If your smile has some aesthetic issues that you wish you change, it may be your lucky day. Porcelain veneers work beautifully to remove any imperfections that may be keeping your lips closed, such as stains, misshapen teeth, chips, large gaps, and more. But before you invest your time and money in this solution, you may be wondering just how long will porcelain veneers last?
Here’s everything you need to know.
All About Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are bonded onto the front of the teeth to re-create the look of a beautiful tooth. Sometimes only one veneer is needed – others times a complete set. Either way, the results are fantastic – and it only takes one to dramatically change the appearance of a smile.
To ensure that the veneer aligns beautifully with the surrounding teeth, the enamel of the tooth is shaved down a bit before the veneer is placed. Then, because it is custom-made for you with contouring and color, it blends uniformly with your other teeth. Any staining, chips, gaps, misshaped teeth, and so on are hidden behind the porcelain veneer.
It should be noted that there are different types of veneers available, including porcelain veneers, composite veneers, and instant veneers. And while they all get the job done, porcelain veneers are the gold standard. They are made of very strong porcelain, allowing them to last the longest.
How Long Porcelain Veneers Last
Now that you know just how incredible porcelain veneers are, let’s talk about how long they last.
The porcelain used for the veneers is strong. In fact, it may even be as strong – or stronger – than your natural enamel. And they are attached to your teeth using a very effective bonding agent. As a result, they have a very long lifespan – generally 10 years at a minimum. Though, it is not unusual for them to last up to 20 years if they are taken care of.
It is generally a result of the bonding and not the porcelain when it comes time to replace them.
Extend the Life of Your Porcelain Veneers
The good news is that there are steps you can take to extend the life of your porcelain veneers. The better you care for them, the better chance you have of keeping them for years to come. Developing a good oral hygiene routine is a great place to start. In other words, brushing at least twice each day and flossing at least once per day is important. Plus, you will want to keep up your routine dental appointments, getting professional cleanings every 6 months.
Sometimes, it just comes down to how healthy your teeth are. You could take every step imaginable to increase the longevity of your veneers, but if the teeth underneath them are ailing or aren’t healthy, the veneers are going to feel the impact.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
If you are interested in porcelain veneers to transform your smile, the highly-skilled team at Savannah Dental Solutions is here for you.
Contact us today at 912-354-1366 to schedule an appointment.
