Veneers – How Long Do They Last?
Veneers allow people who have stained, misshaped, crooked or chipped teeth to achieve an aesthetically pleasing smile. One of the first things that people who are considering veneers want to know is how long they’ll last. The answer to this question depends on the type of veneers being used.
Below are the two main types of veneers available –
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers, as the name would suggest, are made from porcelain and must be specially made for each patient. The patient has their teeth examined initially and the dentist then sends off this information to the ceramist, who makes up the veneers. This process usually takes around 2 weeks.
There’s usually a good amount of preparation that’s needed with porcelain veneers before they can be applied. The patient’s teeth must be shaped so that the veneers fit properly.
With proper care and good dental hygiene, porcelain veneers can last for 10-15 years, making that a long term solution for people with damaged, stained or misshapen teeth.
Composite veneers
Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers do not have to be specially made for each patient and are usually applied in a single visit. Composite veneers are not stain-resistant like porcelain veneers since they’re made from a composite resin material that is porous.
Composite veneers typically last for 2-5 years. It varies depending on the patient and to extend their life, regular brushing and avoid very hard food is recommended.
Which veneers are right for me?
If you’re thinking about which veneers are right for you then this will depend on a few factors. These include –
- Your budget – Porcelain veneers are considerably more expensive than composite veneers. This is due to the extra preparation work and the fact that they need to be specially made
- Your needs – If you’re looking for bright white teeth that are resistant to staining then porcelain veneers are the best option. If you’re on a limited budget and want to have the veneers done in one visit then composite veneers are probably a better choice.
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