How Long Will My New Veneers Last?

Veneers have become a top choice for many people seeking to improve their smile by brightening it and covering over small imperfections. Veneers are relatively inexpensive compared to complete smile makeovers and can deliver a fantastic smile for years to come.

At Greenwich Dentistry in Greenwich, Connecticut, dentists Drs. Mark and Sean Sutton deliver the latest in dental technology including beautiful veneers which correct a multitude of dental flaws. To ensure your new veneers last as long as possible, here’s what you need to know.

How veneers are made

Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that create a perfect front-facing facade for each tooth. We customize these shells to fit perfectly over your teeth and can lighten the color of your smile. 

Here are the steps involved in making these customized porcelain shells:

Enamel removal

To ensure your new veneers fit snugly against the front faces of your teeth, we remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. We give you a local anesthetic to ensure this process won’t hurt, and it only takes a few minutes. 

Mold creation

We carefully create molds of your teeth to tailor your veneers for a perfect fit and a smooth, even smile. During this step, we discuss what you want your smile to look like. 

One of the great things about veneers is that we can cosmetically alter your smile to slightly change the appearance of the shape of your teeth, as well as lighten your smile by multiple shades.  

Veneer application

We send the molds of your teeth to a laboratory along with all of the specifications for their fabrication. When your new veneers arrive at our office, you come in for the application. We fit your veneers securely to your teeth with a special bonding agent and ensure they are even and snug for a perfect smile.

How long veneers will last

The lifespan of your dental veneers is directly affected by how well you take care of your oral health. Brush and floss daily as you would anyway, visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings, and make an appointment with our office promptly if a veneer shows any sign of damage. 

Porcelain veneers can last up to a decade or longer but need replacing eventually. When it’s time, don’t put off replacement veneers. Since your enamel has been thinned on the face of your teeth, your teeth are vulnerable if your veneers loosen or come off.

To learn more about dental veneers, schedule an appointment today by calling our office at 203-869-2066 or by booking online.