Veneers are not permanent and will last between 10 and 15 years. However, they will need to be replaced as they permanently change the enamel of your teeth.
The method of installing veneers requires removing a portion of your tooth enamel that can’t be replaced. While the veneers won’t last forever, the procedure is irreversible and is a permanent decision.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are shells typically made of composite resin and porcelain to look like a perfected version of your teeth. They fit over the front of your teeth and are attached by a cement bond.
Many choose veneers to correct imperfections in teeth, like deep staining, worn-down, cracked, broken, or weakened teeth. Veneers improve the smile, but can also provide additional strength and chewing ability.
Why Is the Veneer Procedure Permanent?
A dentist will scrape away some of your tooth enamel from the front of your teeth to make room for veneers. Etching your teeth, also referred to as roughing teeth, provides a surface for the bonding agent to stick to for the veneer to hold.
This process is a permanent change to your teeth because enamel can’t be replaced. In that sense, choosing veneers is permanent. You will need to replace them when your veneers wear out.
Veneer Materials
Veneers are custom-made and can consist of many types of durable materials that affect price. Here are the main options:
Porcelain
Porcelain types include lithium disilicate, feldspathic porcelain, and leucite-reinforced ceramics.
⏱️ Lifespan: 10-15 years
Composite Resin
A type of plastic that can be matched to your tooth. More affordable both to install and to repair.
⏱️ Lifespan: 5-7 years
Zirconia
A ceramic that works well for teeth with significant decay, staining, or damage. Incredibly durable with an opaque rather than white appearance, making them look more natural.
E-max
A glass-ceramic material that offers strength and durability and has become popular for its translucency.
Veneer Thickness
Each of these materials is custom-created for each patient, but each has a different thickness that affects how much enamel is removed.
Porcelain veneers are typically .3 to 1 millimeters thick and will require enough enamel removal so they fit properly over your teeth with the space in your mouth.
Composite veneers are thinner, lighter shells, so they require less enamel removal.
⚠️ Regardless of your choice of material, enamel removal is a permanent decision, and you will need to maintain and keep your veneers for your lifetime.
When to Replace Veneers
While all veneers are considered durable, how long they last varies with the type of material used. Veneers can stain, chip, and break just like natural teeth, so they will eventually need replacing.
Four Reasons to Replace Veneers:
1. Damage
Veneers can wear down, chip, or crack. They can be damaged by teeth grinding or an accident.
2. Gum Disease
Receding gums expose the veneer’s edges and make them look bad.
3. Natural Teeth Issues
You still have your natural teeth, and they could develop a cavity or decay under the veneer.
4. Appearance Decline
Those who have veneers for a long time may find they start to look dingy, are stained, and look thicker than they did when they were first installed.
Snap-on Veneers: A Temporary Alternative
Snap-on veneers are a new trend, especially among younger people who don’t want to permanently alter their teeth. These are tooth shells that can be ordered to provide a custom fit over teeth to provide a more pleasing appearance, but can be taken out at any time.
Clip-on veneers don’t require a dentist to install or remove and are highly affordable for those simply looking to improve their appearance without altering their teeth. It only takes about two weeks to get them. It is an option for some to try out a new look before deciding on the permanent option of veneers.
Considering Veneers?
Veneers are a great option for those looking to improve tooth strength, cover serious imperfections, and make their smile more uniform. Those who are considering veneers should first correct dental problems like cavities and gum recession before getting veneers installed. A planning visit with our cosmetic dentistry team in North York can map out the right order of treatment.