Cosmetic Dentistry |3 min read

Are Dental Veneers Permanent?

How a veneer fits onto a natural tooth

Are you looking for a way to improve your smile and think veneers could be the answer?

Are you also wondering if these are a permanent fix?

Well, let’s find out.

First, what are veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells attached to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance.

They’re often made from porcelain or composite resin material and permanently bonded to your teeth.

Veneers can treat several cosmetic concerns, including chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.

What types of problems do dental veneers fix?

Veneers are routinely used to fix:

  • Teeth that are discolored because of:
    • Root canal treatment
    • Excessive fluoride
  • Cover broken or chipped teeth
  • Hide gaps in the teeth
  • Teeth that are worn down

What are the different types of veneers?

There are three main types of dental veneers, but they are most commonly made out of porcelain or composite resin.

Another form is called Lumineers, which are applied through a slightly different process.

Depending on the chosen type of veneer, your dentist will remove a specific amount of your natural tooth.

To discover which type suits your situation best, speak to our team at Pearly Whites dentistry.

Porcelain veneers

When the veneer is ready and back from the lab, your dentist can place it on your prepared tooth and bond it.

Composite veneers

Your dentist will prepare your tooth by etching the surface before applying a thin layer of the composite material. They will then complete the process by hardening the composite veneer with a special light.

Are veneers permanent?

This question sometimes be a tricky to answer.

Your tooth is likely to have been trimmed down slightly by the dentist to accept a veneer.

For this reason, dental veneers should always be considered a permanent treatment.

However, because veneers are a thin layer applied over the surface of your natural teeth, they need to be replaced and are therefore considered temporary.

So, how long do veneers last?

It depends on which type of veneer you have, with proper care and attention:

  • composite bonding veneers typically last 5-7 years
  • porcelain veneers usually last 10-20 years

Many factors may affect this.

What can affect the lifespan of veneers?

With dental veneers, several factors can affect the lifespan of the type of veneer you choose.

Let’s take a closer look.

The condition of your teeth before installation

Their lifespan may be affected if your teeth are not in perfect condition before getting a veneer.

Veneer materials

Porcelain and no-prep veneers last longer than composite veneers.

Your dental hygiene

Good oral hygiene matters.

Twice-daily brushing and daily flossing are crucial to prolonging the lifespan of veneers.

It’s also important to have dental checkups and cleanings every six months.

Tooth grinding

Grinding your teeth can put excessive pressure on your veneers.

If you’re prone to grinding your teeth when you sleep, wear a nighttime mouthguard to protect your veneers.

Using your teeth as tools

Don’t use your teeth to try and open objects that you can’t open with your hands or other tools.

Care with hard foods

Avoid biting down on foods like hard candies, ice, or nuts.

To find out more about dental veneers, call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jain!

Pearly Whites Dentistry proudly serves the following areas: Schaumburg, IL, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Barrington, Palatine, Arlington Heights, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Roselle, and all surrounding suburbs.

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