How long do Veneers Last?

The longevity of veneers is excellent when they are bonded entirely to enamel, lasting up to 20 years or more in the case of strong porcelain veneers. Your veneers will need to be replaced at some stage over your lifetime, especially if you start at a young age with veneers.  When it is time to replace them they are polished off by your dentist, re-prepared and redone.  Each time they are replaced a small amount of enamel will be removed and sometimes old veneers may need to be replaced with crowns if there is less enamel left.  

A veneer may need replacement for a number of reasons:

1. Gums can recede over time, showing the margin between the veneer and the tooth.  This can stain slightly over the years.  In a patient who shows their gumline this can create a fine brown line.

2. Veneers can chip and break after many years as the ceramic weakens with wear and tear and daily use.

3. Veneers will break if the bite changes significantly through tooth loss, acid erosion or decay in teeth.

4. If there is inadequate enamel through tooth wear or acid erosion, a veneer will not be as strong, and may be liable to debond or break.

Every case needs a thorough assessment of:

1. How much enamel is left to bond to.  If there is not enough then a crown (360 degree cover) may be a better option.

2. The amount of tooth repositioning needed.  If big changes in position are required then some minor orthodontic repositioning may be needed first.  Sometimes, if a beautiful smile can be achieved with orthodontics such as Invisalign, then veneers are not needed at all.

3. The underlying colour of the tooth.  Very dark, black or grey discoloured teeth are hard to mask with veneers.  These are better managed with crowns.

4. Your bite and whether it needs correcting before veneers are placed.  The way you use your teeth is critical to the success of veneers.   Choose a dentist who truly knows how to assess your bite properly, to make sure it is not going to compromise your veneers or need correction before veneers are done, such as Dr. Bachus at North Island Dental.

5. Your age and the impact of removing enamel.  If teeth are already damaged through tooth wear, old fillings, acid erosion then a dentist will generally recommend porcelain veneers, or crowns.  If you are young and your teeth are beautiful with perfect enamel, a dentist may recommend Invisalign or minimal preparation composite veneers. This allows enamel to be preserved.

Tips for Maintenance and Caring for your Veneers?

1. Don’t use your teeth as tools.  Even habits like nail biting can put huge forces on veneers and cause them to break.  Other habits such as biting fishing line, sewing thread, opening bottles or plastic seals can damage veneers.

2. If you are grinding your teeth, have your dentist make you a protective splint. These are mostly used at night-time (night guard).

3. Moderate your quantity of staining drinks, such as tea and coffee.

4. Visit a hygienist regularly and really look after your gums well.  Floss daily and use a soft brush or electric toothbrush head.  Try to avoid gum recession and exposed veneer margins as a consequence.

5. Use a low abrasion formula toothpaste.  Commercial brands often have larger particles that can scratch veneers.  Ask your dentist or hygienist for recommendations.

6. Moderate your acid intake – no lemon juice in water, soft drinks or vinegar diets – they can dissolve teeth that support veneers and cause some damage to composites over time.