How Permanent are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin custom-made shells crafted from porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth by enhancing their color, shape, size, or length. People choose veneers for reasons like discolored, chipped, misaligned, or gapped teeth. While veneers can help you achieve a brighter and more uniform smile, they are not a permanent solution. Depending on the type they can last you between 7 to 15 years

At Bedford Dental Group, our expert cosmetic dentists ensure patients receive top-tier care and a personalized approach to cosmetic dentistry. Whether you’re looking to transform your smile or simply enhance its natural beauty, our team is equipped with the expertise and technology to help you achieve your desired results. 

Are you ready to discover if veneers are right for you? Schedule your free consultation today to start your journey towards a flawless smile. 

In this blog, we will explore the permanence of veneers, factors that affect the longevity of veneers and address certain misconceptions about veneers.

What are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. These shells are bonded to the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length. There are two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite resin. 

Porcelain veneers are made in a dental lab and are known for their durability and stain resistance. This makes them a popular choice for achieving a natural, long-lasting smile. On the other hand, composite veneers are typically applied directly to the teeth and can be built up in the dentist’s office. They offer a quicker and often more cost-effective solution.

Typically, veneers are crafted to closely resemble natural tooth enamel. These veneers serve as a means to correct cosmetic flaws while still giving a natural appearance. This cosmetic treatment can dramatically improve your smile and boost your confidence.

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers can vary based on several factors like the material used (porcelain or composite resin), the number of teeth being treated, the complexity of the case, and geographic location. For example, it is usually more expensive in high-cost areas like Beverly Hills.

The cost of a full mouth of veneers ranges between $12,000 to $90,000. While, the cost per tooth is between $1,000 to $4,000. It is important to keep in mind that porcelain veneers are generally more expensive than composite resin veneers because of their longer lifespan and better aesthetics. 

When should you get Veneers?

Typically, only adults should get veneers. This is because it is important for the teeth to have reached full maturity before veneers are applied. Before considering veneers, any underlying dental issues like gum disease or tooth decay need to be addressed. Veneers are best suited for those with generally healthy teeth and gums. If there are issues like significant structural damage or extensive decay, other treatments, such as a dental crown or root canal, may be more appropriate.

You should get veneers if you have cosmetic concerns like chipped teeth, misshapen teeth, minor misalignment, etc. In such cases, veneers help to provide a smile makeover with durable, stain-resistant, and custom-made shells that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. 

How are Veneers Installed?

Getting veneers starts by consulting with your dentist to discuss the goals for your smile and the aspects of your teeth you’d like to improve. This stage often involves taking X-rays or making impressions of your mouth and teeth to make an informed decision.

To prepare for veneers, a small amount of enamel from the front surface of your teeth needs to be removed. While veneers themselves are not permanent, once the enamel has been removed from them, the changes to the teeth under the veneers are irreversible. This process creates space for the veneers to fit over your teeth without appearing bulky or unnatural. 

After preparing the teeth, your dentist will take an impression of your modified teeth. This impression is then sent to a dental lab where your custom veneers are crafted. This process can take a few weeks. During this period, you may be given temporary veneers to protect your prepared teeth.

Once your custom veneers are ready, your dentist will temporarily place them on your teeth to examine their fit and color. Any adjustments needed are made to ensure the veneers fit perfectly and match the desired color. Finally, the veneers are permanently cemented to your teeth using a special dental cement that is cured with light to harden it quickly. After the installation, a follow-up visit may be scheduled to ensure your gums are responding well to the presence of veneers and to check the placement.

Veneers require a certain amount of existing tooth structure for attachment. Thus, they are not a solution for missing teeth. For missing teeth, options such as dental implants or dental bridges might be more suitable.

Are Veneers Permanent?

Are veneers permanent? No, they are not.  Interestingly, veneers can come off, but it is not that common. This might happen due to severe impact, poor bonding during the application process, or deterioration of the adhesive over time. Additionally, veneers can sometimes be poorly made or applied, resulting in what is referred to as “bad veneers.” 

Typically, bad veneers might not fit correctly, could be mismatched in color, or could deteriorate prematurely. This is why it is necessary to choose a reputable cosmetic dentist like Bedford Dental Group to avoid such issues. 

How Long do Veneers Last?

Typically, well-maintained porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years, while composite veneers generally last about 5 to 7 years. The longevity of veneers depends on the quality of materials, the expertise of the dentist, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits. 

When it comes to materials used, porcelain veneers are made from high-quality ceramic materials that are both stain-resistant and durable. Porcelain is a preferred choice for veneers due to its strong resemblance to natural tooth enamel and its ability to resist wear. However, composite resin veneers are crafted from a tooth-colored composite resin. While they are more cost-effective and quicker to apply, they are less durable than porcelain and more susceptible to staining and wear.

The skill and experience of the dentist also play a crucial role in how long veneers last. A dentist’s proficiency in handling dental cement and ensuring that the veneers blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth without damaging the remaining teeth or natural enamel determines the longevity of the veneers.

Furthermore, maintaining good oral hygiene is necessary for the longevity of veneers. For example, regular brushing and flossing help prevent gum disease and tooth decay, which can undermine the foundations of the veneers. 

Additionally, avoiding habits such as teeth grinding, chewing on hard or crunchy foods, and consuming acidic foods and beverages can prevent premature wear or damage. Importantly, visiting the dentist regularly is essential to monitor the condition of veneers and the overall health of your mouth.

How to Make Veneers Last Longer?

To make your veneers last longer, you should maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day with a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Also, floss daily to remove debris from between the teeth and around the veneers. This helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay that can undermine your veneers.

A common question we often get from patients is ‘Do porcelain veneers stain?‘, and the answer is yes, porcelain veneers stain. While porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, they are not stain-proof. Therefore, it is wise to avoid or limit consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, tea, and dark-colored sauces. Furthermore, although porcelain veneers are quite durable, biting on hard foods (like ice, hard candy, and bones) or using your teeth as tools can chip or damage the veneers. In addition, if you grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a night guard to protect both your veneers and the underlying natural teeth from excessive wear and potential damage.

You should also schedule regular visits to your dentist for check-ups, professional cleanings, and examinations if you want your veneers to last longer. These visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your veneers and address any issues early before they require more extensive treatment. Additionally, regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar that can’t be eliminated by brushing and flossing alone.

While veneers are designed to be a durable solution, they may eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of veneers can be anywhere from 7 to 15 years for composite and porcelain veneers, respectively, depending on how well they are cared for.

Common Misconceptions about Veneers

One common misconception about veneers is that they are indestructible. Although veneers are made from durable materials like porcelain and composite resin, they are not indestructible. Porcelain veneers are particularly known for their strength and resistance to staining, but they can still chip or crack if subjected to excessive force. 

Another common misconception is that veneers are permanent. While veneers are a long-lasting solution for improving the appearance of your smile, they do not last a lifetime. The average lifespan of porcelain veneers is about 10 to 15 years, whereas composite veneers might need replacing or repairing after 5 to 7 years, depending on the care and usage. 

Some people also say that veneers require no maintenance. On the contrary, veneers require the same diligent care as your natural teeth. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups. Even though porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, they can still accumulate surface stains from foods and drinks like coffee and red wine if not cleaned regularly. 

Another myth about veneers is that they cover the entire tooth. The truth is that veneers are primarily designed to cover the front surfaces of the teeth. They are thin shells that are bonded to the enamel of your natural teeth. 

Additionally, some people say veneers can replace damaged enamel. While veneers do provide a protective layer over the front of your teeth, they do not replace enamel. The underlying tooth remains largely intact, and only a minimal amount of enamel is removed to accommodate the veneer. They are an aesthetic solution, not a restorative one for lost enamel.

Pros and Cons of Opting for Veneers

Without a doubt, we can agree that getting veneers gives one their desired smile. But, what are the pros and cons of porcelain veneers?

Choosing veneers helps in transforming your smile and leads to aesthetic improvement. It also leads to a confidence boost and stays durable. The best part is that it does not need extra maintenance or work as veneers require the same level of care as natural teeth. 

However, the cost of getting these veneers is one of its primary disadvantages as they can be expensive. Also, while veneers are a long-lasting solution, they are not permanent. Eventually, they will need to be replaced due to wear and tear or potential damage over time. Additionally, some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity after getting veneers because of the enamel removal process. This sensitivity usually diminishes over time but can be an initial inconvenience.

How to Get a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover involves various cosmetic dental procedures that improve the appearance of your smile, enhancing both aesthetics and function. They include options like teeth whitening, dental implants, dental bonding, dental cleaning, full mouth reconstruction, etc. 

Teeth whitening is a popular, quick, non-invasive method to brighten your smile. Professional teeth whitening can remove deep stains and discoloration far more effectively than over-the-counter products. On the other hand, dental bonding is a procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin applied to teeth to fix minor imperfections such as chips, cracks, or gaps. It is cost-effective and minimally invasive. 

Furthermore, dental crowns are used to cover and protect damaged or decayed teeth or to improve their overall shape and appearance. But, dental implants make a durable, functional, and aesthetic replacement for missing teeth. 

Contact us for a Smile Consolation

While veneers offer a long-lasting and transformative cosmetic solution, they are not a permanent fix. Typically, porcelain veneers can last between 10 to 15 years with proper care, while composite veneers may require replacement sooner. Regular dental visits, good oral hygiene, are vital to extend their lifespan and maintain your new smile.

Schedule a free consultation with us today at Bedford Dental Group to get in touch with Dr. Naysan, a renowned Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist. We are here to bring you closer to your dream smile!