The Life of Veneers: How Often Are Veneers Replaced?

Before making any changes to your teeth, cosmetically or otherwise, it is always prudent to examine the possible outcomes of your available choices. Models, celebrities and those who simply wish to have a more beautiful smile, often choose veneers. They are sturdy, look like real teeth and can last a lifetime if well cared for.

Like natural teeth, however, they do experience wear. As a result, their lifespan depends on several factors, all of which will be covered here.

Your Choice of Dentist Matters

Between July 1st 2017 and September 1st 2017, a total of 22,457 dentists were registered throughout Australia. That's a lot of dentists to choose from. However, just as in any profession, there are practitioners that excel at their work, and there are those that are average. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, it is important that you research them beforehand.

A good cosmetic dentist will also rely on an equally good ceramist. Even if a cosmetic dentist is one of the best in their trade, without a quality ceramist, their veneers will be of a lesser quality.  Well-made veneers last for at least 10-15 years—provided you take good care of them. So, your first answer is that the lifespan of veneers depends on the quality of the dentist.

Oral Care Decides the Lifespan of Veneers

You could hire the best cosmetic dentist in Australia to create your veneers, but if your oral care is lacking in any way, you may only get 5-10 years out of your veneers. If you invest your money in veneers, you should also be prepared to invest your time and effort in maintaining them. Flossing between them will keep decay from occurring along the margins.

Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will ensure that they do not become worn. You should also use a non-abrasive toothpaste to prolong the life of your veneers.

The Lifespan of Veneers Depends on Oral Habits

Your oral habits will also play a role in the lifespan of your veneers. Nail biting, chewing ice, nibbling pens and drinking sodas that contain phosphoric and citric acid will all take years off the lifespan of your veneers.

Your Other Teeth Should Also Be Healthy

Molars are for grinding food, canines are for tearing and incisors are for cutting. Take good care of your other teeth since it is not a good idea to use your incisors, where your veneers will likely be, to crush or grind food. If all of your teeth are intact, they can each do the job they were intended to for.

Overusing teeth with veneers, because your other teeth are in poor shape, will reduce the lifespan of those veneers by years. As you can see, veneers can last a lifetime, or, they can be replaced within a few years. How long they last is completely up to you.  


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