How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dentistry restoration that can improve the appearance of a wide range of aesthetic flaws in your smile. For this reason, they are one of the most popular procedures offered by Dr. Fleschler. One of the most common questions Dr. Fleschler receives during a porcelain veneers consultation involves how long they will last. Unfortunately, veneers aren’t meant to last forever, but when properly cared for, they can last a very long time.

In general, you can expect your porcelain veneers to last between 10 and 20 years before they will need to be replaced. Fortunately, you play an important role in how long your results will last. If you take the right steps to care for your veneers, you can significantly prolong their lifespan.

Some steps you can take to make your porcelain veneers last longer include:

• Avoid the consumption of staining agents — Foods and beverages such as coffee, colas, red wine and berries can stain your teeth. While porcelain veneers are stain resistant, your natural teeth aren’t. Therefore, consumption of these foods and beverages can create a situation where the shade of your veneers no longer matches the shade of your natural teeth. To avoid this, limit your consumption of these foods and beverages and when you do drink something that can stain your teeth, use a straw.
• Don’t grind your teeth — Grinding your teeth is never a healthy habit, but it can be particularly detrimental to the health of your porcelain veneers. Grinding your teeth will place unnecessary pressure on your veneers, which may potentially result in the need to replace them at an earlier date. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, Dr. Fleschler can create a bite guard for you to wear at night in order to minimize the stress on your veneers.
• Maintain good oral hygiene habits — The way you care for your teeth will impact the longevity of your veneers. If you ignore your oral hygiene regimen, it can lead to the development of tooth decay and gum disease. This may detract from the appearance of your veneers, causing them to be replaced at an earlier time than would normally be necessary.

The good news is that the dental porcelain used for your veneers is highly durable and lasts a long time. If you do your part and take good care of your teeth and gums, you can experience beautiful results for many years to come.

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, please contact Dr. Heather Fleschler using the form on this page or call 713-660-6500 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in the Houston, Texas areas of West University, Bellaire, River Oaks and Meyerland.