Veneers FAQ: Are Veneers Permanent?

Are you considering veneers, but aren't sure if they're really worth it? Are veneers permanent, or will they need replacement? Read here to find out.

Dental veneers have been around since the late 1920s, and it's probably no surprise that a Hollywood dentist invented them. In 2021, the global veneers market had grown to $1.55 billion. It's safe to say that the technology has come a long way since those early days in Tinseltown.

Veneers can transform your smile. Whether you choose to go for one or more, they can give you more confidence to flash those pearly whites at every opportunity. But you may wonder, are veneers permanent?

Read on as we take a deep dive into everything you've ever wanted to know about veneers. From how long they last to which types last the longest, we'll answer all your burning questions and more.

Veneers are a great way of giving your smile a makeover. They can cover up many issues, including stubborn discoloration and teeth that are unevenly sized or spaced. While veneers are not reversible, they are not a permanent solution.

Let's clarify that. To get traditional veneers, your teeth need to be prepared by being filed down. In the future, you won't be able to remove the veneers and use your natural teeth - you'll always need veneers.

A study completed in 2021 found that the ten-year survival rate for porcelain laminate veneers was 95.5%. We expect that the veneers you get fitted today will last about fifteen to twenty years. They may last for more or less time depending on:

The bottom line is that you'll need to replace your veneers with new ones many years down the line. The bonus is that you'll get new veneers that look perfect, giving you a smile refresh!

Two years of Zoom meetings mean that a lot of us are looking to improve the appearance of our teeth. When you visit a dentist to discuss this, they may recommend veneers. Veneers are wafer-thin shells that attach to the front of your teeth.

After you get veneers, they're the part of the tooth that will be visible to everyone. They're made of materials that mimic the appearance of natural teeth. They are designed to look like a real, but perfect, set of teeth.

Veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry. They make your teeth look great, but they don't correct functional problems. If you have a functional issue with your teeth then Invisalign, crowns, or bridges may be more suitable alternatives.

If you have one broken tooth that you really want to hide, you may choose to get a single veneer to cover it. However, many people prefer to get an even number of veneers to create a smile makeover. This gives you an even, symmetrical appearance.

You can get veneers on a chipped or broken tooth, but they can't be used on teeth that are decayed or have cavities. In these cases, you may be able to get a crown if there is enough healthy tooth left to provide a base for it. If the tooth needs to be removed, a dental implant could be a great option.

There are two main types of veneers - traditional and no-prep.

Before placing traditional veneers, your dentist will prepare the tooth by removing a layer of enamel. This provides the space needed to attach the veneer. The veneers are extremely thin, so the dentist will remove the absolute minimum amount of your natural tooth to accommodate it. 

As the name suggests, no-prep veneers require very little or, in some cases, no preparation. Only select cases can get veneers with no prepping of tooth structure.  With good care, they may last as long as traditional veneers.

For years, there have been two main types of veneers: porcelain and composite. But now some dentists also offer zirconia veneers. But which is the right choice for you?

Porcelain veneers have been the top choice for Hollywood smiles for many years. Porcelain is a super-strong ceramic that is non-porous and extremely dense. But the main reason we love it for veneers is because of its tooth-like appearance and great light refraction.

It has a natural translucence that's very similar to the appearance of tooth enamel. This makes your veneers look like they're your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers come in different shades and will be matched to your natural teeth and skin tone.

They're very durable, but they do come with one drawback. They are more expensive than composite veneers. But the extra expense needs to be weighed against the fact that they usually last longer.

Composite veneers are made from colored resin. They also look like natural teeth and can perform most of the same functions as porcelain veneers.

However, composite veneers are not able to cover dark staining as well as porcelain veneers can. They're also more likely to chip, break, or get staining around the edges than porcelain veneers. But on the plus side, they're a more affordable option.

Zirconia veneers are relatively new but have some serious credentials.

First, zirconia is a highly biocompatible material. That means that it's very well tolerated by your body and won't cause allergic reactions. Only gold is more biocompatible!

It's also an extremely strong material. It's a form of ceramic, but it's around 10 x stronger than your natural tooth enamel.

The downside? Fitting them is quite a long and laborious procedure.

They also require more tooth preparation than other types. They're not currently as available as other types of veneers and are usually the most expensive option.

There's a reason why porcelain veneers are the most popular type.

They look great, last for years, and are very resistant to staining. In most cases, this makes them well worth the extra initial expense.

First, you'll need to visit a dentist to discuss your smile goals. They'll examine your teeth and gums and hopefully give you the green light to go ahead and get veneers. If they find issues, they'll help you to fix these before you go ahead and get your veneers.

Your dentist will discuss the different veneer options and their pros and cons. Every mouth is different, so you may be offered different solutions to your family and friends. This shows that you're getting a truly tailored treatment. 

Your dentist will give you a chance to ask any questions. Don't be afraid to ask - there are no silly questions. The goal is for you to be totally comfortable and reassured before making your decision.

Also, ask about the insurance they accept. If your teeth have suffered damage as a result of an accident or are otherwise medically necessary, your insurance may cover part of all of the cost.

During your first appointment, your dentist will take x-rays and may make impressions of your teeth. During the second visit, they'll prepare the tooth for the veneers.

This involved removing a layer of the top surface - enamel - from each tooth that will receive a veneer. The dentist will then create an impression of your tooth, which will be sent off to create your custom veneers. You'll have temporary veneers while your permanent veneers are being prepared.

At your final visit, your dentist will remove the temporary veneers. He or she will then thoroughly clean your teeth so that no bacteria gets caught between your tooth and the veneer. They will then etch the surface of your tooth - making a rough surface that will form a strong bond with the dental cement.

Your dentist will then match the color of the dental cement to your teeth and begin the process of attaching the veneers. They will trim and adjust them to get exactly the right look.

Finally, a special light is used to quickly cure the dental cement, holding the veneer firmly in place. After some final checks, you'll be ready to see your new teeth!

You may need a follow-up appointment a couple of weeks later to check that everything is as it should be.

No prep veneers involve two visits to the dentist. 

At the first visit, the dentist will create impressions and send them off to make the custom veneers. In the second visit, they will check the veneers are a good match. They'll then lightly prepare the surface of the tooth before bonding the veneers.

You should seriously think about getting veneers if you're unhappy with the appearance of your teeth. Anyone can get veneers if their teeth and gums are healthy.

Your dentist will check your overall oral health before making their recommendations. They'll be looking for signs of gum disease and tooth decay.  They will also check your bite and ask about any parafunctional bad habits like grinding or nail biting.

Gum disease comes in two forms. Gingivitis is a relatively mild inflammation of the gums, causing redness and bleeding. Periodontitis is a more advanced form, which can lead to tooth loss.

If your dentist tells you that you have either of these conditions, it's important to treat them first. 

If you have issues with tooth decay, you'll need to correct these before considering options for cosmetic dentistry. Fillings and crowns are the most common ways to resolve mild to moderate cases of tooth decay.

Once your teeth and gums are healthy, then your dentist will schedule a time for you to get your veneers fitted.

The cost of veneers depends on where you live and the type of veneer you choose.

The price range for a single veneer is usually between $925 to $2,500, according to the American Dental Association. Porcelain and zirconia veneers are usually the most expensive options but last the longest.

But it's wise not to base your choice on cost alone. Consider the dentist's experience and results and how comfortable you feel at their office.

We've learned a lot about veneers, but there are a few questions people Google all the time about veneers. Knowing the answers can help you decide whether you want to get veneers or not.

The good news is that veneers do not ruin your teeth. In fact, when correctly fitted by a well-qualified and experienced dentist, they protect the tooth beneath.

But they do come with a warning. You still need to take good care of your teeth and gums to prevent tooth decay from developing in the natural tooth beneath.  Sometimes, your dentist may also require that you wear a night guard to protect the veneers and your teeth.  

This will depend on your needs and desire.

Some people choose to just get a single veneer to cover one tooth that they are not happy with. But other people may choose to get two, four, or six veneers. The front upper teeth are the ones that people most commonly want to cover.

You need to follow a good regular routine of brushing and flossing your teeth to keep your veneers in great shape. 

Brush your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. An electric toothbrush is particularly effective at thoroughly cleaning your teeth. 

After brushing, floss at least once a day. Floss gets into all the nooks and crannies that your toothbrush can't reach. It will help to prevent tooth decay in the natural teeth that hold your veneers in place.

Think carefully about your diet. If you consume a lot of sugar or sodas, try to cut down. Plaque loves sugar and it converts it into harmful acids that can eat away at your teeth.

If you're not happy with the appearance of your teeth, veneers can give you your confidence back.  To some people, that is priceless.

They last for years - maybe for decades with good care. They look stunning and are easy to maintain. The procedures for fitting veneers are simple and painless.

Now that we've answered "Are veneers permanent?" and other burning questions, we hope you feel confident about going ahead.

At Aura Dental Spa, we make visiting the dentist a comfortable and relaxing experience. Our dental spa is set up to minimize anxiety and allow you to get the treatments you need without stress or discomfort.

Why not schedule an appointment today? Call us at 407-698.5678 or fill out our online form at the bottom of the page and we'll be in touch soon!