For people who opt for veneers, specifically those made out of porcelain, so that they can change the hues, contours, or size of their natural teeth, one of the most pressing questions on their mind is “Do porcelain veneers last forever?”.
Because the answer to this question is based on a number of factors that change on a case-to-case basis, we have compiled some of them in this blog to help paint a better picture of porcelain veneer longevity; factors that can lead to the answer of the question “do porcelain veneers last forever?”
The Lifespan of Porcelain Veneers
We are already familiar with the fact that porcelain veneers are known for the level of durability they offer, and especially how long they can last, although often, they don’t last forever. But if someone takes the best possible care of the veneers and keeps up the maintenance, they can serve you well for a considerable period. In an average case, porcelain veneers are known to last from a range of around 10 to 15 years and, in some rare cases where the patient takes good care of them, even up to 20 years or more.
It’s important to understand the length of time that your veneers last, namely, the answer to the question “Do porcelain veneers last forever?” because it’s based on an element that depends on a whole number of different factors, including your oral hygiene habits, your everyday choices in lifestyle, and how well you follow the advice that the dentist gives you.
Factors Affecting Veneer Longevity
This section will deal with the myriad factors that determine the different elements that go into providing the longevity of your veneers.
Oral Hygiene Practices
As we already know, in the oft-repeated case of natural teeth, your porcelain veneers will require consistent and thorough oral care that is thorough and regular. Maintenance of consistent, healthy oral hygiene is something that can help you extend the life of your veneers beyond the average.
Consistent visits to the dentist’s office and medical check-ups that include professional cleanings are things that will be hard to do without. The dentist you’ve chosen is proficient in detecting any signs or symptoms of general wear-tear or physical damage that’s possibly been done to the veneer so that they can address them promptly and prolong the length of time your veneers last.
Lifestyle Habits
The way you live your life or your everyday choices of lifestyle are some determining factors that impact how long your porcelain veneers last. Habits to be mindful of include:
Grinding and Clenching
Bruxism, which is known as teeth grinding in lay terms, is another thing you’ll need to be extra cautious about, particularly because it can be really damaging to your porcelain veneers. The excessive force exerted during grinding or clenching can cause veneers to chip, crack, or even come loose.
If you have a habit of bruxism, especially at night, you may be recommended to wear an individualized night guard, which can safeguard your veneers and keep your natural teeth in shape.
Quality of Initial Placement
How long your veneers last is a factor that also depends a high amount on how skilled and experienced the dentist you’ve opted to place them is. Proper preparation of the tooth surface, precise bonding techniques, and accurate placement all contribute to the durability of the veneers.
This is why you must be extra cautious in choosing a dentist who is renowned for having extensive experience in the field of cosmetic dentistry, specifically in your case of veneer placement.
Consequences of a Lack of Maintenance and Care
We have already answered the question, “Do porcelain veneers last forever?”. Now let’s talk about maintenance and care: Porcelain veneers are designed from the jump to be able to last a long while, but you should remember that they may eventually need replacement. We’ve assembled some signs that you can watch out for:
Chipping or Cracking: If you notice any chips or cracks in your veneers, it’s time to consult your dentist. Don’t underestimate the cracking because even small damages have been known to compromise veneer integrity.
Discolouration: Although porcelain is resistant to staining, the bonding material can discolor over time. If you notice your veneers becoming yellowed or discolored, it might be time for a replacement.
Gum Recession: As you age, your gums may recede or get infected, exposing the edges of your veneers, a factor that can affect how your veneers look and function.
Wear and Decay: Over time, veneers may show signs of wear, especially if you grind your teeth or have bite alignment issues. If decay develops in the natural tooth beneath the veneer, the veneer will need to be removed to treat the tooth and then replaced.
The Impact of Maintenance and Care
In this section, we will detail all the different ways that you can positively impact the longevity of your porcelain veneers; consider these tips that we’ve assembled for your perusal:
Use Appropriate Dental Products: It will be of tremendous help if you get a toothpaste that is advertised as non-abrasive coupled with a toothbrush that has soft bristles that don’t damage veneer integrity. Use it twice a day, once you go to sleep and once when you wake up.
Night-Guard: If you have the habit of bruxism and are known to grind your teeth at night, a custom-fitted night guard is something that your dentist might advise you to get so you can properly protect your veneers from excessive wear and tear.
Attend Regular Dental Check-ups: Consistent visits to the dental clinic and professional cleanings, along with thorough check-ups by proficient dentists, can help maintain your veneers and catch any issues early on before they turn into bigger issues.
Avoid Harmful Habits: Don’t use your teeth as tools or bite on hard objects that could damage your veneers. While you don’t need to completely avoid staining foods and drinks, moderation and rinsing your mouth afterward can help maintain the color of your veneers. Avoiding harmful habits such as smoking will also serve to prolong the health of your teeth and veneers.
Conclusion
This blog dealt with the question, “Do porcelain veneers last forever?” we surmised that even though the technology is built to last individuals for a long period of time and boasts healthy longevity, they aren’t designed to last an extensive period of time; therefore it will be beneficial for the wearer if they take care of their veneers and keep up the maintenance as best as they can to increase the longevity periods.
If you are seeking a dental health assessment that is individualized and takes into account the unique nature of your own oral environment, performed by professionals who are proficient and have years of experience, feel free to contact or visit Vancouver Implant Clinic, a premium dental clinic based in Vancouver, WA. Schedule a consultation today!
