How Often Do Veneers Need Replacing?

There are many varying factors. What ceramic material was used? What type of occlusion do you have? How much tooth structure was removed initially? How good is your home care oral hygiene and are you maintaining regular dental visits? In general with favorable conditions, the failure rate for veneers is low within the first 10-15 years.

This is an excellent question that we get very often!  The average lifespan of porcelain veneers  (if done properly by a trained cosmetic dentist that uses a high quality lab) is anywhere from 10-15 years.  With that said, the patient has a great deal to do with how long their veneers last.  It's important to still maintain regular cleanings and check-ups (at least every 6 months), get regular x-rays to make sure the teeth and gums are healthy, and to wear a night-guard while sleeping to protect the beautiful porcelain veneers.  Make sure you also see a dentist and hygienist that know how to offer proper care and cleanings after your veneers are done.  We generally recommend special electric Rotodent toothbrushes that are gentle on your new veneers (some electric toothbrushes like Sonicare cause abrasions to the porcelain).  The most important thing is that you see a cosmetic dentist that is properly trained in placing veneers and taking your occlusion (bite) into consideration.  If they place the veneers incorrectly and your bite is off, it can affect speech, the longevity of the veneers, cause headaches/pain, and cause chipping and breaking prematurely.  If veneers are done correctly by a properly trained dentist, they can last even longer than the average lifespan.  If you have had your veneers longer than 10-15 years and decide to replace them, have a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to see how many need to be replaced.  Typically, you will want them replaced at the same time, so the shade matches and looks consistent.  Best wishes!!