When you make a serious financial investment in how you look and feel, you want to know that the investment is going to pay off for years to come. So, it’s no surprise to us that if you are thinking about getting dental veneers, you want to know how long those results will last.

And we have some pretty good news for you. Though we’ll talk about this more in depth in the article, most patients can enjoy their dental veneers for about ten years before they need replacements. Plus, the better you care for them, the greater your chances they’ll last even longer than that!

What are dental veneers?

We know that not everybody reading this article knows what dental veneers are. So, for those of you who are curious and looking for a cosmetic dentistry solution that will improve your smile, here’s what you need to know. Tooth veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are adhered to the front of your teeth. They are a permanent solution meant to mask minor imperfections and tooth discoloration. The result is a clean and flawless looking smile that is ready for the red carpet—or all those selfies you love to take.

Our patients love dental veneers because they offer a long-lasting solution that brightens, whitens, and perfects their smiles. And, they absolutely love the smiles that veneers can give them. So, with that, let’s tell you everything you need to know about dental veneers and caring for them, so you can make an informed decision.

Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Dental Veneers

It’s important to understand that veneers are a permanent solution. This means that if you change your mind down the road, you can’t remove them and leave your teeth be. This is because in order to make veneers look and feel natural in your mouth, a very small amount of the dental enamel needs to be removed from your teeth. And once that happens, you need something on your teeth to keep them protected. In this case, that’s your new tooth veneers.

And, like we said earlier, your veneers should last ten years and possibly longer based on the care you provide and your oral hygiene routine. Here are some of the things that can impact how long your new smile will last before replacement veneers are in order.

• Smoking and Tobacco Use: These habits can stain your veneers over time, just like natural teeth, and may lead to the need for replacement sooner.
• Teeth Misuse: Using your teeth to open packages, bite nails, or other similar actions can cause damage to veneers.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly can lead to gum disease or decay, which can undermine the health of the teeth supporting your veneers.
• Diet Choices: Regular consumption of hard or sticky foods can wear down veneers faster.
• Grinding or Clenching: Nightly teeth grinding (bruxism) puts extra pressure on veneers and can shorten their lifespan.
• Dentist’s Skill: The experience of your dentist plays a key role in how well your veneers are fitted and bonded.
• Lifestyle Habits: Consistently caring for your veneers and visiting the dentist for check-ups will help extend their lifespan.

How to Make Your Veneers Last as Long as Possible

So, if those things we listed above are what will impact the longevity of your veneers in a bad way, just what can you do to protect them? We’ll make it easy and lay it all out. And the thing to remember is that it all starts with excellent oral hygiene habits.

• Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the veneers.
• Floss daily to prevent plaque buildup around your gums and between your teeth.
• Use a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen your natural teeth and keep your veneers supported.
• Visit your dentist every six months for routine cleanings and check-ups to monitor the condition of your veneers.
• Wear a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping to protect your veneers from unnecessary wear.

What You Should Know About Replacing Your Veneers

Like we said, your veneers are a permanent cosmetic dentistry solution to minor dental imperfections. But, even though they are considered permanent, it doesn’t mean they will last forever. When your dental veneers need replacing, here is what you can expect from the best cosmetic dentist in Dallas, TX.

• Assessment: Dr. Alhadef will examine the condition of your veneers and the underlying teeth to determine if replacement is needed.
• Removal of Old Veneers: The worn or damaged veneers will be gently removed to prepare for new ones.
• Preparation of Teeth: Your teeth may require slight reshaping before placing the new veneers, depending on the state of your enamel.
• Fitting and Bonding: New veneers will be custom-made and bonded to your teeth, restoring your smile’s appearance.

Are you ready to experience your new smile with dental veneers?

If one thing is for certain, it’s that once your tooth veneers are in place, you are going to love your new smile. And, why not get your new smile from the best expert in cosmetic dentistry near Dallas? Who is that, you might ask? It’s none other than our very own Dr. Alhadef at Dallas Cosmetic Dental.
Request an appointment today for your consultation, and see how veneers can help you achieve a flawless smile.