Thursday, June 10, 2010

How long do porcelain veneers last?

In my experience, if they are bonded correctly and have the bite adjusted properly, they can last 10 to 15 years. The problem is that when they are done for people in their twenties, they may need to be replaced 5 times or more during a lifetime.

Partly for this reason, I have been advocating straightening the teeth with Invisalign clear braces and offering minor bonding procedures for altering the teeth slightly. This seems less invasive then preparing teeth for 10 porcelain veneers. Also bonding can be repaired more easily and affordably.

I still offer porcelain laminates but I choose my cases carefully. Not everyone requires porcelain veneers to improve their smile. If simple bleaching combined with Invisalign will produce a good looking and natural looking smile,then often that is the option I recommend.

4 comments:

  1. Wow. I wish I had gone to you instead of to my old Dentist. He recomended veneers when I needed to fix a chip in my front tooth. It wasn't until after the procedure that I learned I would need to have them replaced in just ten years time!!! Also I hate the fact that my real teeth were shaved down to little nubs. If I could go back in time, I would never have gotten them done. Kudos to you for recommending other, less invasive procedures.

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  2. Anonymous7:12 PM

    Me, too. Had 6 front veneers around 12 years ago. A few years ago, one came off, had it rebonded (fortunately it was retrievable in a bite of something). . . This morning half of a front one totally broke off. I do wish I never had it done, had a great smile then and now but my dentist back then sold it on me re it would look better and my teeth were somewhat marred. Oh well, hindsight. . . Now I have to find a dentist to make me a new one at what must be affordable since I just moved totally to a new city.
    Yes, wish I'd not done it but it is what it is and I must get my tooth laminate redone. Good for you to recommend something else. Karen

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  3. Anonymous7:16 PM

    p.s. it was in Manhattan also where I had this done (my veneers from 12 years ago). I just moved out to the Midwest and need to find a good dentist here in MSP, Minnesota. . .Karen

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  4. WOW. Really informative and helpful. My dds austin friends appreciates this so much. Keep blogging!

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