Are Veneers Permanent?

Veneers are a cosmetic dental procedure that involves attaching tooth-like shells made of composite resin or porcelain materials to cover up dental imperfections. In this blog from Fox Point Dental Studio, we’re giving you a comprehensive overview of the veneer process. 

To learn more about how long veneers last, if the procedure is permanent, how it affects your tooth’s enamel, and available alternatives, read on.

Who is a Good Candidate for Veneers?

Veneers are used to cover up dental imperfections such as crooked or uneven shapes and sizes of the teeth, gaps between the teeth, discoloration, or chipped teeth. A good candidate for veneers would be someone who wants to improve the appearance of their smile and is committed to replacing their veneers. 

Veneers are only a good option for those with good oral health. Before the veneer process takes place, your teeth will be examined and if there is any presence of tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems, you will need to have these dental problems addressed before embarking on a dental journey with veneers. 

This is because veneers are simply attached to the external side of the teeth that are visible when you smile and they will not fix any present dental health problems. They will only restore the tooth’s appearance and partially their function if they are cracked. 

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Traditional porcelain veneers last for about 15 years or longer with proper oral hygiene and care. However, composite resin veneers last for 5-7 years. To get the most out of your veneers and promote their longevity, you need to practice good oral hygiene, regularly attend dental visits, and be very careful with them.

The following tips will help to make your veneers last longer:

• Opt for porcelain veneers
• Chew slowly
• Be careful when eating harder or stickier foods
• Chew with your molars, not your front teeth
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid staining drinks
• Don’t use your teeth as tools
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled brush
• Protect your mouth with mouthguards
• Attend dental cleaning/checkup every 6 months
  

Veneers and Your Enamel

When people ask, “are veneers permanent” it’s difficult to give a precise answer. The reason for that is that the veneers themselves do not last for a lifetime. They need to be continually replaced every 10-15 years or so or potentially earlier if they become damaged or severely stained.

However, because the preparation of the teeth for veneers involves shaving down your natural tooth enamel by .5mm, your natural teeth will be permanently altered. The enamel cannot grow back and this makes it likely that someone would need veneers for the rest of their life to cover their shaven down enamel. 

Are There Alternatives to Veneers?

Yes, there is an alternative to veneers known as lumineers or “no-prep” veneers. These are like an ultra-thin version of veneers that require only minimal or no prep work of the natural tooth enamel. This is not considered a permanent procedure because it does not require grinding down the tooth’s enamel.

However, because lumineers are so thin, they are not suitable for people who want to cover up severe tooth discoloration. Severe stains will show through the thin lumineer material. Lumineers, unlike veneers, are a reversible procedure that lasts for 10-20 years. 

Interested in Veneers? Improve Your Smile at Fox Point Dental Studio!

Veneers can do wonders for severely stained, cracked, or uneven teeth. Do you want to cover up dental imperfections and feel great about your smile again? Contact us at Fox Point Dental Studio today to learn more about veneers. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Major or Dr. Zellmer to find out if veneers are right for you.