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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

How much longer will my composite veneers last?

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I’ve been using Supersmile toothpaste for years on my composite veneers. I’ve heard that they only last a few years, but I’ve had mine for nine years. How much longer will they last? I want to plan to find a cosmetic dentist who will do them as well as my dentist in NJ. – Thank you. Amanda from Erie, PA

Amanda,

Thank you for your question. The longevity of your composite veneers shows how well you have taken care of them and that you received high-quality veneers.

How Long Do Composite Veneers Last?

Although the average lifespan of composite veneers is about five years, they can begin to attract stains within a year or two. You can extend their life by taking care of them with a non-abrasive toothpaste and non-abrasive dental cleaning. Composite veneers require more maintenance than porcelain veneers. But they require less tooth enamel removal than porcelain veneers. And, they cost less than veneers.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

Porcelain veneers have an average lifespan of eight years but can last ten to twenty years. Porcelain is stain resistant.

When it is time to replace your composite veneers, whether you choose composite again or porcelain—only get them cleaned by a trained dental hygienist. Hygienists who understand how to care for porcelain and composite will not use chemicals or polishes that damage the surface.

Look for an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

Skilled cosmetic dentists mix dental resins and apply and harden layers on your teeth. They sculpt the composite to match the characteristics of your natural teeth. After refining tooth shape, your cosmetic dentist will polish your teeth to a natural-looking gloss.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD sponsors this post. Dr. Szarek is an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA.

Before-and-afte composite bonding photos from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Szarek

Dr. Szarek beautifully restores teeth with composite bonding

 

How long should porcelain veneers last?

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Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth

I got 6 porcelain veneers in June 2012 when I lived in Chicago. At first, I was pretty happy with them except they didn’t look as white as I wanted. I got my teeth whitened BEFORE I got veneers and the veneers are not quite as white as my teeth. Anyway, everything was going well until the veneers started chipping in last summer. There is a little chip on my right incisor and a small one on my right front tooth. I called the dentist’s office where I got the veneers (I now live in MA) and she told me that it’s probably time to replace the veneers. I was furious. At $1200 per veneer and not even 6 years later, she tells me I probably need to replace them. I asked her how long veneers should last and she told me that the brand I chose (I didn’t choose the brand. I know nothing about how to choose a brand of porcelain veneers.) is known for chipping. First I am wondering how after 6 years she even remembers what brand I have and why she is lying about it being my choice. So I am guessing that there is another issue that she is not going to talk about. Shouldn’t porcelain veneers last longer than 6 years? Ceyda

Ceyda,

Yes, porcelain veneers should last longer—much longer—than six years. If quality veneers are properly bonded to your teeth, and if you take proper care of them, they can last 15 to 20 years. You are nowhere near the lifecycle of quality veneers, so quality must be the issue.

  • Brand – It is possible that the dentist who placed your veneers chose an inferior brand. That occurs sometimes to keep costs down and make getting veneers more enticing for patients. But as you have experienced, if they don’t last, what good is it?
  • Bonding – Another possibility is that your veneers were not correctly bonded to your teeth. It takes a lot of skill and the expertise of a highly trained cosmetic dentist to bond veneers to last. If they are poorly bonded or weak, they can chip.

Unfortunately, you probably do need new veneers. This time find an experienced cosmetic dentist in your area. If you can find one who is accredited, or who has extensive training in aesthetic or cosmetic dentistry, it will help you get amazing results. Select a few top cosmetic dentists first, have consultations with them, and compare your options before you select a provider for your new veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.