For many, obtaining a beautiful smile is possible with routine dental care. However, some may desire – or need – a more drastic approach for achieving a stunning smile, such as dental veneers. Before you invest, you may question, “Are dental veneers permanent?” At Overland Park Family Dental, our Overland Park, Kansas dentist offers veneers, and they can last quite some time with the proper care.
Are Dental Veneers Permanent?
For most individuals, veneers won’t last a lifetime. They do, however, have the potential to last for 20 years or longer with proper care. You must take care of them properly. Additionally, when deciding on the material you want to use, you should understand which ones last longer and are easily repairable.
Longevity of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers tend to last between 1.5 to two times longer than composite resin. They tend to last between 15 to 20 years. This material is more durable than composite resin, so they don’t chip as easily. In addition to porcelain being a stronger medium, it’s also less likely to stain. Unfortunately, if something should happen to a porcelain veneer, we can’t correct the problem.
Longevity of Composite Resin
Composite resin isn’t as strong as porcelain, so they usually last between five to 10 years. Since they’re not as durable, they may crack or chip easier. Not to mention, smoking and consuming red wine, coffee, or other dark-colored beverages can stain them easily. That’s because they don’t resist stains the way porcelain veneers do. One positive of composite resin is that certain issues are repairable, so you don’t have to replace them in every case of damage.
Tips for Extending the Life of Your Veneers
While dental veneers aren’t permanent, you can extend the life of them with proper care. For one, you need to take care of them just like your own teeth. In other words, you must brush and floss regularly and visit our dentist for routine exams and cleanings. You also want to avoid eating hard foods and chewing on ice as well as refraining from dark-colored beverages.
Dental Veneers at Overland Park Family Dental
Schedule an appointment with Overland Park Family Dental, serving Overland Park, KS and the general vicinity, to discuss your options for dental veneers further. Contact us by calling 913-439-4311.