Best Dental Veneers: Price and Durability

What are Dental Veneers?

A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the surface of the tooth. Each veneer is made individually and can be ceramic (often called porcelain) or composite resin. 

Dental veneers aim to give a beautiful natural smile, covering all discolorations and damage to the teeth. Dental veneers can be a very effective solution, although, as with any treatment, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding to take the step.

What is the Lifespan of Dental Veneers? Are They Permanent?

When it comes to dental veneers, the two most common questions are "how long do veneers last?" and "are the veneers permanent?" 

Generally speaking, veneers last anywhere from 10 to 20 years depending on the type of material used, and while durable, they are not always permanent. But, the procedure put in place to place them is irreversible because it involves shaving off the enamel on your natural teeth and creating bonding cement to fix the veneers in place.

On the other hand, it is possible and recommended to replace your veneers after about 15 years. But what are the best dental veneers? Which material lasts the longest and why?

What are the Best Dental Veneers?

• Porcelain Dental Veneers:

Porcelain veneers are strong, sturdy, and have a very popular option. Although they take longer to create than composite veneers, they generally appear more natural, with better reflection with light and greater resistance to stains. 

Porcelain veneers are also more expensive than composite, but they generally perform better in terms of durability. The typical lifespan of porcelain dental veneers is approximately 10 to 15 years. While the material itself is quite fragile, once bonded to the tooth, porcelain veneers are much stronger than composite, which justifies their higher cost.

• Composite Dental Veneers:

Composite dental veneers are a faster and more affordable option. Made from specially created resins, composite veneers can be made in less time than porcelain ones. They are also more expensive to manufacture and tend to require less tooth shaving during installation. 

When it comes to durability, composite veneers typically last around 5-10 years. They can be more sensitive to stains than porcelain veneers and do not always give natural looking results. Still, for those looking for a faster, more economical option, composite veneers are a good choice.

Factors Affecting the Durability and Permanence of Dental Veneers

Now that we have touched on the issue of the durability of veneers, it is important to examine some of the factors that can affect them.

• Material used

As mentioned earlier, the material your veneers are made from will likely have a big impact on their lifespan. The cheaper option, composite veneers, has a lifespan of around 5-10 years while the slightly more expensive porcelain veneers last between 10-15 years.

• Choose an experienced dentist

To ensure that your veneers can have the longest possible life, it is important to choose a well-experienced dentist. Ill-fitting - or poorly-made - veneers don't last as long as professionally installed veneers.

• Maintain good oral hygiene

Once you have your veneers installed, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene to help extend their durability. As with natural teeth, veneers should be kept clean to maintain their natural appearance and prevent stains.

• Regular visits to the dentist

Try to make sure you visit at least twice a year, for cleanings and general checks. This will help keep your veneers spotless for as long as possible.

• Avoid using your teeth as tools

It is therefore important to be careful when it comes to hard foods. Also, avoid chewing on solid objects like using them to open packages, for example, can damage your veneers and require you to have them replaced.

 Find the best dental veneer clinics here.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Veneers