Are Veneers Permanent? Understanding Their Longevity In 2025

Many patients looking to change their teeth’s appearance —be it stains, gaps, chips, cracks or crookedness— often opt for dental veneers as a cosmetic solution. They are widely known for their ability to blend in with natural teeth and their resistance to stains. Further, the process of getting dental veneers is a very tolerable one; patients do not require extensive teeth shaping¹ and generally can tolerate the material as well.

Most dentists estimate these to last about 10-20 years and with proper care, some claim they can even last a lifetime! So are veneers permanent or will you need to remove them in the long run? To get there, let’s start with the basics.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers, whether porcelain or composite resin, are thin shells custom-made to fit over the front surface of natural teeth. In most cases, the tooth has to be slightly shaved down to create a smooth surface for the veneer to be bonded to. This process is irreversible.

In certain cases, the tooth may not need to be shaved down and 'no-prep' veneers can be placed directly on the tooth. You also have the option of getting a partial or full veneer but this will depend on factors like your tooth’s condition, needs and budget. This is best determined by your dentist after a thorough dental check up. Click here to book an appointment with Dental Designs Clinic.

All in all, veneers that look natural are perfect for those looking for a smile makeover. 

Must I really shave my teeth in order to get veneers?

No, not always. While traditional ones often require some enamel removal to ensure a proper fit and natural appearance, there are minimally invasive options available, such as no-prep or minimal-prep ones, which require little to no tooth reduction. This is where veneers and crowns differ. In some cases, tooth shaving might not be necessary for the first option. However, for crowns, the tooth always needs to be shaved or prepared.

In most cases, not more than 0.5mm is shaved off — that’s roughly the thickness of a fingernail. However, if a patient has large, crooked teeth with grey discolouration for example, then a significant amount of shaving might be required to get the teeth down to the desired look. On the other hand, if a patient already has short teeth or gaps in between their teeth, then there won’t be much shaving required at all. At Dental Designs clinic, our skilled dentists know how to enhance your smile.

So, are veneers permanent?

With proper care and maintenance, they can last a very long time. However, expecting them to last forever might be a stretch. The longevity of them depends on several factors, one of which is the quality of the material used. Therefore, the answer to "are veneers permanent?" will vary. 

At Dental Designs Clinic, we use high-strength ceramics which have a higher load to fracture compared to natural teeth. However, as these are subject to heavy forces when you chew, biting on hard foods or habits such as teeth grinding or fingernail chewing can affect their longevity.

While this treatment offer long-lasting results, you might need to remove them over time due to wear and tear or changes in oral health. Composite ones tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to porcelain ones as they are less durable and more prone to staining and chipping. Although they can still provide excellent results, they may require more frequent touch-ups or replacements.

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• What Are The Pros And Cons Of Veneer Teeth?
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With that said, there are a few steps you can take to ensure they last as long as possible.

1. Avoid grinding your teeth: While teeth grinding is harmful to all teeth, it is particularly damaging to these dental attachments. The stress caused by grinding can result in damage over time. If you grind your teeth, especially at night, consider wearing a mouth guard for protection.

2. Maintain healthy oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential for the longevity of these dental attachments. Brushing and flossing regularly, as well as attending routine dental check-ups will help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and other oral health issues that could compromise the integrity of your veneer.

3. Avoid food and drinks that are staining agents: While the colour of porcelain ones won’t be affected by staining agents, your natural teeth will. Over time, this could lead to a discrepancy between your veneer and natural tooth. In this situation, you have two options — either change them to match with your natural teeth, or to do teeth whitening on your natural tooth to match your existing veneer.  

If you're considering veneer, it's essential to consult with a qualified dentist for an initial consultation to discuss your options, the cost and to determine the best course of action for achieving your desired results.

Find out more about Dental Veneers that look natural, with Dental Designs today!

References

1. Farias-Neto, A., de Medeiros, F., Vilanova, L., Simonetti Chaves, M., & Freire Batista de Araújo, J. J. (2019). Tooth preparation for ceramic veneers: when less is more. The international journal of esthetic dentistry, 14(2), 156–164.
2. Hong, N., Yang, H., Li, J., Wu, S., & Li, Y. (2017). Effect of Preparation Designs on the Prognosis of Porcelain Laminate Veneers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Operative dentistry, 42(6), E197–E213. https://doi.org/10.2341/16-390-L