How Well Do Veneers Stay on Your Teeth?

Veneers are very thin sheets of porcelain that are permanently bonded over the front of teeth. They can correct discolored and crooked teeth, and are made by a dental technician especially for the patient. When maintained properly, they can last up to 20 years.

Materials

• Veneers are made from ultra-thin sheets of porcelain, which is normally brittle but can be quite durable when bonded onto a solid surface.

Durability

• Depending on the location and alignment of the teeth, dental veneers can last up to 20 years.

Repairing or Replacing

• Dental veneers can chip, crack, and come off, either completely or in pieces. If your veneers come off, keep the pieces and call a dentist immediately. Sometimes, intact veneers that have simply come off and are not broken can be reattached by the dentist. If the veneer is broken, it must be replaced.

Disadvantages

• The biggest disadvantage to getting dental veneers is cost. Veneers can cost up to $1,500 per tooth. Another disadvantage is that a thin layer of enamel must be removed to make room for the new veneer, permanently disfiguring the tooth.

Alternatives

• Some dentists can use a tooth-colored bonding material, similar to filling material, to improve the look of teeth that are misshapen or discolored. Bonding generally doesn't last as long as a veneer.