Dental veneers are basically thin shells that are applied to the front of your teeth, making them look even and intact. They can cover imperfections in your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile.
An important factor to keep in mind when deciding whether to use veneer is how long it usually lasts. In this article, we’ll help answer that question and also look at what can affect the lifespan of dental veneers.
Be sure to ask your dentist about your options when it comes to veneers. Find out what types of veneers they offer and recommend.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types of veneer.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain is probably the most commonly used veneer material. And for good reason: The material is thin and translucent, which produces a very realistic effect.
Porcelain veneers have a reputation for longevity. ONE
The same 2018 review notes that some research has revealed a shorter lifespan for porcelain veneers. This can be the result of porcelain veneers being applied to teeth that were not properly prepared beforehand.
Porcelain veneers may vary in price. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, you can expect to pay between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.
Composite aspects
Another commonly used veneer material is a resin-based composite material. According to
The composite version of veneers costs less compared to porcelain, although they don’t last as long. You’re looking for a price somewhere in between $250 and $1,500 per toothaccording to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
Composite veneers require a skilled provider (dentist or prosthodontist), while porcelain veneers require an excellent lab technician for a successful result.
Veneers without preparation
No-prep veneers are basically what they sound like: They are veneers that do not require extensive preparation of your teeth before placement. Preparation-free veneers can improve the appearance of your teeth while preserving as much of your tooth enamel as possible.
Because the procedure is less invasive, it takes less time to apply these veneers. Some common brands include Lumineers, Vivaneers and DURAthin veneers.
According to the manufacturer of Lumineers, they can last up to 20 years, but other sources suggest a longevity of up to 10 years. They can cost anywhere $800 to $2,000 per tooth.
If you’ve been frowning at your smile in the mirror, you may be wondering if dental veneers are the right choice for you.
Not the best solution for severely damaged teeth. Crowns are probably a better choice for these situations. But veneers may be a good option if your teeth are:
- chopped
- faded
- fracture
- undersized
You’ll also want to find out from your dentist if veneers are covered by insurance. Depending on the situation, veneers may be considered an elective cosmetic treatment. If this is the case, insurance will not cover part of the cost.
Talk to your dentist about the best options for you, your budget and the look you want to achieve. You may even want to ask if there is a way to see a digital image of what your smile might look like with veneers.
Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may wonder about the benefits of veneers versus the benefits of crowns. One factor to consider is longevity.
There are several types of crowns, but all are basically a cap for a damaged tooth. They cover all or most of the tooth and can be made from many different substances, including:
- porcelain
- metal
- composite resin
- combination of materials
Crowns tend to be thicker than veneers. It’s 2mm, compared to about 1mm for veneer. Since they cover more of your tooth than a veneer, less of the tooth is exposed to new tooth decay. Veneers only cover the front of your tooth and are most often applied to the front eight teeth.
The lifespan of a crown can vary. Depending on the material used, a veneer can last 5 to 10 years old on average, according to the American College of Prosthetists.
With dental veneers, several factors can affect the lifespan of the type of veneer you choose. Let’s take a closer look at what can affect longevity.
- The condition of your teeth before installation. According to some dentists, the condition of your teeth before getting veneers can affect the lifespan.
- Veneer materials. Porcelain and no-prep veneers last longer than composite veneers. However, these options are more expensive, so you should weigh the cost against the expected lifespan.
- Your oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene is really important. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily are vital to prolonging the life of veneers. It is also important to have dental checkups and cleanings every 6 months.
- Mouth protection. If you play a contact sport, be sure to wear a mouth guard to protect your veneers from chipping or breaking.
- Grit tooth. Grinding your teeth can put too much pressure on your veneers. If you’re prone to grinding your teeth when you sleep, wear a mouth guard at night to protect your veneers.
- Using your teeth as tools. Do not use your teeth to try to open items that cannot be opened with your hands or other tools.
- Care with hard food. Avoid biting into foods such as hard candies, ice, or nuts.
Depending on the type of veneer you choose and other lifestyle factors, the lifespan of a veneer typically lasts from 5 to 10 years.
When choosing which type of dental veneer is right for you, you’ll need to weigh a number of factors, including short-term and long-term costs, the expected lifespan of the veneers, and the look you hope to achieve.
