Learning to Manage Your Dental Problems

How Will Veneers Look 5 Years Later?

28 September 2018 by Charlotte Beck

When you look at the glossy magazines or watch TV and see your heroes splashed across the pages and screens, their gleaming white, perfect smiles are something that most people envy.

There are many ways to try and improve your smile, but whitening and braces can only go so far to put teeth straight and white. Severely stained teeth, chipped, cracked, or gappy teeth simply cannot be fixed by braces and whitening. So veneers are usually the next best option.

Porcelain veneers are applied by a skilled cosmetic dentist by removing a small layer of tooth enamel so that the veneers fit flush with your own teeth. They are applied with a long-lasting dental cement. They are usually made from porcelain, though they can be made from other materials. But how long do they last, and what will they look like in 5 years time?

Most cosmetic dentists expect porcelain veneers to last approximately 10 years, normally guaranteeing them for 5 years of use. However, with proper care and regular checkups, they can last as long as 20 years. So after 5 years, they should still be in tip-top condition, with at least another 5 years left in them — maybe even as many as 15.

Composite veneers are applied slightly differently. They are made from a translucent resin and sculpted directly onto the tooth. These are cheaper than porcelain but also have a shorter life expectancy. These are usually expected to last approximately 5 to 7 years. This is not to suggest that these are not as good; they are just made differently. The main difference is that they can be applied in one visit rather than several visits for porcelain veneers.

Care for veneers is as important as for your real teeth. You still need to avoid things that will stain your teeth, such as coffee and red wine. While porcelain veneers won't stain, your own teeth will continue to stain, and then your veneers won't match any more. Those that play sports such as football, soccer, and hockey should wear a sports mouth guard to protect their smile as best as they can.

It is vital to visit a reputable dental clinic to have the best-lasting results from your veneers. This is an investment in your long-term appearance, so taking the time to research dentists and speak with them so that they can demonstrate their expertise is a good first step. 

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