Guide
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are made to last many years — often a decade or more. How long yours last depends far more on how they're planned and cared for than on luck.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Rodolfo Rodriguez, DMD · Updated
What makes them last
- A healthy start. Veneers last longest on healthy teeth and gums, so decay or gum problems are treated first.
- Planning around your bite. How your teeth meet shapes the length and thickness of each veneer.
- A night guard if you grind. Grinding is the most common reason porcelain chips. See night guards.
- Regular cleanings, and keeping the edge where the veneer meets the tooth clean.
- Not using them as tools. Don't bite ice, nails or pens, or open packages with your teeth.
Will they stain?
Porcelain resists staining, so the color you choose stays bright. Your natural teeth can darken around them over the years, which is why we usually whiten first and match the veneers to your brighter shade.
The material
Most of our veneers are e.max, a strong, translucent ceramic; we also use feldspathic porcelain and zirconia when they suit the smile. Composite resin is softer than porcelain. Over the years it can stain, chip and lose its polish, and it needs touching up more often. Porcelain holds its color and its polish. Porcelain vs composite veneers compares the two.
What eventually needs attention
Like any restoration, a veneer may eventually need replacing. The usual reasons are a chip from biting something hard, the gum shrinking back to show the edge, or decay where the veneer meets the tooth. Small problems can sometimes be repaired; otherwise the veneer is replaced and matched to your other teeth.
FAQs
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
What happens when a veneer needs replacing?
Related
IPS e.max® is a registered trademark of Ivoclar.
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