Are Veneers Permanent?

Are your teeth less than perfect? Have you considered getting veneers to improve your appearance and make you feel more confident in your smile? Veneers have been around for decades and have provided many with incredible smiles and confidence. Whether it’s to cover up dental imperfections or to improve one’s smile, veneers provide an excellent solution when done properly by qualified professionals.

As this form of cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular in recent years, so too has the question “Are Veneers Permanent?”. In our blog post today we will give you the answer to this question and more.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that are bonded firmly to your natural teeth after the dentist takes away some of the enamel in order to make up for their width. Veneers will provide you with an alluring set of white teeth.

Veneers are expertly crafted to fit in seamlessly with your natural dental anatomy and blend effortlessly into the surrounding teeth. Plus, their color is specially chosen to match those of your own that haven’t been affected by any whitening treatments. 

For glistening teeth, it is essential to whiten before you get veneers – even if only some of the teeth need them. This way, all your teeth will be evenly bright and beautiful.

Are veneers permanent?

Unfortunately, veneers are not permanent and will need to be replaced over time. Generally, the average lifespan of a veneer is 5-7 years depending on your oral hygiene habits and lifestyle. Veneers that are well taken care of can last 10-15 years, after which they’ll need to be replaced.

Porcelain vs Composite Veneers

Composite resin and porcelain are two of the most frequently used materials for dental veneers. A knowledgeable cosmetic dentist can work with either material to achieve amazing results. Here’s a breakdown of some distinctions between composite and porcelain veneers that may help guide your decision-making process.

Composite Veneers

The most appealing advantage of composite veneers over porcelain is the cost. As most treatments are not covered by insurance, it makes composite veneers a much more budget-friendly option for smile makeovers. The composite veneer procedure tends to be much less invasive, and requires minimal prep work on your natural teeth. Composite veneers are a perfect solution for those looking to restore their smile without permanently altering the original structure of their teeth, as these materials can be removed and replaced whenever it’s necessary.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are incredibly resilient and much stronger than their composite counterparts. This strength provides an extended life span, with many people enjoying up to 15 years of use from a single set of porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic dentists generally agree that porcelain veneers offer the most natural-looking teeth. In part, this is due to the translucent quality of porcelain that is remarkably similar to natural tooth enamel. Porcelain is also more resistant to staining and chipping.

Porcelain veneers require a more complex treatment, during which you’ll likely be required to wear temporary veneers until the lab has finished sculpting your permanent ones.

When dealing with issues like significant discoloration or spacing problems, composite veneers may not be the most effective option; porcelain is thus a preferable choice.

Taking Care of Your Veneers

To ensure that your veneers last as long as possible you should practice proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits. It is important to brush twice a day and floss regularly in order to prevent decay and discoloration of your veneers. Make sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush, as hard bristles can cause damage.

Dental Veneers in Wilmington, NC

In Wilmington, NC, Dr. Jennifer Pan is a highly experienced cosmetic dentist who specializes in the custom placement of composite and porcelain veneers. She offers each patient an individualized treatment plan to best suit their needs.

She understands that these cosmetic procedures are often life-changing, so she takes her time to ensure every patient is satisfied with their smile transformation and works side-by-side with her dental lab technician. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.