Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?
A chipped, cracked tooth or one worn down from grinding can have you hiding those pearly whites. Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent solution that provide a strong, smooth ceramic covering that can transform your smile.
They are placed over your teeth, hiding imperfections like tooth discoloration, cracks, and chips. We can apply them to one or all of your front teeth, making them incredibly versatile.
They have a lifespan and require proper care to last, though. At Allen Family Dentistry, we take every precaution necessary and give you all the education you need to enjoy them as long as possible, starting with this blog.
Porcelain veneers procedure
The veneer process usually takes three visits, initial consultation, prepping for the procedure, and applying the new veneers.
To prepare, we’ll take a mold to send to the lab to create your custom veneers. Then, you’ll receive temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent ones.
Once ready, you’ll return to our office, and our dentist will roughen up your natural teeth a bit, so the veneers adhere better. We’ll then use a special adhesive and light to solidify the veneers to your teeth, creating a bond meant to last.
The veneer is permanently attached to your teeth and can only be removed by a dentist if you would ever happen to no longer want them.
Average lifespan of porcelain veneers
On average, porcelain veneers last ten years. However, once they reach the end of their lifespan, you may have new ones placed.
Keep in mind that their lifespan depends on how well you care for them. They could fail prematurely, or they could far surpass the average.
Factors that affect their longevity include:
- Teeth grinding
- Oral hygiene
- Opening packaging with them
- Foods you eat
- Type of oral health devices you use
- Playing sports without a guard
If you grind or clench your teeth, you place excessive pressure on the veneers, which can cause them to crack or chip.
The veneers don’t protect your teeth from decay, so you still need to brush and floss daily. Decay damages your teeth, which could cause the veneer to fall off.
While you should never open packages with your teeth, this rule becomes even more vital when you have veneers.
Eating hard or sticky foods or chewing on ice has the potential to harm your veneers as well. The following items can stain them if frequently consumed. Proper brushing and regular dental care will make your veneers last longer.
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Berries
- Tomatoes
When you play sports, definitely wear a mouthguard. Without one, your veneers are at risk of damage from the impact of a ball, someone running into you, or a fall.
Porcelain vs. other options
In regard to their permanency, porcelain veneers last longer than composite resin. They’re also highly stain resistant. But, you still want to regulate the amount of staining beverages and foods you consume.
Moreover, porcelain is relatively translucent, enhancing its esthetics and natural appearance.
Ultimately, our dentist will carefully apply veneers to give you a smile you can showcase proudly for many years. When the results become lackluster, we’ll complete the whole process again so you can enjoy them for another ten or more years.
Call your nearest Allen Family Dentistry:
Our three dental practices serve the following communities throughout East Texas, including Athens… Opens new tab to Athens location on Google…, Cedar Creek Lake, Henderson County, Bullard… Opens new tab to Bullard location on Google…, Smith County, South Tyler, Cherokee County, Palestine… Opens new tab to Palestine location on Google…, and Anderson County.
