Are Veneers Permanent?

If you’re considering veneers, your first question is probably, “Are veneers permanent?” Yes and no, but we’ll get into the details of that answer a little later into the blog. First, let’s discuss what veneers actually are.

Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that conceal chips, cracks, stains, and other common aesthetic dental imperfections. Veneers camouflage these imperfections with tooth-colored composite or porcelain that fit over the front surface of your teeth.

Veneers can cover one tooth or all of them depending on your preference or need. When veneers are made, they are customized to match the color of your natural teeth so that they blend seamlessly. However, you can also schedule a teeth whitening to alleviate any fears about your veneers blending well with your natural teeth.

There are different veneer procedures depending on the type of veneers you choose, which we’ll discuss later, but it’s important to note there is no downtime after any veneers procedure. As long as the anesthesia has worn off, you may return to normal activities and can eat or drink immediately following the veneers process.

When you ask your dentist if veneers are permanent, you’ll learn there are actually three kinds of veneers: removable veneers, reversible veneers, and permanent veneers. Each of these types of veneers differ, meaning you’ll get a different answer for each one.

Removable Veneers

Removable veneers are exactly what you’d imagine, veneers you can easily remove. Removable veneers may give you the look of strong, straight teeth, but the fit is usually poor and are not usually strong enough to eat with. Some people compare them to slightly better fitting costume teeth.

Reversible Veneers

There are two types of reversible veneers: composite veneers and ceramic no-prep or low-prep veneers. Composite veneers are made of plastic and ceramic and are initially soft, but they eventually harden and shape to your teeth. Only a light acid etch is used to prep your teeth for composite veneers. Many people try composite veneers before deciding to commit to permanent veneers.

No-prep or low-prep veneers are ceramic and designed to fit over your natural teeth. Although very expensive, no-prep or low-prep veneers do not provide consistent results. This type of veneer can add noticeable bulk to your teeth and are often opaque, making them look fake. While both composite veneers and ceramic no-prep or low-prep veneers are reversible, they require an experienced dentist to place them and remove them.

Permanent Veneers

When people talk about porcelain veneers, they are most often referring to permanent veneers. This type of veneer is designed to be worn for life and will need to be replaced if ever removed. Permanent porcelain veneers are thick enough to hide discolored teeth, meaning part of your natural tooth enamel has to be removed to allow them to sit properly in your mouth.

Although we’ve given you a general overview of the three different types of veneers, for the rest of this blog, we’ll focus on permanent veneers.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

The typical lifespan of porcelain veneers is around 15 years, but some people have had their veneers last up to 30 years with proper care. To lengthen the life of your veneers, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and attending regular appointments with your dentist.

Just like with your natural teeth, you’ll want to protect your veneers from teeth-staining foods and beverages (think coffee and red wine). You’ll also want to avoid biting hard surfaces, such as opening packages with your teeth. If you grind your teeth, consider wearing a nightguard to decrease the risk of damaging your veneers.

What Happens to the Teeth Under Veneers?

With appropriate oral hygiene, your natural teeth are not affected by veneers aside from the small amount of enamel removed to comfortably fit the veneers to your teeth. This is because the nerves and roots are not touched. But what about the process to prepare your natural teeth for permanent veneers? Let us ease your concerns as we learn about the veneers process.

To prep your natural teeth for permanent veneers, your dentist will begin by grinding down your teeth. As mentioned above, no nerves or roots are damaged during this process. Grinding down the enamel of your natural teeth allows your veneers to sit comfortably in your mouth without adding extra bulk.

Once enough enamel from your teeth has been removed, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth to be sent to a lab for your custom veneers to be created. Once your veneers are ready, your dentist places the veneers and cements them into place.

Can You Ever Take Veneers Off?

Permanent veneers can be taken off by a dentist, but because your teeth are ground down to prepare for permanent veneers, the veneers must be replaced.

Are Crowns Better Than Veneers?

Whether crowns are better than veneers will be based on whether the enamel of your teeth is compromised. If your enamel is compromised, whether because your tooth is very damaged, has a large filling, or has had a root canal, a dental crown will provide better protection. If your tooth needs only an improved appearance, your dentist will likely recommend veneers.

Your dentist will determine whether your teeth are best suited for a crown or veneer. The most common type of dental crown we use for our patient sis a same day dental crown. This allows you the most convenience by having your custom crown built in the office and having it placed the same day.

If you have weak, discolored, or decaying teeth and are interested in permanent porcelain veneers, get in touch with our expert dental providers here at Shapiro Family Dentistry. With offices located across South Florida in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Fort Pierce, our husband and wife dental team, along with our team of dental practitioners and specialists, provide expert dental care at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our dental services guaranteed to make you smile.