How long will porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers are extremely-thin coatings, made out of teeth-colored materials, which cover the front part of the teeth. This coat is applied to the teeth to change their color, shape, or even size.

Veneers are usually made out of porcelain, which resists stains better than other materials, and emulates real teeth better.

Why use porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are usually utilized when other methods such as whitening cannot evenly whiten your full set of chompers. They are likewise treated as the most aesthetically-pleasing means of improving smiles, for it always results in near-perfect teeth. The process is also hassle-free.

I’m convinced — but how long will my veneers last?

Once you’ve decided to get dental veneers, the process will start. Your dentist will first create a mock-up of your smile using wax. This is necessary, because it will be used to create temporary veneers while they prepare your permanent ones. Temporary veneers are made out of plastic or resin, and functions the same as a porcelain veneer. These “trial” veneers can last from weeks, up to months, which simulates the feeling of having a porcelain veneer.  You can evaluate which aspects of the veneer fits, which can be adjusted when you talk with your dentist. Trying out temporary veneers, in a way, is an exciting time, because you can experiment with different colors and shapes for your teeth.

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After a couple of weeks or months of testing out temporary veneers, and perfecting your set of porcelain veneers, you can now switch to your permanent ones. Expect for it to last from seven to twenty years — even more, depending on how well you take care of it.

It is important, then, to keep in mind some simple tips on taking care of your porcelain veneers to extend its lifespan:

• Your veneers are made out of porcelain. It may sustain damage if it gets bent.  If you have a habit of grinding your teeth at night, make sure you wear night guards to prevent veneers from being damaged, and keep your teeth in pristine shape.
• The teeth and gums around veneers are still living.  You need to take care of your teeth and gums as normal, because these are the anchors for the veneers.

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