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What Happens After 20 Years of Porcelain Veneers?

By Envision Dental Spa

Published
October 2, 2024

Porcelain veneers have been a popular choice for those seeking a long-lasting solution to improve the appearance of their teeth. These thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain are bonded to the front of the teeth to address various cosmetic concerns, including discoloration, chips, gaps, short teeth, and minor misalignments. They’re renowned for their durability and natural appearance, often lasting decades or more with proper care. But what happens when those 20 years are up? In this blog post, we’ll explore the lifespan of porcelain veneers, what to expect as they age, and what you should do after two decades of wear.

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Typically Last?

Porcelain veneers are designed to be durable and resistant to staining, with a lifespan generally ranging between 10 to 20 years. With the current advancements in materials and techniques this lifespan has improved significantly in the hands of a skilled provider and individuals may even extend this lifespan with excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. However, even the best-maintained veneers will likely need to be replaced at some point in life. Over time, they can become worn, chipped, or lose their bond with the underlying tooth.

What Happens to Veneers After 20 Years?

After two decades, several factors can affect the condition and functionality of your porcelain veneers. Here are some common changes you might notice:

  1. Wear and Tear: Daily activities such as chewing, biting, and teeth grinding (bruxism) can gradually wear down the porcelain surface. Even though porcelain is a strong material, it’s not indestructible and can develop chips, cracks, or become thin over time.
  2. Staining Along Edges: While porcelain veneers themselves are highly resistant to stains, the adhesive used to bond them to your teeth can discolor over time. This can result in noticeable staining along the edges of the veneers, particularly if you frequently consume staining agents like coffee, tea, red wine, or tobacco.
  3. Gum Recession: Over 20 years, it’s not uncommon for gums to recede, revealing the edges of the veneers or the underlying tooth structure. This can lead to a less seamless look and increase the risk of plaque buildup and decay near the margins of the veneers.
  4. Loss of Bonding: The bond between the veneer and the natural tooth can weaken over time, especially if exposed to significant stress or trauma. This might lead to veneers becoming loose, or in some cases, completely detaching from the tooth.
  5. Outdated Aesthetics: Dental technology and aesthetics evolve rapidly. Veneers that were considered state-of-the-art 20 years ago may no longer match the natural shade of your teeth or meet current aesthetic standards. Additionally, natural teeth can change color over time, creating a mismatch with the veneers.
  6. Changes in Bite or Jaw Alignment: As you age, your bite and jaw alignment may shift due to tooth loss, wear, or other dental issues. This can put additional pressure on veneers, potentially causing them to crack or come loose.

What Should You Do After 20 Years?

If your veneers are approaching the 20-year mark or you’re noticing signs of wear and tear, it’s time to consult your dentist. Here are the typical steps you might expect:

  1. Veneer Evaluation: Your dentist will assess the condition of your veneers, checking for cracks, discoloration, and the integrity of the bonding. X-rays might be taken to examine the health of the underlying teeth and gums.
  2. Veneer Replacement: In most cases, veneers will need to be replaced after 20 or more years. This process involves carefully removing the old veneers and preparing your teeth for the new set. The replacement veneers can be tailored to match any changes in your natural tooth color or shape, offering an opportunity to refresh your smile.
  3. Addressing Gum Recession: If gum recession is a concern, your dentist might recommend procedures to improve gum health before placing new veneers. Treatments such as gum grafts can restore gum tissue and improve the overall appearance of your smile.
  4. Bite Adjustment: If bite changes have occurred, your dentist might suggest adjustments to ensure the longevity of your new veneers. This could include minor orthodontic treatments, bite guards to prevent grinding, or other restorative measures.
  5. Continued Maintenance: The replacement of your veneers marks the beginning of a new cycle of care. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and avoiding habits that can damage your veneers (like biting hard objects or grinding) will help maximize their lifespan.

Are There Alternatives to Replacing Veneers?

While replacing your veneers is often the best option after 20 years, some alternatives can be considered depending on the condition of your teeth and veneers:

  1. Composite Bonding Touch-Ups: If the wear is minimal, composite bonding can be used as a temporary fix to address chips or small gaps. However, this is not as durable or long-lasting as a full veneer replacement.
  2. Teeth Whitening: For minor discoloration issues, teeth whitening treatments can help balance the color difference between your veneers and natural teeth, though it won’t affect the veneer material itself.
  3. Gum Contouring: If gum recession is affecting the appearance of your veneers, gum contouring can help restore a more youthful gum line.

Conclusion

Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting investment in your smile, but like all dental work, they do have a finite lifespan. After 20 years, you may start to notice signs of aging, wear, and minor issues that can affect the appearance and function of your veneers. The good news is that modern dentistry offers excellent solutions, including the replacement of old veneers with new, improved ones that can last for decades or more.


If you’ve had your veneers for 20 years, it’s a great time to consult with your dentist to assess their condition and explore options for maintaining or enhancing all of which we happily provide at Envision Dental Spa. Reach out to us to see how we can help!

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