If you’re considering giving your smile a makeover with veneers, then one of the first questions you probably want the answer to is “How long do porcelain veneers last?”
Porcelain veneers are by far one of our most popular and successful cosmetic treatments, and not without good reason. Our experienced dentists can create a long-lasting, natural-looking smile that looks brighter and whiter in a few appointments with veneers.
On average, porcelain veneers should last between 10 and 15 years, but they could even last as long as 20 years with the proper care.
Before delving into the whys and wherefores of how long veneers last, let’s quickly explain what they are and why they are so popular.
What are porcelain veneers?
When compared to composite veneers, porcelain veneers are long-lasting. They consist of thin coverings or shells of porcelain attached to the front surface of a tooth to conceal a multitude of ‘sins’ beneath. Dentists will often recommend dental veneers to correct teeth that are: 
- Heavily stained
- Slightly misaligned
- Gapped
- Chipped or cracked
- Worn or uneven
Porcelain has translucent properties similar to tooth enamel, which let the light shine through, giving a smile its sparkle and is one of the main reasons porcelain veneers are so popular. Because porcelain can be shade-matched accurately to the surrounding teeth, it looks incredibly natural.
Unlike a composite veneer handcrafted directly onto a tooth, a porcelain veneer is manufactured in a lab and cemented firmly to the tooth’s outer surface as an indirect restoration. A thin layer of enamel usually has to be removed, so the veneers fit flush within the smile.
So, how long do porcelain veneers last, and why?
For whatever reason you are considering porcelain veneers, it’s understandable that you want to know how long your investment is likely to last and whether they are good value for money. At the cost of approximately $1500 to 3500 per tooth, fees can soon mount up. That said, you don’t need to put a veneer on every tooth. You may only want to cover those in your smile line.
Several factors directly impact how long your veneers last, and we’ll discuss these below.
Personal upkeep
Anyone getting veneers needs to be committed to good oral hygiene and regular check-ups with their dentist. Our cosmetic dentist will discuss the best way to look after your dental veneers in more detail at your appointments. But since they are attached to your natural teeth and will be in use every day, regular upkeep is a no-brainer.
Choosing a reputable dentist
There are hundreds of cosmetic dentists in NSW alone, and not all of them will offer the same high standards as we do at Beyond Infinity Dental. Do your research no matter where you are in Australia to ensure the clinic you choose is honest, patient-focused and experienced. Ultimately, the cosmetic dentist’s qualifications, skill, and experience will affect how good your porcelain veneers look and how long they last.
Veneers are not permanent
Even if you have your veneers fitted by the most experienced cosmetic dentist in Australia and maintain the highest care standards, they will eventually need replacing. While porcelain veneers are not reversible, they will require eventual replacement.
Considering all of these factors, porcelain veneers that have been properly fitted and well cared for should last up to 15 years, although they may last longer.
So, while it’s fair to say they represent a pretty high investment, veneers can change your life for many years to come.
Now we’ve answered your question, “how long do porcelain veneers last” let’s take a closer look at how to look after them.
With the proper TLC, there’s no reason why you can’t extend the life expectancy of your porcelain veneers – who knows your veneers could last as long as 20 years?
Caring for your dental veneers for a long-lasting restoration
Adopting a strict dental routine for your veneers just as you would for your natural teeth is the easiest way to ensure a long healthy lifespan. Daily brushing and flossing, regular use of mouthwash, and limiting acidic or sugary foods will help keep your dental veneers in tip-top condition.
Here are three top tips to help maximise the lifespan of your dental veneers.
- Avoid grinding your teeth – Grinding and clenching your teeth is never a good habit, but it can be especially detrimental with porcelain veneers since it places pressure on the veneers and may cause damage.
- Minimise beverages that stain – Some of our favourite drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine stain teeth significantly. While they won’t stain your porcelain veneers, they are likely to stain your remaining natural teeth to the point where they no longer match your veneers – disrupting your smile aesthetics.
- Protect your teeth – If you participate in contact sports such as football, hockey or rugby, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from chips or breakages.
- Avoid using them as tools – If you want your restorations to last a long time, avoid using them to open bottle tops or to crush ice.
How long do porcelain veneers last – Encountering problems
The good news is that our dentists are very experienced in repairing or replacing porcelain veneers, so even if you do experience a significant problem, our dentists can remedy the situation.
Following your initial consultation and the two appointments to have your veneers applied, you may need to schedule a couple of follow-up appointments to check on them. This way, although it’s pretty rare, any initial problems can be detected quickly.
So if you’re pleasantly surprised at how long porcelain veneers can and do last, schedule a veneers consultation with our principal dentist, Dr Jack Yang and take the first step towards your brand new smile.
Dr Yang is passionate about cosmetic dentistry and highly experienced in blending the colours of porcelain to create a perfect match for natural teeth. He believes in involving patients from the outset and uses Smile Design software that helps patients better describe their smile goals and the results they are hoping for. Even better, patients can try on their new smile virtually before even committing to porcelain veneers.
Contact us now on (02) 8806 3799 for a consultation.
