How often do porcelain veneers need to be replaced? Three of my eight veneers are light gray, although I received them in September 2020. They are a little more than a year old. My dentist made the veneers thick because two of my eight teeth were darker than others. I don’t know if that is causing the problem or not. But then I don’t understand why the third veneer is gray too.
I saw my dentist about the problem, and she said she wants to replace one veneer at a time to see if her approach solves that problem. That scares me. I’m not sure if I should let her do the work or switch dentists. It’s been more than a year, and I’ve had two dental cleanings since I got veneers. I would think that my dentist would have noticed the discoloration before I mentioned it to her. What happened? Did I misunderstand how long veneers should last? I was hoping they would last at least ten years. Thank you. Kassidy from Minneapolis
Kassidy,
Thank you for your question. Dr. Thomas would need to examine your veneers and teeth to determine the cause of discoloration. But based on your comments, we have some observations.
What Causes Gray Porcelain Veneers?
The cause of gray porcelain veneers depends on the discoloration. Unlike tooth enamel, porcelain is colorfast. So, if they discolor, something went wrong while making or bonding them or during routine maintenance.
- Uneven graying – Micro-leakage behind your veneers occurs if your dentist does not bond them correctly to your teeth.
- Even graying – Someone might damage the glazed surface of the veneers, or maybe the lab did not glaze them correctly when they were new.
A skilled cosmetic dentist does not have to make veneers thick to block out the darkness of your natural teeth.
How Often Do Porcelain Veneers Need to Be Replaced?
Quality porcelain veneers last seven to 20 years
Porcelain veneers need to be replaced an average of every ten to fifteen years. But they often last much longer. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic dentistry, veneers last seven to 20 years. If a dentist bonds them well and you take good care of them, porcelain veneers can last for decades.
What Can You Do About Gray Porcelain Veneers?
If your porcelain veneers are gray, you need to find a highly-trained cosmetic dentist to replace them. Skilled cosmetic dentists work with a quality dental laboratory to hide discoloration in your natural teeth while keeping your veneers bright and translucent.
Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist or one with post-graduate training in aesthetics. Schedule consultations with two dentists and ask to see before-and-after pictures of the dentist’s porcelain veneers patients. It is appropriate to ask your current dentist for a refund or to pay for replacing your veneers.
Dr. Siny Thomas, a Sugar Land, Texas cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Thomas does to give his patients some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.