Are Veneers Permanent? Understanding Their Longevity In 2024

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. Veneers 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 of veneers well.

Most dentists estimate veneers 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 veneers in the long run? To get there, let’s first understand how veneers work.

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 veneers 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 veneers, which require little to no tooth reduction. This is where veneers and crowns differ (Veneers Vs Crown). In some cases, tooth shaving might not be necessary for veneers. 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.

So, are veneers permanent?

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

At Dental Designs Clinic, we use high-strength ceramics which have a higher load to fracture compared to natural teeth. However, as veneers 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 veneers offer long-lasting results, you might need to remove veneers over time due to wear and tear or changes in oral health. Composite veneers tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to porcelain veneers 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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With that said, there are a few steps you can take to ensure your veneers last as long as possible.

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

2. Maintain healthy oral hygiene: Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential for the longevity of your veneers. 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 veneers.

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

If you're considering veneers, it's essential to consult with a qualified dentist for an initial consultation to discuss your options, the cost of veneers 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