Veneers: Emax Ivoclar, how many years do they last? How do you know when they need replacement? (photo)

Hi:The replacement of Emax veneers depend on three factors:1.  If you get gum recession where the roots of the tooth show while smiling, you may want to get longer veneers to cover the roots.2.  Chipping or fracturing the veneer3.  Getting decay where the veneer meets the tooth.The actual emax veneer material does not actually breakdown over time.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Hey there,When veneers are done properly, they can last many decades.  Remember that you can always dislodge a veneer if you have bruxism or constantly eat very hard candies and foods.  Considering that you take care of your teeth well and get your check-ups every six months, your veneers may last you a lifetime.  When people age, they usually develop gum recession because of less than optimal dental hygiene over the years.  When gum recession occurs, the gums start to move away from their veneers, exposing the root of the tooth.  The root of the tooth is usually not as white as the veneer and therefor, people can see the yellow root of your tooth over the veneer, creating the look of a darker border over your tooth.  This gum-root phenomenon occurs with or without veneers, but when people have white veneers, the exposed root is much more noticeable.  This is one of the main reasons that people will get their veneers redone after about 20 years.  When getting your veneers redone in 20 years or so, the teeth will need to be prepped again, but only very slightly and should not result in removal of a lot more tooth structure.  The best step is to get them done right the first time. Hope this helps.Dr. Sarah Thompson

One of the biggest misconceptions behind porcelain veneers is that they need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years or so. This scares some people and prevents them from going thru the procedure and benefiting from having an attractive smile. The truth is, veneers can last for many years, even decades if properly placed and cared for.
If your considering having veneers placed, I would seek out an expert cosmetic dentist who has years of experience and good reviews. Look at their before/after pictures, and read what people are saying about their work. Usually doctors who have good reviews and pictures, use the best labs and porcelain. Cementing veneers is very technique sensitive, and is directly related to their long term success. Experienced cosmetic dentists usually have done hundreds of veneers and are experts at cementation.
I recommend all veneer patients wear a night guard and see their dentist on a regular basis for check ups and cleanings. Veneers are just like teeth and can chip if you chew on ice and other hard foods, so be careful with what you eat!