Are veneers permanent? This article explains how long dental veneers last, whether they are permanent, and alternative options.
More people are opting for cosmetic dentistry, with dental veneers being one of the most popular treatments. In fact, the global cosmetic dental market is worth a whopping 6.9 billion and shows no signs of slowing down.
If you’re unhappy with your smile’s appearance, dental veneers are a speedy and cost-effective dental treatment that can instantly transform a smile. Whether your teeth are cracked or chipped, you suffer from tooth discolouration, or you want to alter their size and shape, veneers provide a long-term, and in some aspects, permanent solution that looks and feels natural.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation regarding dental veneers and their permanency. Considerations such as the longevity of veneers are factors you should know about before looking to transform your smile.
So, are veneers permanent?
As far as porcelain veneers are concerned, the answer is yes. But it’s important to understand what the term ‘permanent’ means.
Once a dentist places veneers on the teeth, they won’t last forever. However, patients will always have to wear veneers after undergoing the procedure. Hence the reason why the process, once started, is permanent.
Let’s explain!
Because fitting veneers typically involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel (around 0.5 mm), opting for tooth veneers is an irreversible and, therefore, permanent procedure.
Removing tooth enamel allows our cosmetic dentist to fit your porcelain veneers to the front surface of the teeth so that they sit perfectly within the smile line without protruding.
Because enamel doesn’t have living cells, this structural alteration is irreversible as the enamel can’t grow back. As a result, porcelain veneers will always need to be worn to cover the teeth. For this reason, once you choose tooth veneers, there’s no going back. You will always need to wear them; for this reason, they are, indeed, permanent.
So, are veneers permanent in terms of longevity?
One clinical study of porcelain veneers revealed a survival rate of 96% after ten years and 91% after 20 years. So while they may not last your lifetime, ten to twenty years is relatively permanent.
On the contrary, composite veneers are less permanent because they are more prone to chips and breakages, with an estimated lifespan of between 5-7 years.
Ultimately, when considering whether dental veneers are permanent, the answer depends on several factors. In particular, the veneer material. Porcelain is more durable and lasts longer than other materials like composite resin.
The next discerning factor when answering the question ‘are veneers permanent?’ is a person’s lifestyle and oral hygiene. We may be stating the obvious, but even with dental veneers, you still need a thorough daily oral routine.
Patients that don’t brush and floss teeth regularly are more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay which can put dental veneers and teeth at risk. You’ll also need to avoid staining and wear and tear. Doing so can make veneers more permanent.
Above all, to help your porcelain veneers last longer, avoid smoking, steer clear of hard, crunchy, and chewy foods, plus foods and beverages that stain. As a rule of thumb, anything that stains a white shirt should be eaten or drunk in consideration. And did we mention not to use your newly veneered teeth to remove bottle tops and open packages!
Alternatives to conventional porcelain veneers
Lumineers
Lumineers are an ultra-thin version of porcelain veneers. So, what’s unique about them? Because the material is so thin, there is no need to remove tooth enamel to accommodate them. Therefore unlike conventional veneers, which will be a permanent fixture in the mouth, you can swap out your Lumineers if you no longer want them.
That said, they’re not as effective at concealing dental imperfections and severe discolouration because these flaws can show through the ultra-thin material. Moreover, they’re not as durable as conventional veneers leaving you more at risk of damage or breakage.
Composite dental veneers
We mentioned composite veneers earlier, and while they produce similar results to porcelain veneers, the procedure is different.
Composites are applied directly to the tooth surface by a dentist. Patients like them because no anesthetic is required, and they can be completed in a single appointment.
Usually, no tooth preparation (or very little) is required. The dentist applies layers of composite resin (the same as used for fillings) to the teeth, hardening each layer with a high-intensity light.
The resin is moulded and shaped before being polished to mimic the sheen of a natural tooth. Since the composite matches the surrounding teeth’ colour, the veneers fit seamlessly into the smile.
So are composite veneers permanent?
Like Lumineers, composite dental veneers can be removed when you no longer want them, leaving the tooth enamel intact.
Hopefully, the above information has answered your question, are veneers permanent?
Perfect your smile for the long-term
At Sydney Laser Dental Care, we provide same-day permanent porcelain veneers thanks to advanced CEREC technology. Patients can walk in with a blemished, crooked or gapped smile and exit with a fabulous transformation! Why would you ever want to reverse that? We’re currently promoting a special offer on veneers packages, so don’t leave it too long to transform your smile. Schedule your consultation today.
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
References
Grand View Research- Cosmetic Dentistry Market Size, Share, and Trends
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cosmetic-dentistry/-market#:~:text=The%20global%20cosmetic%20dentistry%20market%20size%20was%20valued,dental%20aesthetics%2C%20this%20industry%20has%20undergone%20great%20advancements
PubMed Central – The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
