How Long Do Veneers Last and What Can Go Wrong?

The Typical Lifespan of Veneers

Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. Some veneers last even longer; many patients have had the same veneers for 20 years or more. The lifespan depends on the quality of the veneers, the skill of the dentist who placed them, and most importantly, how well you care for them.

Composite resin veneers have a shorter lifespan, typically 5 to 10 years. They’re more prone to staining and chipping than porcelain, and they wear down faster with normal use. However, they’re less expensive and easier to adjust or repair if something goes wrong.

The longevity of your veneers is within your control to a large degree. Patients who take good care of their veneers and avoid habits that damage them consistently report that their veneers last for 15 years or longer.

What Damages Veneers

The bond between the veneer and your tooth is very strong when done correctly, but it’s not indestructible. Excessive force on a veneer can damage the bond and cause the veneer to chip or separate from the tooth.

Chewing on hard objects is the most common cause of veneer damage. Biting ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels can chip a veneer. Using your teeth to open packages, bite your nails, or hold objects should be avoided. If you have a habit of chewing on hard objects, you need to break that habit if you have veneers.

Grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, puts repetitive stress on veneers. Many patients who grind their teeth don’t realize they do it. If you have a history of grinding, or if you wake with a sore jaw, talk to your dentist about a night guard. A guard protects your veneers and your natural teeth from the stress of grinding.

Blunt force trauma to your face or mouth can obviously damage veneers. If you play contact sports, ask about athletic mouth guards. Even a fall or an accident can damage a veneer.

Extreme temperature changes are stressful for veneers. Drinking very hot coffee followed by ice water creates stress on the veneer-tooth bond. While occasional temperature shifts aren’t a problem, repeatedly exposing your veneers to extremes can contribute to failure.

Decay Underneath Veneers

The tooth underneath a veneer can still get cavities. If decay develops under a veneer, the veneer might need to be removed and replaced after the cavity is treated. The most common cause of decay underneath a veneer is poor oral hygiene, particularly poor flossing around the veneer margins.

Cavities are more likely to develop if the veneer edge sits along the gum line where plaque tends to accumulate. This is why excellent oral hygiene is crucial. You must floss around veneer margins carefully and thoroughly.

Staining and Discoloration

Porcelain veneers resist staining very well. Once the veneer is in your mouth, it won’t stain from coffee, red wine, or tobacco the way your natural teeth do. This is one of the advantages of porcelain over composite bonding.

However, the tooth structure showing at the edge of the veneer can stain if it’s not covered. Also, if decay develops under a veneer, the discoloration from decay can show around the edges. This is another reason to maintain excellent oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Composite resin veneers stain much more easily than porcelain. If you have composite veneers and you drink a lot of coffee or use tobacco, staining will develop over time.

Gum Recession Around Veneers

If you develop gum recession around a veneer, the tooth structure below the veneer becomes visible. This looks like a dark line at the gum margin and affects the aesthetics of your veneer.

Gum recession happens for several reasons. Aggressive brushing with a hard toothbrush damages gum tissue over time. Gum disease causes recession. Improper flossing technique damages gums. Poor oral hygiene that leads to calculus buildup stresses the gums.

Using a soft toothbrush, flossing carefully, treating gum disease promptly, and regular professional cleanings all help prevent gum recession and keep your veneers looking beautiful.

Veneer Separation and Failure

Sometimes a veneer separates from the tooth. This might happen suddenly after trauma, or it might happen gradually if the bond weakens. If your veneer separates, it needs to be reattached or replaced.

Occasionally, the porcelain itself cracks. A small crack in a veneer might be visible but not need immediate replacement. A large crack usually requires replacing the veneer.

The tooth underneath a veneer can fracture, though this is uncommon. If the tooth structure cracks, the veneer needs to be removed and the tooth restored before a new veneer can be placed.

Preventing Problems with Your Veneers

The best way to prevent veneer problems is to treat your veneers like you would treat your natural teeth, but with even more care. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle brushing technique. Floss carefully around veneer margins. See your dentist every six months for cleanings and check-ups. This allows your dentist to identify any problems early.

Avoid chewing on hard objects, ice, or your nails. If you grind your teeth, wear a night guard. Be careful with very hot or very cold foods and drinks.

If you play contact sports, wear a mouth guard. These precautions protect both your natural teeth and your veneers.

Maintenance and Touch-Ups

Regular professional cleanings help your veneers last longer. Your hygienist will be careful not to damage your veneers during cleaning. If your dentist notices any small chips or problems, addressing them early prevents larger problems.

If your veneers become dull or discolored, professional polishing might restore their shine. Over time, microscopic scratches from brushing and eating can dull the surface of a veneer. Professional polishing smooths the surface and restores shine.

When Veneers Need Replacement

After 10 to 15 years, you might decide to have your veneers replaced simply because you want a different look or because the color no longer matches your other teeth after whitening. This is purely cosmetic replacement, not because anything is wrong.

If decay develops under a veneer, the veneer must be removed and replaced after the cavity is treated. If a veneer separates and can’t be reattached, it needs replacement. If the veneer is damaged, replacement might be the best option.

Your Role in Veneer Longevity

The longevity of your veneers is largely in your hands. Dr. Bonin at Bonin Dental Care places beautiful veneers that are designed to last. But your daily care habits and how you protect your teeth and veneers determine whether they last 10 years or 20 years.

If you’re considering veneers and you want to understand what’s involved in caring for them long-term, schedule a consultation. Dr. Bonin can answer your questions about maintenance and longevity. If you already have veneers and you’re experiencing problems, we can evaluate and address any issues. Contact Bonin Dental Care in Windsor to learn more.