In short
How long do porcelain veneers last?
On average, 10 to 15 years with proper care; estimates vary between sources. A meta-analysis (a review pooling 13 studies) found 89% of ceramic veneers still in place at a median follow-up of 9 years. Composite (resin) veneers and bonding usually need touch-ups or replacement sooner.
From the office of Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD, Deerfield Beach · (954) 427-3000
Last updated
- Porcelain veneers
- 10 to 15 years on average, with proper care1
- In studies
- 89% of ceramic veneers still in place at a median of 9 years4
- Commonest problems
- Chipping or fracture (4%), debonding (coming loose, 2%), decay at the edge (1%)4
- Bonding (resin)
- Typically three to 10 years before touch-up or replacement6
- If you grind
- A night guard is advised9
How to make veneers last
Porcelain or composite veneers?
Both cover the front of the tooth. They differ in how long they last and how they are made.
| Aspect | Porcelain veneers | Composite (resin) veneers or bonding |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Longer on average1,6 | Shorter; touch-up or replacement sooner |
| Staining | Resists staining5,6 | Less resistant to staining and wear |
| Visits | Usually two, with lab time in between1,5 | Fewer visits; no lab |
| Enamel removed | A small amount; not reversible1,5,6 | Less or none |
| Repairs | Chips may mean a new veneer5,6 | Easier to touch up |
When veneers may not be the longest-lasting choice
- If you clench or grind heavily, or have a deep overbite, veneers may not be a good choice; protecting or rebuilding the teeth another way can last longer.5
- If a tooth is weak or heavily filled, a crown protects it better than a veneer.7
- If decay or gum disease is present, it is treated first; veneers are an option only without it.1
Questions patients ask
Why do sources give different numbers?
They measure different things: typical ranges from patient guides, and survival rates from studies at a set follow-up. Care, habits and the tooth underneath explain much of the spread; the ranges are in the facts above.1,2,3
Can a chipped or loose veneer be fixed?
Often. A veneer that chips, cracks or loosens can be repaired, re-bonded or replaced. Keep it if it comes off and call your dentist.1,5
Do veneers need to be replaced?
Eventually, yes. They wear, chip or loosen over time, and the tooth underneath always needs a covering because enamel was removed.5
Can I whiten veneers?
No. Whitening doesn't work on veneers, so it is done on the other teeth before veneers are matched to them.10
Who you'll see
Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD
Dentist, trained at Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry
Dr. Berkovich checks your bite and any grinding before planning veneers, so the plan includes what protects them.
Medical content reviewed by Dr. Angela Berkovich, DMD on .
Office: 1348 E Hillsboro Blvd Suite A, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. (954) 427-3000
About Dr. BerkovichSources
- Cleveland Clinic: Veneers: What Are Dental Veneers?
- American College of Prosthodontists (GoToAPro): Dental veneers FAQ
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: Common questions
- PubMed: Morimoto et al. 2016, survival of ceramic laminate veneers: systematic review and meta-analysis
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Veneers
- Cleveland Clinic: What is Dental Bonding & What To Expect
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Crowns
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Grinding and Jaw Pain
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: Porcelain veneers
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Teeth Whitening
General information, not a diagnosis or a promise of results. Individual results vary, and whether a treatment suits you depends on your exam.