Composite or porcelain veneers can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile in just a couple of dental visits. But how long will your veneers last? In this article, we address this question and give tips on effective veneer care.

How Long Will Your Veneers Last?

Typically, veneers are made of porcelain or resin composite. The primary difference between these two materials lies in their longevity. Porcelain is a more durable and stain-resistant material compared to resin composite. Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper care, while resin composite veneers typically last 5 to 7 years.

Apart from the material your veneers are made of, your veneer care routine and your lifestyle habits will also influence their longevity. Let us look at several rules that will help you prolong the lifespan of your veneers, regardless of the material they are made of.

How Your Oral Hygiene Habits Influence the Longevity of Your Veneers

If you have insufficient oral hygiene, food residue and plaque will accumulate on your teeth over time. Additionally, plaque can harden and turn into tartar if not removed in a timely manner. Plaque and tartar accumulation can lead to surface staining or discoloration of your veneers.

On top of that, bacteria that live in plaque and tartar can cause tooth decay beneath your veneers and gum disease. Often, to treat these issues, veneers have to be removed and then replaced with a new set.

To ensure that your oral hygiene is sufficient, we recommend following these rules:

Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride will strengthen your natural teeth underneath veneers and help reduce bacterial growth in the mouth.
Spend at least two full minutes brushing your teeth on the front, back, and along the chewing surface of each tooth. Also, pay special attention to brushing along the gum line, but be careful not to hurt the gums in the process.
Floss every evening. If traditional flossing is challenging, try floss threaders or interdental brushes. Make sure to effectively remove plaque from between your teeth, but do not push the floss too deeply into the gums to avoid bleeding and irritation.
Add a water flosser to your routine. This device has been proven effective in loosening debris and plaque between teeth, making subsequent traditional flossing and brushing more effective. However, remember that a water flosser should be an addition to your routine, and it cannot replace traditional brushing and flossing.
Rinse your mouth after meals. You can also use a water flosser to remove food residue more effectively.

Proper Products for Veneer Care

Avoid whitening and abrasive products when cleaning your veneers. Such products can damage the surface of your veneers, creating minor scratches that can trap food particles and bacteria. As a result, your veneers can become stained and discolored. Instead, use a soft or medium soft brush and fluoride toothpaste.

Your Dietary Habits and Veneer Longevity

Some foods can damage, stain, or even break your veneers. We recommend avoiding the following:

Hard and crunchy foods, such as crackers, popcorn with seeds, and foods that require a lot of force to bite off a piece (such as hard apples). You should also avoid cracking nuts with your teeth, chewing on hard objects, or using your teeth as tools.
Sticky foods that can dislodge your veneers
Staining foods and beverages (beetroot, black coffee and tea, soda and candy with artificial dye, curry and other brightly colored spices, red wine, etc.). If you consume such foods, rinse your mouth or brush your teeth immediately after the meal.

Get High-Quality Veneers at Samaritan Dental

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at Samaritan Dental to receive high-quality, long-lasting dental veneers. We are looking forward to your visit.