Long-lasting and non-invasive, veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. Whether you want to upgrade your smile or restore it to its youthful charm, MR Dental Aesthetics offers high-quality veneers to create the grin you’ve always wanted. Below, we’ll answer the most common questions about this service, from “How long do veneers last?” to “How durable are veneers?”
What are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of the tooth. They can address several cosmetic concerns, like chips, stains, gaps, and misalignment. Veneers can even be used to increase the size of teeth, making them a terrific option for patients looking to improve tooth-to-gum proportions and redesign their smile.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
While veneers are not permanent, with diligent care, they can last up to 10 years and, in some cases, up to 20 years. Their longevity is part of what makes veneers so popular among patients looking for a luminous smile without the need for frequent cosmetic procedures.
Factors that Affect Veneers’ Lifespan
Your veneers are an investment in your smile. Selecting quality veneers and a highly-trained dentist, as well as properly caring for your veneers, will ensure you can enjoy this investment for decades. At MR Dental Aesthetics, we get two common questions about veneers: how long do they last, and how can I maintain them? Below, we’ll discuss some of the factors that impact the lifespan of your veneers.
Types of Veneers: Porcelain vs. Composite
During most consultations for veneers, a dentist will present you with two material options: porcelain and composite. Composite veneers usually consist of a synthetic mix of resin and glass, while porcelain veneers are made of their namesake material.
There are several benefits to choosing porcelain veneers, including:
- Longevity. There is no one answer to the question, “How long do porcelain veneers last?” However, in one study, 91 percent of patients with porcelain veneers still had the same set after 20 years.
- Natural appearance. Because of porcelain’s ability to reflect light the same way one’s real teeth do, porcelain veneers appear more natural than composite ones.
- Stain resistance. Porcelain resists stains better than composite, helping veneers made from the material appear white and bright for longer.
- Durability. Porcelain stands up to daily habits like biting and chewing better than composite. For decades, porcelain sets have proven to be the longest-lasting veneers.
At MR Dental Aesthetics, we exclusively offer porcelain veneers. In our extensive experience, we’ve found that these rank highest in customer satisfaction and create a vibrant smile that lasts for decades. Our patients have been overwhelmingly happy with their porcelain veneers’ lifespan.
While there can be a variance in porcelain quality across the dental industry, here at MR Dental Aesthetics, we use only the highest-grade medical porcelain. We understand that veneers are a significant investment, and we strive to deliver only top-tier materials in this transformative procedure.
Dentist Skill Level
Your smile is a large part of the first impression you make. So, put the responsibility of your veneers in the hands of a seasoned dentist like Dr. Rashti. With years of experience crafting beautiful, natural-looking smiles, Dr. Rashti understands the nuances of this niche cosmetic procedure. She will work closely with you to choose the ideal shade and size of veneers and determine how many you will need.
Lifestyle Habits
Porcelain veneers are durable and can protect the teeth, but if you want to extend their lifespan, you’ll need to make conscious lifestyle choices. Below, we’ll cover behaviors to limit or avoid to maximize your porcelain veneers’ longevity.
Smoking. Though porcelain veneers provide some protection to your natural teeth, smoking can still deteriorate the underlying enamel and the tissue surrounding it. As a result, you might begin to see discoloration at the edges of your veneers. This could be a sign of gum disease — something to which smokers are twice as susceptible as non-smokers.
Consuming dark beverages. So, how long do veneers last on the front teeth surface before staining from dark beverages? The answer largely depends on your intake. While porcelain veneers are more resistant to stains than composite ones, limiting the consumption of drinks such as wine, coffee, and dark sodas is best to keep them pearly white.
Chewing hard objects. Avoid chewing on hard objects, like hard candy or ice, as this can crack your veneers. Do not use your teeth to open packages or do anything else that puts extra pressure on the veneers.
Grinding your teeth. If you are prone to grinding your teeth at night, Dr. Rashti will likely recommend wearing a night guard to protect your veneers from cracking.
Oral Hygiene Practices
At MR Dental Aesthetics, Dr. Rashti always puts your total well-being first. With oral hygiene directly impacting other areas of your health, including cognitive, respiratory, and even cardiovascular, the first thing Dr. Rashti will do before performing any procedure is to consult with you on your oral hygiene practices.
Covering your teeth with veneers does not eliminate the need for proper dental health care. It is important that you still brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and use mouthwash. Do not overlook brushing your teeth with veneers, as these are still vulnerable to decay. Inadequate oral hygiene can result in gum disease, which will cause the gum line to gradually recede, exposing the area between the tooth’s root and the veneer.
In some cases, removing the veneers might be necessary to treat the underlying issue if gum disease or tooth decay has progressed far. Do veneers stay on forever? No, but if you hope to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of premature replacement, be sure to maintain excellent oral hygiene practices.
Maintenance
In addition to keeping up with at-home care, staying on top of your routine maintenance visits with your dentist is essential. Your dental hygienist will still be able to perform a proper cleaning, even with veneers. And your general dentist should be comfortable examining and treating you with veneers.
Only your dentist understands the intricacies of your oral health, so you must follow their instructions for at-home care and undergo in-office visits they state are crucial to your periodontal health.
The healthier your mouth is, the longer your veneers will last. Regular dentist visits are a part of veneer maintenance.
What to Expect When Getting Veneers
Receiving veneers at MR Dental Aesthetics will require two visits. During your first visit, we will prepare your teeth for the procedure by removing a thin layer of enamel. This helps maintain the ideal tooth thickness and makes it easier to bond the veneer to the tooth. At that same time, our team will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a lab, where your veneers will be made. At your second visit, your veneers will be attached.
While the process of receiving veneers is straightforward and typically free of discomfort, Dr. Rashti places a high priority on her patients’ comfort, especially those experiencing dental anxiety. She specializes in creating a calm and reassuring environment for anxious individuals. Should anesthesia or other pain reduction methods be requested, the doctor will gladly discuss your options.
Cosmetic Dental Solutions from MR Dental Aesthetics
If you want a smile that not only looks amazing but also feels healthy, Dr. Rashti is a specialist you can trust. She will be with you every step, from the consultation to the procedure and through follow-up appointments. Understanding that cosmetic dentistry can be personal for patients has always been imperative to Dr. Rashti. For this reason, she is the only dentist the patient works with from start to finish. This ensures a seamless, tailored experience and enables a level of discretion many of her patients appreciate.
Regardless of the procedure, Dr. Rashti will put your oral health first, ensuring your cosmetic goals align with your long-term periodontal wellness goals and the optimal function of your teeth. Take the first step towards a smile you love, and book your consultation at MR Dental Aesthetics today.
