Question from Carl James, Taunton:
How long will porcelain veneers last?
I want to get porcelain veneers fitted but I am worried about how long they will last. Will I have to get a whole new set in a couple of years or should they last longer than that? Also is there anything I could do to prolong the life?
Porcelain veneers should last for quite a number of years depending on how you care for them. If they are not looked after, there is a chance that the material used to bond them to your teeth can become weakened resulting in damaged veneers which may need to be replaced. It will also depend on how well they are fitted to your teeth. If they are fitted well and bonded tightly to your teeth, they will not wear down. You should take care not to use your teeth for anything other than eating, such as biting on metal pins, or using your teeth to open things. Doing any of these things could cause porcelain veneers to chip at the edges. If you change dentists, it is important to tell them that you have veneers fitted so that they do not use any harsh cleaning methods which could break down the veneers and cause them to become more susceptible to staining. Regular care of your veneers is important. You should make sure to continue to brush and floss daily and continue to have regular check ups at the dentist.
