Do Veneers Ever Need to Be Replaced?

Porcelain veneers can change how you feel about your smile almost overnight. Once you have them, it's natural to wonder how long they'll hold up and whether you'll ever need to go through the process again.

The short answer is yes. Most veneers need to be replaced at some point, though a well-made set can last a very long time. One long-term study published in The International Journal of Prosthodontics tracked more than 300 porcelain veneers and found that an estimated 93.5% were still in place and working well after 10 years. Close to 83% were still holding up at the 20-year mark.

Continue reading to learn how long veneers usually last, the signs that a veneer needs attention, and what to keep in mind if you're one of the many people searching for the best veneers in San Francisco.

How Long Do Veneers Usually Last?

The answer depends on what your veneers are made of and how well you care for them. Porcelain veneers are strong and resist stains. With regular cleanings and good habits at home, many people keep the same set of porcelain veneers for well over a decade.

Composite veneers have a shorter lifespan. They're made from tooth-colored resin, so they cost less up front, but they wear down faster and can pick up stains within the first few years. Many patients who start with composite veneers switch to porcelain five to 10 years later.

All veneers, including no-prep veneers, are considered permanent. Even when no drilling is involved, the bonding process changes the surface of your teeth.

What Are the Signs Your Veneers Need to Be Replaced?

Veneers rarely fail all at once, and catching small changes early can save you time and money. Call your dentist if you notice any of these signs:

• A chip, crack, or rough edge you can feel with your tongue
• A veneer that feels loose or moves when you bite
• A dark line or gap near your gumline
• Stains around the edges that won't brush away
• New sensitivity, pain, or swelling around a veneer
• A veneer that no longer matches the teeth around it

Gum changes are one of the most common reasons people replace veneers. As gums pull back with age or gum disease, the root of the tooth can peek out above the veneer and leave a visible line. A cavity along the edge of a veneer can also mean it's time for a new one.

Why Do Veneers Wear Out or Break?

Porcelain is strong, and it can still crack under enough pressure. In the 20-year study mentioned earlier, a broken veneer was the top reason for replacement. People who grind or clench their teeth were over seven times more likely to have a veneer fail, and smokers had more staining along the edges of their veneers.

Everyday habits play a big part, too. Chewing ice, biting your nails, and using your teeth to open packages all add wear and tear. A fall or a sports injury can also chip a veneer the same way it would chip a natural tooth.

The good news is that you can control most of these risks. A custom night guard protects your veneers from grinding while you sleep, and many patients receive one shortly after their veneers are placed.

Can You Replace Just One Veneer?

A question we regularly hear is, “Can I replace just one veneer, or will I need to redo my whole smile?”

In many cases, you can replace a single veneer. If one veneer chips or breaks and the rest of your smile still looks and fits well, your dentist can swap out only that one. A skilled ceramist can match the shade, shape, and texture of the new veneer so it blends right in.

Sometimes replacing more than one makes sense. If your veneers are older and have shifted in color slightly, or if you've whitened the natural teeth nearby, one new veneer might stand out. Small chips in composite veneers can usually be repaired in one visit, while a crack that runs through a porcelain veneer means it needs to be replaced.

What Happens When a Veneer Is Replaced?

Replacing a veneer follows many of the same steps as getting your first set. Here's what the process typically looks like:

• An exam with X-rays and photos to check the tooth and gums underneath
• Numbing the area and carefully removing the old veneer
• Treating any decay or gum concerns before moving forward
• Taking a digital scan to design your new veneer
• Wearing a temporary veneer while the new one is made
• Bonding the finished porcelain veneer and checking your bite

The area is numb, so most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure. If you're replacing older, thicker veneers, you may feel a bit more soreness afterward, which over-the-counter pain relievers can manage.

How Can You Make Your Veneers Last Longer?

Good daily habits go a long way. Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, floss every day, and keep up with professional cleanings every six months. If you grind your teeth, wear your night guard every night. Regular checkups also help your dentist catch small problems early. For more ideas, take a look at our five easy tips for caring for your veneers.

Finding the Best Dentist in San Francisco for Veneers and Veneer Replacements

Dr. Robert Soto far exceeds the dental board's continuing education requirements by spending a full week each year at the Kois Center in Seattle, and he teaches other dentists cosmetic dentistry on live patients at the California Center for Advanced Dental Studies and Frontier Dental Institute. We work with a team of ceramists who spend hours hand-crafting each veneer, and we use 3D scans and temporary veneers so you can test your new design before the final porcelain is bonded. Dr. Soto also replaces any veneer that breaks within two years of placement for patients who keep up with their recommended cleanings and exams.

Patients from across the Bay Area and Northern California visit our office at the corner of Post and Mason streets, about a block west of Union Square and a short walk from the Powell Street BART station and cable car lines, with easy access from I-80 and the 101.

If you're among those searching for the best veneers in San Francisco and your current veneers are showing their age, upload a few photos for a free virtual consultation or give us a call to schedule your visit.