We all have insecurities. If you could fix an insecurity with your teeth in order to feel more confident about your appearance, would you? This is often the question people have asked themselves when they come into our family dental office of Smiles by Shields Dentistry looking for more information about veneers and how long do porcelain veneers last.

What Are They?

Veneers are often associated with “Hollywood smiles,” and for good reason. Many celebrities opt for these as they are a fast and effective way to fix an array of cosmetic tooth issues. They are capable of doing this because they are a permanent addition to your teeth.

Yes, permanent. Once you and your dentist have decided upon veneers as a good solution for you, they will take impressions of your teeth. A shade guide is used to determine the desired shade of white for your face and then sent on with the impressions to create individualized veneers. This manufacturing process can take a few days to a few weeks.

Once they’re ready, you’ll be brought back into your dentist’s office where the process begins by shaving off the front of your tooth. A dentist will carefully shave about 0.5mm of enamel off the front of your tooth. This is important because the veneers have to sit slightly snugly in your tooth. Once the enamel is shaved off, it will not grow back. In other words, once you apply veneers, you will always have veneers (although you will have to replace them in time which we will talk about below). This permanence makes it important to talk to your dentist about all the pros and cons before making the appointment.

It also means that some people will be unable to have this procedure as their dentist might determine that it will compromise their specific tooth structure too much. On the other hand, your dentist might recommend veneers as the more appropriate choice between veneers and dentures.

Once your teeth are shaved and ready, a special dental cement is used to adhere them.

How Long Will Veneers Last?

There are a few different types of veneers available for patients to choose from. Which kind and how well you take care of them will determine how long your veneers last. The following is a quick look at the most popular kinds of veneers:

How long do porcelain veneers last? 

Porcelain veneers can last upwards of 15 years. Porcelain veneers have the advantage of looking exceptionally natural, but the drawback is that they often require repairs for chips and cracks.

How long do resin veneers last? 

Resin veneers are designed to last up to 8 years. However, full resin veneers are generally not recommended. Rather, dentists will more often opt for composite resin veneers.

How long do composite veneers last? 

Composite veneers can last upwards of 10 years. Composite resin veneers still look natural, just not quite as much as porcelain. However, they have the big advantage of being able to withstand more wear and tear in the short term. So, while they may not have the overall longevity of porcelain veneers, they put up quite the defense during the time they are on your teeth. This makes them a good choice for those with bad oral habits like teeth grinding and ice chewing.

Can I Replace My Them?

Absolutely! Once your veneers have worn down to the point that your dentist recommends replacement, that replacement is straightforward. You can even choose to swap to a different kind of veneer if you want. For example, if you had porcelain veneers but didn’t like how often they needed to be repaired, then you might ask your dentist to replace them with composite resin veneers.

Schedule Your First Veneer Consultation Today

Are you ready to learn more and to talk with your local Jacksonville dentist to see if they are the right choice for you? Give our friendly team at Smiles by Shields a call today to schedule that consultation.