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How Long Do Veneers Last?

Dr. Niall Vallely Profile Image

Last Reviewed 18 May 2023

Medically reviewed by Dr. Niall Vallely, Bachelor Dent. Sc. (Trinity College Dublin) 2003, Cosmetic Dentist

Table of Contents

How long do veneers last? - Dr. Niall Vallely - 3Dental

An In-Depth Guide To Veneers By Dr. Niall Vallely

How long do veneers last? - Dr. Niall Vallely - 3Dental

An In-Depth Guide To Veneers By Dr. Niall Vallely

Veneers will last between 7 and 20 years. Dr. Niall Vallely

Naturally, the better care you take of your veneers, the longer they will last.

Let's take a closer look:

Type Of VeneerDescriptionDuration
Porcelain VeneersThin, custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Highly durable and long-lasting7-20 years
Composite VeneersSimilar to the porcelain veneer treatment, but the resin material used in composite veneers is not as strong or durable as porcelain.7-20 years
No Prep VeneersNo prep veneers are ultra-thin and do not require preparation for the tooth coloured shells to be bonded to your teeth.7-20 years
Minimal Prep VeneersMinimal prep veneers involve slightly adjusting your teeth to fit thin sheets of porcelain over the front of your teeth.7-20 years

If you are diligent in your oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing regularly and avoiding hard or sticky foods, your veneers are more likely to last a long time.

While high-quality veneers are designed to withstand normal wear and tear, they still require proper maintenance to ensure longevity.

Are Veneers A Permanent Fix To A Broken Or Chipped Tooth?

Porcelain Veneer Testimonial - Margaret Kett - 3dental

Veneers Explained by Dr. Niall Vallely

Veneers are a long-term solution to a broken or chipped tooth but are not considered a permanent fix. Dr. Niall Vallely

Veneers can usually last anywhere from 7 years to 20 years depending on proper care and maintenance. 

How Can I Make My Veneers Last Longer?

There are several things you can do to help make your veneers last longer:

PracticeComment
Practice good oral hygieneBrush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to help prevent plaque buildup and maintain healthy gums. It's essential to keep them clean and free from harmful bacteria.
Avoid hard or sticky foodsHard or sticky foods, such as ice, hard candy, and chewing gum, can put extra stress on your veneers and increase the risk of damage or dislodgment.
Wear a mouthguardIf you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a custom-fit mouthguard can help protect your veneers from damage.
Avoid using your teeth as toolsUsing your teeth to open packages or bite down on non-food items can cause chips or cracks in your veneers.
Attend regular dental checkupsRegular dental checkups and cleanings can help identify any issues with your veneers early on and address them before they become more serious.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your veneers last as long as possible and maintain their beautiful appearance.

Taking Care Of Your Porcelain Veneers

composite veneers before - 3dental
composite veneers after - 3dental

Porcelain Veneers Before And After - Porcelain Veneers

If you have porcelain veneers, here are some additional tips to take care of them:

  1. Be gentle when brushing
  2. Avoid whitening toothpaste
  3. Use mouthwash sparingly
  4. Be mindful of staining foods and drinks
  5. Consider a nightguard
  6. Avoid smoking

By taking these steps, you can help protect your porcelain veneers and ensure they stay beautiful for years to come.

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for up to 20 years, making them a worthwhile investment in your dental health and overall appearance. Dr. Niall Vallely

Who Should Do My Veneers?

Our Dental Lab

3Dental - Who We Are & What We Do

There are several reasons why 3Dental is a great choice for your veneer treatment:

  1. Experienced and qualified dentists
  2. Personalised treatment plans (from our treatment co-ordinators)
  3. State-of-the-art technology
  4. Comfortable and relaxing environment
  5. The aesthetics of each veneer is given significant consideration. Our experienced dentists and lab technicians work closely together to create veneers that are functional and look great.
  6. Positive patient reviews and a good selection of before and afters!

Our On Site Dental Lab

Our Dental Lab

Our Dental Lab

3Dental has the added benefit of having an on-site dental laboratory. Here are some of the benefits of having our own lab:

  1. Faster turnaround times
  2. Greater control over quality
  3. Customized solutions
  4. Better communication
  5. Cost-effective

Overall, having an on-site dental laboratory is a major advantage for 3Dental, setting us apart from other clinics.

It allows us to offer high-quality, customized veneers and other dental restorations with faster turnaround times and greater control over the manufacturing process.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be used to address a wide range of issues, including:

Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for improving the appearance of teeth because they are durable, long-lasting, and look and feel like natural teeth.

Composite Resin Veneers

composite veneers before - 3dental
composite veneers after - 3dental

Composite Veneers Before and After - Composite Veneers

Composite resin veneers are a type of dental veneer made from a tooth-coloured composite resin material that your dentist applies directly to the tooth by hand.

They are designed to improve the appearance of your teeth by changing their shape, size, and colour and repairing chips and cracks. 

Removable Veneers

Removable veneers, also known as clip-on veneers, are a type of dental appliance designed to fit over your existing teeth. They are typically made from acrylic material.

Removable veneers are not a long-term fix for cosmetic dental issues and are only designed for occasional use. Dr. Niall Vallely

Porcelain or composite resin veneers are a better option for addressing cosmetic dental issues.

Would You Like To Book A Free Veneers Consultation?

Book Your Free Consultation

What If I Have Problems With My Veneers?

If you experience any problems with your veneers, it's critical to contact your dentist as soon as possible to address the issue. 

Some common issues that can occur with veneers include:

  • Sensitivity: This usually goes away on its own after a few days. Still, if the sensitivity persists or is particularly severe, your dentist may recommend desensitising treatments or adjustments to your veneers.
  • Chips or cracks: While veneers are designed to be durable, they can still chip or crack in certain situations. If this happens, your dentist may be able to repair the damage, or you may need to have the affected veneer replaced.
  • Discolouration: Veneers can become discoloured over time, especially if you frequently consume staining foods or drinks like coffee or red wine. Your dentist may recommend professional cleaning or polishing to restore the colour of your veneers.

Don't hesitate to contact us for advice and support if you have any concerns or issues with your veneers.

What Is Life Like With Veneers?

Life with veneers can be very much like life with your natural teeth.

Porcelain and composite veneers are designed to match the colour and shape of your existing teeth, so they will blend in seamlessly and look natural.

In terms of day-to-day life, no special routines or procedures are typically required when you have veneers. To better understand the aftercare procedure for veneers, we have put some aftercare guidelines in place.

You can brush and floss your teeth as usual and continue enjoying your favourite foods and drinks.

Conclusion

Dr.Carmen Anastasiu - Cosmetic Dentist - 3Dental Dublin

Veneers can be a good option if you have discoloured, chipped, misshapen, or crooked teeth. 

If you are interested in veneers, you can book a free consultation to discuss your options with one of our dentists in either our Dublin, Limerick or Galway clinics.

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