No matter what type of cosmetic dentistry a patient elects to have, one of the biggest questions is how long the results will last, or our Philadelphia porcelain veneers longevity. That answer depends on three things: the materials used, the quality of the work, and the patient. Learn more about how long porcelain veneers last from the Philadelphia cosmetic dentists at Dentistry for Life.
Longevity Depends on the Composition of Veneers
Porcelain veneers are considered a higher-end cosmetic dentistry treatment because of their composition. Porcelain is incredibly thin, durable, and stain resistant.
The veneers are carefully customized by your dentist in shape, size, color, and translucency and crafted in a lab to fit your unique smile. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for decades. Some patients would rather skip porcelain veneers entirely and opt instead for composite veneers. This treatment is made of a strong, composite resin, like that used for tooth fillings, and is less expensive than porcelain.
Composite veneers are sculpted directly onto the teeth during your dental visit and require little prep work, so you don’t have to wait for a dental lab to finish developing your veneers.
However, composite is a tricky material. Color matching and contouring take great expertise and meticulous work by your Philadelphia dentist to carry out. It is especially important to get the thickness of the veneers just right so they look authentic. Plus, composite tends to have a shorter life than porcelain and, over time, can begin to break down.
Workmanship Affects How Long Veneers Last
When you decide to undergo a smile makeover using porcelain veneers, it is essential to work with an experienced Philadelphia cosmetic dentist. You want a professional with a meticulous eye for detail when it comes to the crafting of your veneers and the application of them.
Well-trained cosmetic dentists are looking at more than just your smile when they create your veneers. They are seeing how the veneers will blend into your skin color and the whites of your eyes. They consider gender, face shape, and age as they sculpt and solidify your smile makeover.
Done well, veneers can have a decades-long lifespan, but that is affected by how well the veneers are bonded to your teeth. There is no room for error, and there should be no room for moisture or bacteria to form in between your natural teeth and veneers. The finished veneers are about the look, but what’s going on behind the scenes is important too. A careful dentist knows this and gets it right.