Durability and Longevity of Porcelain Veneers

Nobody likes having a cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged tooth. Whether your tooth is damaged due to an accident or tooth decay, it can be extremely annoying and unappealing. It can also pose some serious risks to not only your oral health, but your health overall. Because of this, when you have a tooth that is damaged due to an accident or more severe decay, you’ll want to consider a dental veneer to repair the tooth.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Dental veneers are tooth repair appliances that replace a portion of the tooth that has been lost due to damage or decay. The placement of a veneer requires a reshaping of the affected tooth to better fit the new prosthetic.

Porcelain veneers are exactly what they sound like—veneers made with porcelain. Porcelain is an excellent option for dental veneers because of both it’s cosmetic appearance, and it’s durability. Porcelain appliances are much stronger than composite, and they will often last a lot longer.

What Is the Process of Having a Veneer Placed?

If you notice that your tooth has been chipped, cracked or otherwise damaged, you’ll want to set an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. This is also the case if you notice any pain, pressure or swelling. Once you visit the dentist, they will determine the best course of action. If a partial replacement is needed, they may decide between a dental crown and a dental veneer.

Once the dentist chooses to repair the tooth with a veneer, they will begin the reshaping process. A mold will be taken of the tooth, and will be sent to a lab to have the prosthetic created. Once the prosthetic is completed, it will be sent back to the dentist. They will then have you come in for a fitting. If everything looks okay, they will finish the placement process.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

There are different prices for the placement of porcelain and composite veneers, and the overall cost may involve a few different factors—including the amount of damage and any additional repairs. Generally porcelain veneers will cost around $500-$2,500 per tooth. While this may sound like a lot up front, it’s important to consider how long these veneers last.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?

One thing that is important to consider when choosing between a porcelain and composite veneer is how long the appliance will last. Generally, composite veneers only last around 5-7 years. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, often last around 10-20 years. This means you may get upwards of four times or more the amount of coverage for a little higher cost. If you are financially able to afford porcelain upfront, it is an excellent investment. Otherwise, you’ll need to go to the dentist every 5-7 years or so for a replacement.

Porcelain is an excellent choice for dental veneer material that lasts a long time, and looks aesthetically pleasing. Speak with your dentist about a porcelain veneer.

Interested in finding out more specially about our practice and porcelain veneer process? Contact Meadowdale Dental Clinic today. We're happy to assist you on your way to a beautiful, healthy, confident smile.

If you're just interested in learning more about porcelain veneers, here's reading on expenses associated with porcelain veneers.