This is one of the most common questions about porcelain veneers. The answer, like your natural teeth, depends on several factors but typically patients can expect their [link id=’117′ text=’porcelain veneers’] to last from 7 to 20 years.
Factors which determine how long porcelain veneers last:
- [link id=’96’ text=’Oral Hygiene’]: the veneers attach to your teeth, which makes practicing good oral hygiene important in protecting veneer longevity.
- Changes to gum line: if your gum line erodes, your veneers may no longer fit properly, or the underlying teeth may be exposed.
- Bruxism, or teeth grinding: this can wear away the veneers. If you grind your teeth at night, you should wear a mouth guard nightly to protect your veneers.
- Twisting or bending: porcelain is a glass so it tends to shatter when bent. Anything that causes a harsh twisting or bending motion on them should be avoided.
Sometimes issues arise in the life of a veneer which necessitate rebonding, like if a veneer comes off or is chipped. This is generally not a major issue.
If the veneer cannot be rebonded, it can be replaced.
Veneers are a means to beautiful teeth and a beautiful smile. They can be utilized to change the size and shape of your teeth as well as the color and require minimal tooth preparation.
Before being given porcelain veneers, you will first be fit with provisional teeth which are created using a wax model of your teeth. This “trial smile” as it is called is a good test run which can be tweaked before deciding on the look and fit that's best for you.
The decided upon provisional teeth are then replicated into porcelain veneers. The whole process can take up to 3 months, but is usually faster.
If you are in the Fairfax area and think porcelain veneers may be right for you, contact Dr. Pamela Marzban at 703-323-8200 to schedule a consultation.
