How Long Does Composite Veneers Last?

Composite resin veneers may only last for four to eight years, as opposed to porcelain veneers that can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years.

In this article, we will answer all your questions regarding the life of composite veneers and even give you tips to make your composite veneers last longer.

How often do composite veneers need to be replaced?

Usually, composite veneers last 4-8 years. After that, you’ll need a replacement set of veneers.

Your dentist can easily remove and repair or replace the veneers by adding new composite material.

Can composite veneers be removed?

Yes, they can.

While removal of composite veneers, a small amount of enamel will be removed in the process.

After this, your teeth can be polished and re-evaluated after the composite is off.

Will my composite veneers break easily?

Not at all. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers do not break easily. However, they can chip if you bite and chew on hard food.

If you break your composite veneers, you don’t need to worry. You just have to schedule a visit with your cosmetic dentist. They should be able to repair it in one visit.

How to know that it’s time to replace your composite veneers

• Your veneers are separating from your gums causing a gap or the appearance that the gums are receding. This is usually because of a gum disease and you should visit a dentist urgently.
• If your veneers are chipped, cracked or worn down, schedule a visit to get them replaced.
• After your veneers are fitted, they might feel uncomfortable. This could be because they are not properly custom fit. Visit a good , experienced dentist to get this problem fixed.
• Veneers are designed to fit tightly to the underlying tooth, to block out any decay-causing bacteria. However, they can sometimes become a little loose and the supporting tooth can become decayed but in this case, the veneer may start to detach. Your dentist can remove the veneer to treat the decay, before installing a replacement.
• If ingested in excess, some foods and beverages can discolor your veneers just like they can your natural teeth. Unfortunately, veneers can’t be whitened the same way that natural teeth can, so if stains aren’t coming out when you brush, you’ll need to get new veneers installed if you want to get back to your once-beautiful smile. Similarly, it’s time to see your dentist if the bonding substance used to attach the veneer starts to darken over time.
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Foods to avoid with composite veneers

If you are determined to make your veneers last longer and don’t want to spend extra pounds on getting them replaced before time demands, here are some foods you should avoid.

• Things that are hard to chew, including candy, ice, raw fruits and vegetables, popcorn, and similar products
• Tough meat
• Foods that are sticky, like taffy and caramels
• Crusty or toasted bread
• Ketchup, berries, tomatoes, colas, tea, coffee, and red wine can cause stains.

This is only a guide, you should consult with your dentist. They can advise you to remove stains with your specific conditions in mind.

Maintain your veneers

Here are a few tips to maintain your composite veneers

Clean your veneers

You should clean your veneers just as thoroughly as your natural teeth. Using dental floss and brushing at least twice a day are two efficient methods.

Gum disorders are brought on by poor dental hygiene. Your gums could start to recede as a result, exposing the veneer borders and increasing the likelihood that they will crack or come off.

Choose the right toothpaste

Don’t use teeth whitening pastes.

Whitening pastes may include ingredients like sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide (baking soda). These chemicals will eventually eat away at the surface of your veneers or ruin their colour and gloss.

The toothpaste should ideally eliminate stains without using any abrasive action. Ask your dentist for brand recommendations.

Watch your bite

Veneers aren’t as durable as real teeth. To make them last longer, you should not chew on particularly hard objects like pens, ice, nails, bones, etc. If you chew on these or other hard objects, your veneers could chip.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a common contributor to discoloration of veneers. Consider giving up smoke for the sake of both your health and your veneers.

Avoid alcohol

A lot of alcohol can weaken the bonding materials holding your veneers to your teeth. This won’t always result in the veneers coming loose, but it will increase the teeth bonding line’s susceptibility to stains and damage.

Check the contents for alcohol before purchasing mouthwash or toothpaste.

Deal with teeth grinding

Bruxism puts a lot of pressure on your teeth, severely harming both your veneers and your natural teeth. You might need to use a bite guard or an occlusal guard in this situation. If you grind your teeth as you sleep, the device will reduce the strain on your teeth.

Pick a soft-bristled toothbrush

A unique adhesive holds your teeth laminates in place. You must give the bonding a week or two after your veneers are fitted to set in.

Even after this initial period, you should continue to brush your teeth with a gentle whitening toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Another way to improve the life of composite veneers is by going to an experienced practice. A good dentist will tell you how to maintain your veneers, make sure the fitting is perfect and give you the best possible treatment.

We provide you such treatment at Natural Smiles. We provide high-quality cosmetic dentistry in a relaxed, friendly and state of the art environment at our practices in Corby and in our new Leicester branch.

You can book your free consultation now and ask us any other questions that might be bugging you.