How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last? Tips From A Dental Specialist

If you’re wondering ‘how long do porcelain veneers last?’ then you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions people ask when considering this cosmetic treatment. 

Knowing how long porcelain veneers last and what you can expect from your new smile in the long-run, is an important part of making the right decision.

You might be looking into different options depending on your aesthetic goals, such as teeth whitening or composite bonding. Porcelain veneers, though, give you a complete smile transformation that changes both the shape and colour of your existing teeth. 

Choosing to have any type of cosmetic dentistry is a big decision so it’s important to get all the answers  first. 

At Lume Dental, we’re committed to giving all of our patients the very best experience from the moment they come into contact with us. We know dentistry can be daunting, but by answering your questions around veneers, and helping you understand what to expect, we hope to ease some of these concerns. 

All of our clinicians are fully qualified and our lead Clinical Director and Cosmetic Dentist, Dr Gopinder Lalia is a Dental Phobia Certified dentist, meaning patients who feel anxious about dental treatment are supported with extra care and understanding.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are customised to the shape you want. Depending on the type of smile you’re looking for, these shells can be tailored to suit you, creating a complete smile transformation. 

Unlike teeth whitening which only changes the colour of your existing teeth, porcelain veneers mean you can achieve more dramatic results. This is ideal for people who are self-conscious of their teeth and have several issues they want to address, as you can change the size, colour, texture, and shape of your existing teeth. 

The great thing about porcelain veneers is that they still look natural as they’re designed to reflect light in the same way as enamel. This means you don’t have to worry about classic veneer concerns such as ‘turkey teeth’ or feeling like they are too obvious.

Factors That Affect How Long Porcelain Veneers Last

Whilst porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and are less likely to become discoloured than your natural teeth, there are factors that can affect their longevity.

This is the case with any type of cosmetic dentistry as you still need to maintain good oral hygiene and be mindful of certain foods and drinks (whilst still enjoying yourself of course!).

The most common factors that affect how long porcelain veneers last are:

• Staining food and drink – There are some foods and drinks which are more likely to strain your teeth than others. These are usually dark-coloured and are more likely to discolour teeth as a result. Examples include red wine, curry, tea, coffee, fruit juice, soy sauce and more. You can read a more complete list of teeth-staining foods here. 
• Oral hygiene – Maintaining good oral hygiene is always important, but arguably more so with veneers. Make sure you’re regularly brushing your teeth (particularly after food and drink) and flossing to remove any food or plaque buildup.
• Hygiene visits – Whilst maintaining good oral hygiene at home is key, hygiene visits mean your teeth and gums get an even deeper clean every 6 months. Compared to home treatments, this helps remove stubborn plaque build-up, keeping your veneers looking their best. These visits also give you a chance to ask your dentists any questions you might have.
• Type of veneers – Porcelain veneers are designed to last longer (usually 10-15 years) depending on how well you look after them. However, you can also get full-coverage composite veneers, which typically last between 5 and 7 years before requiring replacement or more regular maintenance.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, places excessive pressure on your veneers which can lead to chips or cracks. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist might recommend a mouthguard to help protect your new smile. 
• Using your teeth carelessly – Avoid using your teeth to open things like bottle tops and packaging as this can put unnecessary pressure on your teeth and cause chipping or damage to your veneers.
• Protect your teeth – Everyday habits can make a big difference to how long your veneers last so try to avoid things like biting into hard foods, and be mindful when playing contact sports such as rugby or boxing.