How Long Do Veneers Last?

Do you want to improve the look of your smile? If your answer is yes, you might be wondering if dental veneers are the solution you're looking for. Veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can transform your smile — but they’re not always the best choice for everyone.

At Austin Advanced Dentistry, Aditi Saxena, DDS, Viridiana Wheeler, DDS, and our team specialize in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for adults of all ages. In this blog post, we'll explore what dental veneers are, how long they last, and when to consider dental implants instead.

All about dental veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin. They’re custom-made to fit over the front surfaces of your teeth to improve their appearance. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin, which can be color-matched to your natural teeth.

Depending on your situation, veneers can improve the look of a variety of dental issues, including:

• Discolored teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Misshapen teeth

In general, veneers are a versatile option that offers a quick solution to cosmetic imperfections. Since each veneer is custom-made, we can color-match them to your teeth for a natural look. 

How to get veneers

Most of the time, getting dental veneers takes two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, we prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth. We take impressions of your teeth, which we use to create your custom veneers.

Once your veneers are ready, you come back to the office and place them on your teeth. We check the fit and color, then bond the veneers permanently to your teeth using a special dental adhesive.

How long veneers last

Veneers are bonded permanently to the front of your teeth, but they don’t last forever. Once you get veneers, you need to get them replaced when they wear out, because the enamel we remove from your teeth won’t grow back.

In general, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10-15 years, while composite resin veneers may need to be replaced every 5-7 years.

The lifespan of your veneers depends on several factors, like your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle habits. For example, poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding, or nail-biting can damage your veneers and shorten their lifespan.

When — and why — dental implants may be a better choice

While veneers can be a great option for improving the appearance of your teeth, they don’t fix the underlying problem, and they don’t last forever. That’s why there are some cases where dental implants may be a better choice.

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth, and we also use them to anchor more extensive restorations, like dental bridges and dentures.

We might recommend dental implants instead of veneers if:

• You have missing teeth
• You have severely damaged teeth
• You want a more permanent solution

Dental implants can provide a long-lasting solution for missing and damaged teeth that improve both the function and appearance of your smile. And while veneers can last for many years, they will eventually need to be replaced. Dental implants, on the other hand, are a permanent solution that often last a lifetime with proper care.

Ultimately, the best option for your smile will depend on your unique dental needs and goals. If you're considering dental veneers or dental implants, schedule a consultation with our team at Austin Advanced Dentistry to discuss your options and determine the best course of treatment for you.

Request your first appointment online or call our Austin, Texas, office at 512-331-6677 to get started.