Porcelain veneers are a popular method of shielding a stained or damaged tooth from sight. Composed of a thin layer of composite resin, porcelain, or other ceramic materials that are adhered to the top of the unsightly tooth, veneers are a dental solution that offer a wide range of options. For many, porcelain veneers are the preferred option, given the various advantages they offer as compared to other materials.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
While composite veneers are quicker and less expensive to create, porcelain veneers offer a more attractive and natural looking solution. Because the aesthetic qualities of porcelain are so similar to the visual presentation of a tooth, porcelain veneers blend into one’s smile much more easily than their composite counterparts.
As an additional benefit, they are also more durable as compared to composite veneers. Although the price point of porcelain veneers is higher, given the quality of the materials and the considerable labor that is required both to create and to adhere them to a patient’s tooth, they also last about twice as long as composite veneers, which further justifies their cost.
Average Durability of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are created to offer a permanent solution to a cosmetic problem. This is in part because the problem that veneers solve often cannot be rectified in any other way, but it is also due in part to the fact that the tooth destined to receive the veneer has to be modified substantially in order for the veneer to fit over it.
In this procedure, the enamel of the front of the tooth is shaved down in preparation for the placement of the veneer. This is a unique feature of porcelain veneers; in contrast, composite veneers can be reversed if the patient chooses to do so.
On average, individual porcelain veneers last between 10-15 years, which is notable in contrast with the average lifespan of composite veneers, which is limited to 5-7 years. Once a porcelain veneer has run its course, it will be removed and a new veneer will be put in its place.
How to Increase the Longevity of Porcelain Veneers
While porcelain veneers are naturally quite durable, there are things that one can do to lengthen their lifespan. The most important thing to do is to maintain good oral hygiene, brushing at least twice a day with an appropriate, soft-bristled toothbrush, and flossing at least once a day. Simple though this is, consistent oral hygiene practices are one of the best ways to protect your veneers while also protecting the health of your teeth and gums.
Protecting your veneers from physical damage is also important. Like your teeth, porcelain veneers can chip and break if exposed to excessive amounts of force. For this reason, your dentist may recommend the use of a nightguard if you suspect that you clench or grind your teeth at night. If you play contact sports or sports where objects could hit you in the mouth, an athletic mouthguard is also recommended.
Finally, remember: your teeth are not tools, and neither are your veneers. Do not use your teeth to do things they are not meant to do and take care not to bite down on extremely hard substances, with or without veneers.
By following these simple steps, you’re already well on your way to preserving the use and appearance of your porcelain veneers for many years to come.