How long your veneers last will depend on a few different factors. One main factor is the material. Porcelain veneers can last for decades with the proper care. Composite resin veneers don’t last as long by comparison, but they can still last a good 5-10 years. To extend the life of your veneers, make sure you still attend your regular dental appointments and take good care of your teeth like you normally would. Avoid consuming food and drink that could stain them, and exercise caution when consuming foods like hard nuts, candies, and other tough foods that could cause damage to the veneers. You could even go the extra mile and protect them while you’re sleeping by using a mouth guard at night. That will help you prevent damage from grinding or clenching your teeth.

Another common question people have about veneers is how long the process takes. The answer is that it depends on the type of veneers you get. Composite veneers can often be done in a single visit. The dentist designs them on your tooth, which is why they’re sometimes referred to as chair-side veneers. On the other hand, porcelain veneers tend to require multiple visits to the dentist before the process has been completed.

Because the process of having veneers applied usually requires a thin layer of enamel to be shaved away, it’s normal to feel some degree of sensitivity after the procedure in the areas where you’ve received the treatment. You can reduce your sensitivity by taking over-the-counter pain killers as directed. There are also oral care products designed for sensitive teeth that you may find helpful. Sensodyne is a popular go-to toothpaste for many people who find their teeth are more sensitive than they would like. Fluoride rinses may also help address sensitivity by remineralizing and strengthening your enamel. It’s also a good idea to avoid stimuli that could aggravate your teeth. Exposure to hot or cold foods and drinks could increase any sensitivity you’re experiencing in the aftermath of the treatment.

As previously mentioned, veneers aren’t usually covered by dental insurance because they are considered a cosmetic treatment. That means that you’ll most likely be covering their full cost yourself. How much you end up paying will depend on the type of veneer you get and how many teeth you get them on. Porcelain veneers tend to run between $1,000-$3,000 per tooth. Composite veneers cost around $800-$950 per tooth. Lumineers range between $800-$2000. Obviously, the more veneers you get, the more you’ll pay.

As with any unfamiliar dental procedure, you might wonder how safe veneers are, especially if you aren’t all that comfortable visiting the dentist. After all, veneers aren’t usually a necessary dental procedure; they tend to be cosmetic, which usually means that they aren’t going to be covered by dental insurance. Because of this, the greatest safety concern for veneers is actually to your wallet, not your teeth. The process of preparing your teeth for veneers usually involves shaving off a very, very thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneers. Because the procedure doesn’t expose any of the inner portions of the tooth, it’s generally considered a risk-free procedure. Lumineers are a type of veneer that doesn’t require any of your enamel to be removed. These ultra-thin veneers are bonded to the tooth’s surface directly instead.

Two visits to your dentist are typically required for porcelain veneers. At the first visit, three important steps are completed. Firstly, the your teeth is prepared to be fitted with a veneer, which will involve trimming a portion of the tooth so the veneer can be bonded on top. Secondly, an impression is taken of your tooth, which will be sent to a laboratory to prepare the veneer. Finally, you may receive a temporary veneer depending on how much of your tooth structure was removed. This temporary veneer will protect your tooth while the permanent veneer is prepared at the laboratory.

At the second visit, the temporary veneer, if you received one, will be removed. Then, the new veneer received from the laboratory will be checked to see if it fits well. It’s best not to adjust porcelain veneers after they are bonded to your teeth, so any adjustments will be made beforehand. Once you and the dentist are satisfied with the look and feel of the veneer, it will be bonded to your tooth.

• Your teeth are stained or discolored teeth
• Your teeth are crooked or misshaped teeth
• Your teeth have spaces between them
• Your teeth are broken or chipped