Are Veneers Permanent? Everything You Should Know Before Treatment

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular ways to enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry. But if you’re thinking about getting veneers in Downtown Portland at Five Pines Dental, you’re sure to have some questions.

One common question patients ask is “are veneers permanent?” If you get a set of veneers, do you have to keep them forever? In this blog post, we’ll answer this question, as well as some related questions that patients often ask during their veneer consultations.

Are Veneers Really Permanent?

Yes. Veneers are considered to be a permanent and irreversible procedure. In other words, once you get a set of veneers at Five Pines Dental, this treatment cannot be undone. You’ll need to keep your veneers for the rest of your life.

Why? It comes down to the tooth preparation process. While he prepares your teeth, Dr. Zeller will need to remove some enamel from each tooth that’s getting a veneer. This is done so that your veneers don’t add any bulk to your teeth, and don’t change how your teeth fit together once they're in place.

However, this enamel removal process is not reversible. Once your enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced. That’s why you’ll need to keep your veneers for the rest of your life. If your veneers were to be removed in the future, your teeth would be more prone to tooth decay and other oral health issues.

‍Do Veneers Make My Teeth Weaker?

No! This is a common misconception. Once your new smile is finished, your teeth will be just as strong as they were before you got veneers. Veneers use strong, durable porcelain that’s completely stain-resistant, and just as strong and durable as natural enamel.

So don’t worry. Veneers don’t weaken your teeth. Thanks to the advanced materials used to make veneers, your new smile will look great, function naturally, and be resistant to decay, damage, and wear.

‍Will My Veneers Ever Need To Be Replaced?

Yes. Just like natural teeth, veneers can wear down over time. They may chip, crack, or even break eventually. The average lifespan of a veneer that is properly maintained is somewhere between 10-20 years, though some may last longer

But this isn’t a big deal. If one of your veneers breaks or fails, Dr. Zeller can simply replace it. This is one of the reasons why you need to visit our office for six-month checkups. During your preventive appointments, Dr. Zeller and our team can check on your natural teeth and your veneers, and make sure that your smile is in tip-top shape!

‍Are There Any Non-Permanent Alternatives To Veneers?

Yes. We understand that some patients don’t like the idea of permanently altering their teeth to get veneers. That’s understandable! If you’re looking for a non-permanent alternative, dental bonding is usually your best option.

This is a type of cosmetic treatment that’s similar to veneers. But instead of trimming your teeth and creating a veneer, Dr. Zeller will apply a strong tooth-colored material directly to your tooth, rebuilding it and enhancing its shape and color. Dental bonding is non-invasive and a good alternative to veneers in most cases.

‍Get All The Details You Need About Veneers At Five Pines Dental!

Getting cosmetic dentistry treatment in Portland may seem like a big commitment, but it’s worth it. With a set of veneers, you can smile with confidence once again, and never feel self-conscious about stains, chipped teeth, uneven teeth, or any other issues with your smile. So don’t wait. If you’re interested in veneers, contact our Portland dentist online, or give us a call at (503) 482-2160. Dr. Zeller is always accepting new patients, so we hope to see you soon!