How Long Do Veneers Last, and Do They Ruin Your Teeth?

Veneers are a real investment, so it's natural to wonder how long they'll last and whether they'll harm the teeth underneath before you commit. Porcelain veneers are durable and can last many years with good care, though like any dental work they may eventually need repair or replacement. They do require removing a small amount of enamel, which is permanent, but in careful hands they don't ruin your teeth. At Center for Esthetic Dentistry in New Haven, CT, Dr. Summer Lerch plans every case to protect as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Understanding what affects how long veneers last

There isn't one number that fits every smile, because how long veneers last depends on a few things you can see coming. The most important are how well the veneers were designed and bonded, how your teeth come together when you bite and chew, whether you clench or grind at night, and how well you care for your gums. Porcelain itself is strong and holds its color, but the American Dental Association notes that a veneer can chip, crack, wear down or loosen over time and may then need to be repaired or replaced.

That's why Dr. Lerch looks at much more than the front of your teeth. She studies how your teeth meet, because a veneer that fits your bite is a veneer that lasts.

Protecting your natural teeth under veneers

A lot of worry about veneers comes from videos of teeth shaved down to small points. That isn't how thoughtful cosmetic dentistry works. A porcelain veneer covers the front surface of the tooth, and Dr. Lerch removes only the small amount of enamel needed for the porcelain to sit naturally, planning the design first so she knows exactly how much each tooth needs.

It's true that this part can't be undone, and we'd never want you to hear otherwise. Veneers are a lifelong commitment to caring for those teeth, which is why Dr. Lerch will sometimes suggest bonding, whitening or clear aligners first if they would get you most of the way there with less change to your natural tooth.

Caring for veneers so they stay beautiful

• Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily, because healthy gums frame and support your veneers.
• Keep up with your cleanings and checkups so small changes are caught early.
• Wear a night guard if you clench or grind, since grinding is hard on porcelain and natural teeth alike.
• Skip using your teeth as tools, and go easy on biting fingernails, ice or pens.
• Enjoy coffee, tea and red wine without worry about the porcelain, which resists stains, while remembering your natural teeth can still darken around it.

Deciding whether veneers are worth it for you

For many people, the answer comes down to how they feel every time they smile. If you cover your mouth in photos, hold your lip down when you laugh, or have a wedding, a new job or a fresh start coming up, a smile you love can change how you show up in all of it. Dr. Lerch likes to say you'll always leave looking better than when you came in.

Veneers aren't the right answer for everyone, and an honest consultation should tell you that. If your teeth are healthy and only need a brighter shade, whitening may be enough. If they are simply out of line, aligners may be the kinder first step. You can see veneer results in our veneers gallery.

Designing veneers with an Accredited cosmetic dentist

Dr. Lerch has spent more than four decades in dentistry and was the fourth woman in the world to be Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where she later served as an Accreditation Examiner. She designs veneers as a set with a skilled dental lab, matching the shape and shade to your face so the result looks like your own teeth on their best day.

Cosmetic treatment is fee-for-service, and financing is available for qualifying smile plans. Learn more about porcelain veneers in New Haven, protect your investment with a custom night guard, or schedule your smile design consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Do veneers ruin your teeth?

No, not when they're planned carefully. Placing porcelain veneers removes a small, permanent amount of enamel from the front of each tooth, so the tooth will always need a veneer afterward. At Center for Esthetic Dentistry in New Haven, Dr. Lerch removes only what the design requires and keeps as much of your natural tooth as possible.

Are veneers permanent?

The treatment is permanent because enamel is removed, but an individual veneer may eventually need repair or replacement. With good home care, regular checkups and a night guard if you grind, porcelain veneers can serve you for many years. Dr. Lerch in New Haven will explain what to expect for your own smile.

Can veneers get cavities underneath?

The porcelain itself can't decay, but the natural tooth at the edges of a veneer still can. That's why brushing, cleaning between your teeth and regular visits matter just as much after veneers. At our New Haven, CT office, our hygiene team will check the edges of your veneers at every cleaning.

Can I whiten my veneers?

No. Whitening works on natural enamel, not porcelain, so the shade of your veneers stays as it was made. If you'd like brighter teeth, Dr. Lerch in New Haven often suggests whitening your natural teeth first, then matching your veneers to that brighter shade so everything blends together.

What happens if a veneer chips?

Call us and save any piece you find. Depending on the size of the chip, Dr. Lerch may be able to smooth or repair it, or she may recommend replacing that veneer so it matches the rest. At Center for Esthetic Dentistry in New Haven, we'll look at it and explain your options clearly.

 Center for Esthetic Dentistry, 375 Orange St, New Haven, CT 06511. Call (203) 624-5256.