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Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured porcelain designed to cover the front surfaces of your teeth to improve their overall appearance. They are bonded to the front of your teeth changing their shape, colour and length.
An important factor to consider is how long veneers typically last, as well as what can affect the lifespan of dental veneers.
It is important to discuss different types of veneers with your dentist. They will be able to run through multiple factors which could influence your decision and determine which treatment is right for you.
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, due to their dramatic affect on the appearance of the smile and their versatility in treating a wide variety of cosmetic issues such as cracks, discolouration, gaps, and chips.
Porcelain veneers are made specially in a lab, allowing them to perfectly fit your teeth. A thin layer of tooth enamel, around 0.5mm, is removed from the teeth so that the veneers sit flush with your other teeth. This is a small amount, but can cause issues if your natural teeth have already worn down. Veneers also have a border around the edge where they are bonded to your natural teeth which can cause issues with decay in the underlying tooth if bacteria get underneath.
Therefore, porcelain veneers are not often recommended to people with healthy, natural teeth, as they can cause unnecessary problems. Minor cosmetic issues may also be treated by less invasive options, such as composite bonding or invisalign for teeth alignment.
Typically, you can expect porcelain veneers to last at least 10 years, but regular upkeep is required to ensure they last as long as possible. Porcelain veneers can chip quite easily, often when a tooth is knocked by a mug or cracks when eating hard food. If you have porcelain veneers, you will be able to eat and drink as normal, but it is best to be conscious of the fact they are fragile.
Your dentist will give you the best tips to maintain your veneers. WIth proper care and maintenance, some porcelain veneers can last for up to 20 years. Some basic tips include:
Porcelain veneers start from £1,150 per tooth.
Composite veneers are a quick and easy solution for many cosmetic dental problems. They are performed by your dentist using a resin-based composite material which matches the look and feel of your natural teeth. They can still have a dramatic effect to the overall appearance of your smile, but cost significantly less than porcelain veneers. It also takes less time to get composite veneers fitted as they are made by your dentist rather than an external lab.
Composite veneers require similar maintenance to porcelain veneers, but do not usually last as long, typically between 5 and 7 years.
Veneers are typically a good solution for people with moderately damaged teeth. Benefits of dental veneers include instant, permanent results with only minimal or no tooth tissue removal, unlike crowns. Dental veneers are comfortable, easy to apply and ensure a perfect, dazzling smile for years to come. Minor cosmetic issues may be treated more cheaply and less invasively with solutions such as teeth whitening or composite bonding.
Similarly, for more seriously damaged teeth, dental crowns are probably a better option. However, veneers can fix a wide range of problems including:
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