your desired tooth shade and surrounding teeth.
Then, it’s applied directly on the front surface of your teeth, shaped, cured, and polished.
Porcelain ceramic veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are adhered to the front of your teeth.
The porcelain material used is durable and mimics the strength of your natural teeth.
Porcelain veneers are custom-made, usually by a dental lab. Your dentist in Tukwila, WA will remove a minuscule amount of tooth enamel to place your veneers for a natural-looking result.
How long do composite veneers last?
On average, composite veneers last anywhere between four to eight years.
Although your composite veneers treatment may be completed faster, the composite material is not as strong as porcelain.
In addition:
Composite material is more prone to chipping.
However, you can repair a chipped composite veneer, whereas you wouldn’t be able to with a porcelain one.
Now, let’s talk about the duration of porcelain veneers…
How long do porcelain veneers last?
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 30 years.
Porcelain is much stronger than composite resin and isn’t prone to chipping or breaking. It’s:
- Durable
- Stain resistant
- Natural looking
These veneers also look natural because the material reflects light the same way your natural teeth do!
How do you make veneers last longer?
Whether you have composite or porcelain veneers, it’s important to care for them properly.
Check out our top three tips below.
1. Avoid bad habits and pigmented foods and drinks
Some foods and beverages are naturally or artificially pigmented, causing staining over an extended period.
Try to limit your intake of the following:
- Berries
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Soda
- Red sauces like marinara
In addition, you want to avoid bad habits such as:
- Smoking
- Biting your nails
- Chewing on ice or hard foods
Keep in mind:
Porcelain material is extremely stain resistant and durable in comparison to composite veneers. While this is a general list, it’s especially relevant for those with veneers made from composite resin.
2. Visit your dentist regularly
Getting your veneers professionally cleaned and checked up on will help extend their lifespan.
Your dentist will remove plaque and bacteria build-up in addition to checking for cracks or chips.
3. Take care of them like your natural teeth
Although veneers aren’t prone to cavities, the natural teeth underneath them still need proper care.
This includes:
- Brushing twice a day for at least two minutes each time
- Flossing at least once a day
- Using products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance… This text opens a new tab to the American Dental Association website…
Where can I get porcelain veneers in Tukwila, WA?
When it comes to your teeth, we believe in choosing the most worthwhile investments.
That’s why Benca Dentistry is proud to offer high-quality porcelain veneers to transform your smile.
Drs. Patricia and Laura Benca and Dr. Adam Gee use a combination of artistic talent and advanced skills to craft the perfect veneers for your unique needs.
Ready to love your smile?
Or:
- Call us at 206-575-1173
- Email us at info@bencadds.com
Our office is located in Tukwila, WA.… This text opens a new tab to the Google Maps website… We happily welcome patients from all over, including Kent, Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and Newcastle, WA.
