How Long Do Veneers Last, and When Should You Replace Them?

By Stephen Forrest, DDS | Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center Updated November 2025

About the Author: Dr. Stephen Forrest has practiced cosmetic dentistry in Des Moines for over 30 years, placing more than 2,000 veneers during his career. Dr. Forrest uses digital smile design technology to help patients preview their results before treatment begins.

Quick Answer

Porcelain veneers last 10 to 25 years with proper care, with most patients getting 15-18 years of use. Composite veneers last 5-10 years. Research shows a 95% success rate at 10 years for porcelain veneers. Success depends on three key factors: excellent oral hygiene, wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth, and regular dental visits every 6 months.

Veneers can transform your smile in ways that few other dental treatments can match. You might cover chips, close gaps, or brighten teeth that refuse to whiten with traditional methods. But veneers do not last forever. Your investment requires maintenance, and you need realistic expectations about longevity.

Most people ask the same question before they commit to veneers: how many years will these actually last? Clinical studies document that 95% of porcelain veneers remain intact at 10 years. However, your individual experience will vary. Your material choice matters most. Your daily habits play a significant role. The skill of your cosmetic dentist affects the outcome dramatically.

Understanding Different Veneer Types and Their Lifespans

Material Comparison Table

Porcelain Veneers Give You the Longest Results

Porcelain veneers deliver the best lifespan among all veneer types. Clinical research shows that porcelain veneers last between 10 and 25 years in most patients. The majority of my patients at Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center keep their porcelain veneers for 15 to 18 years before replacement. Studies document that 95% of veneers don’t fracture and 95% don’t debond within 10 years.

Porcelain resists stains far better than other materials. This happens because porcelain is a glazed ceramic that does not absorb pigments from food and drinks. Coffee, tea, and red wine will not discolor quality porcelain the way they affect natural teeth or composite materials. The material stays bright year after year. It mimics the translucent quality of natural enamel better than any alternative.

“Porcelain veneers represent one of the most predictable cosmetic dental treatments available today,” says Dr. Forrest. “When we place them correctly on healthy teeth with good bone support, patients routinely get 15 to 20 years of beautiful results. I place about 120 veneers annually, and I have developed protocols that maximize longevity.”

“The key lies in the bonding process. Porcelain bonds strongest to natural enamel. This is why proper tooth preparation is essential,” says Dr. Forrest. “I remove only about 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the front surface of your tooth. This creates space for the veneer while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. Minimal preparation means stronger teeth and longer-lasting veneers.”

Composite Veneers Offer a Shorter Timeline

Composite veneers provide an affordable entry point into cosmetic dentistry. But you sacrifice longevity. Composite veneers typically last between 5 and 10 years. Most people replace them closer to the 7-year mark in my experience.

The composite material lacks the strength of porcelain because it is essentially a dental filling material shaped and polished to look like a veneer. It chips more easily under normal chewing forces. It absorbs stains from food and drinks over time. You might notice your composite veneers looking dull or discolored after several years. This happens even with excellent oral hygiene because the material itself is porous at a microscopic level.

“I recently treated a patient who came to me with composite veneers placed five years earlier at another practice. The edges had chipped, and visible staining showed through. We replaced them with porcelain veneers. She wishes she had started with porcelain because the total investment would have been lower over time,” says Dr. Forrest.

Understanding Long-Term Value

While composite veneers cost less initially, the lifetime investment tells a different story. Consider a patient who gets composite veneers at age 30. These typically need replacement every 7 years. Over 30 years, you would need approximately four complete replacements. Porcelain veneers lasting 15 years would require only two replacements in the same time period.

The difference in total investment over decades is often smaller than patients expect, while porcelain provides superior aesthetics, better stain resistance, and fewer dental appointments. When planning your smile makeover, consider both the initial investment and long-term value.

Material Quality and Lab Skill Matter

Not all porcelain gets created equal. Premium dental porcelain lasts longer than cheaper alternatives. The lab technician who crafts your veneers needs exceptional skill and experience. I work exclusively with a dental laboratory here in Iowa that specializes in cosmetic cases. Their technicians hand-layer porcelain to create depth and translucency that matches your natural teeth.

Poor quality materials or rushed lab work leads to early veneer failure. Some practices use overseas labs to cut costs. Quality suffers. Fit problems and early failures increase. I have replaced numerous veneers from other practices that failed within three to five years because of inferior materials or poor fabrication.

Your Dentist’s Skill Affects Longevity Dramatically

Veneer placement requires precision that comes only with experience and advanced training. I must prepare your natural teeth correctly, removing just enough enamel without going too deep. The bonding process needs perfect execution. Even small errors during placement can cause veneers to fail years earlier than expected.

“The preparation step is especially important. Too little enamel removal means bulky veneers that look fake and break easily. Too much removal weakens the tooth and reduces bond strength. I use magnification loupes during preparation to ensure accuracy. After 30 years of placing veneers, I can prepare teeth to within 0.1 millimeters of my target depth,” states Dr. Forrest.

Choose a cosmetic dentist with extensive veneer experience. Ask how many veneers they place every year. Ask to see before-and-after photos of actual patients. Ask about their lab partnerships. These questions reveal whether a dentist has the expertise to give you veneers that last.

Oral Hygiene Protects Your Investment

Veneers themselves cannot get cavities, but your natural teeth underneath can. Decay that forms under a veneer edge will force early replacement. Gum disease causes recession that exposes veneer margins. You must brush twice daily and floss every single day. Many patients floss inconsistently. This is a mistake with veneers.

Regular cleanings at your local Des Moines dentist protect both veneers and natural teeth. Professional cleanings every six months remove bacterial buildup that causes gum disease. Your hygienist can also spot early warning signs of veneer problems. Dr. Forrest recommends cleanings every four months for patients with veneers and a history of gum disease.

The area where your veneer meets your natural tooth at the gum line is particularly vulnerable. Bacteria accumulate there if you skip flossing. This causes inflammation and eventual recession. Once recession starts, it rarely reverses. Your veneer edge becomes exposed, creating an unattractive dark line.

Teeth Grinding Destroys Veneers Faster Than Any Other Habit

Bruxism destroys veneers faster than any other habit. Research proves that people who grind their teeth have a higher risk of veneer failure compared to non-grinders. The constant pressure cracks porcelain over time. It loosens the bond between veneer and tooth. Many people grind their teeth at night without realizing it. Your bed partner might hear it, or you might wake with jaw soreness.

I evaluate every veneer patient for signs of grinding. Worn tooth surfaces, broken fillings, and jaw muscle tenderness all suggest bruxism. If you grind your teeth, a custom nightguard is not optional. It is essential. This simple device can double your veneer lifespan by protecting them during sleep.

Dr. Forrest states, “I recently examined a patient whose veneers had lasted 22 years. She wore her nightguard faithfully every night for more than two decades. Her veneers finally needed replacement because of minor gum recession, not damage. That is exceptional longevity.”

Your Daily Habits Make a Bigger Difference Than You Think

Using your teeth as tools will damage veneers quickly. Never open packages with your teeth. Avoid biting fingernails, ice, or hard candy. These behaviors stress veneers beyond their design limits. Porcelain is strong under normal chewing forces but can crack under point pressure.

“If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard. Football, basketball, and hockey put your smile at risk. One impact can shatter a veneer that would otherwise last 20 years. I have replaced too many veneers damaged during recreational sports,” says Dr. Forrest.

Diet matters too, though perhaps less than you think. You do not need to avoid all hard foods. Just use common sense. Cut corn off the cob rather than biting into it. Slice apples instead of biting them directly. Skip the taffy and jawbreakers. Choose your foods with your veneers in mind, especially during the first few weeks after placement.

Warning Signs That Your Veneers Need Replacement

You will notice specific changes when your veneers approach the end of their useful life. Some signs appear gradually over months or years. Others happen suddenly after an injury or accident.

Visible Chips or Cracks

Even small cracks compromise your veneer structure. Bacteria can enter through tiny fractures that are barely visible. Your natural tooth underneath becomes vulnerable to decay. A chipped veneer edge feels rough against your tongue. Get damaged veneers evaluated quickly.

Small chips can sometimes be repaired with polishing or bonding material. Larger chips require complete veneer replacement. The decision depends on chip location and size. Edge chips smaller than one millimeter can often be polished smooth. Chips that extend more than two millimeters into the veneer face usually need replacement.

Discoloration That Will Not Fade With Cleaning

Older veneers may develop dark lines along the gum line. This happens when the bonding cement ages and absorbs stains over many years. Composite veneers stain throughout their structure over time. You will notice yellowing or brown discoloration that professional cleaning cannot remove.

Porcelain veneers themselves rarely stain, but the underlying tooth can darken and show through thin areas. This creates a grayish hue. Severe tetracycline staining in the natural tooth sometimes shows through porcelain after 10 or 15 years. This does not mean the veneer failed. It means the underlying tooth color changed.

Loosening or Movement

Veneers should feel rock solid. A loose veneer means the bond has failed. You might feel it shift slightly when you eat or touch it with your tongue. This requires immediate attention. A loose veneer can fall off completely. Patients have swallowed loose veneers or accidentally damaged the tooth underneath.

Bond failure happens for several reasons. Poor initial bonding technique is most common. Decay that forms under the veneer edge can also weaken the bond. Heavy grinding forces sometimes break the cement seal. Whatever the cause, a loose veneer needs professional attention within days, not weeks.

Gum Recession Exposing Veneer Edges

Your gums may recede naturally as you age. This happens to almost everyone to some degree. Recession exposes the top edge of your veneer. You will see a visible line where veneer meets tooth. The appearance looks unnatural and bothers many patients.

“Recession might signal gum disease that needs treatment before you get new veneers. I always evaluate gum health during veneer consultations. Patients with active gum disease need periodontal treatment first. Placing veneers on unhealthy gums leads to poor outcomes and early failure,” says Dr. Forrest.

Some recession is purely age-related and not disease. Patients in their fifties and sixties often show some recession even with good oral hygiene. This is normal. Dr. Forrest accounts for this when placing veneers by positioning them slightly under the gum line initially.

New or Worsening Tooth Sensitivity

Sudden sensitivity to hot or cold often indicates problems under your veneer. You might have decay. The veneer might have separated slightly from the tooth surface, allowing temperature changes to reach the nerve. Do not ignore new sensitivity. Schedule an exam right away.

Normal veneers should not cause any sensitivity after the first few weeks. Initial sensitivity immediately after placement is common and resolves as your tooth adapts. Sensitivity that develops years after placement always suggests a problem that needs evaluation.

“I tell my patients to contact our office the moment they notice any change in how their veneers look or feel,” I explain during follow-up visits. “Small problems are easy to fix with simple repairs or adjustments. Waiting turns small issues into expensive emergencies that require complete veneer replacement.”

When Veneers Are NOT the Right Choice

Veneers work beautifully for many cosmetic concerns, but they are not appropriate for every situation. You need to understand the limitations.

Veneers cannot fix serious structural problems. If you have large cavities, extensive tooth fractures, or severely worn teeth, crowns provide better solutions. Crowns cover the entire tooth and offer more protection. Veneers only cover the front surface.

Patients with active gum disease should not get veneers until the disease is controlled. Placing veneers on inflamed, bleeding gums leads to poor bonding and early failure. Gum disease treatment must come first.

Heavy teeth grinders sometimes are not good veneer candidates, even with nightguards. The grinding forces can be too severe. These patients often do better with crowns, which distribute forces more evenly.

“Patients who refuse to wear nightguards despite clear evidence of grinding should reconsider veneers. I will not place veneers on patients who grind heavily and refuse protective devices,” says Dr. Forrest. The veneers will fail, and the patient will be unhappy with their investment.”

Very young patients should usually wait for veneers. I rarely place veneers on patients under age 21 unless there are exceptional circumstances like severe trauma. Young teeth are still settling. Gums are still maturing. Waiting gives better long-term results.

How to Maximize Your Veneer Investment

You control many factors that determine how long your veneers last. Following these specific guidelines will help you reach the upper end of the expected lifespan.

DO These Things:

✓ Schedule dental cleanings every 6 months – Professional cleanings remove buildup that home care misses
✓ Wear your nightguard every night if prescribed – Protects against grinding damage
✓ Brush twice daily with soft bristles – Electric toothbrushes are safe and effective
✓ Floss daily at the gum line – Prevents decay and gum disease
✓ Attend all follow-up appointments – Allows early problem detection
✓ Use mouthguard for contact sports – Prevents injury-related damage
✓ Report sensitivity immediately – Early intervention prevents bigger problems
✓ Cut hard foods into pieces – Reduces stress on veneers

DON’T Do These Things:

✗ Never bite hard objects – Ice, pens, fingernails, hard candy damage veneers
✗ Don’t use teeth as tools – Opening packages, tearing tags stresses veneers
✗ Avoid hard shell foods – Nuts in shells, crab legs, popcorn kernels
✗ Skip whitening products – They can dull veneer surfaces
✗ Don’t skip flossing – Leads to gum disease and decay
✗ Avoid excessive alcohol – Can weaken bonding over time
✗ Don’t delay repairs – Small problems become expensive ones

The Replacement Process Is Straightforward

Eventually, your veneers will need replacement. This is normal and expected. The process closely resembles your initial veneer placement with a few differences.

Dr. Forrest will carefully remove the old veneers using specialized instruments. A thin additional layer of enamel gets removed to create space for new veneers. This step is necessary because the bonding cement remains on your tooth and must be removed.

New digital impressions of your teeth are taken. Modern scanners create 3D models without messy impression materials. The lab creates your replacement veneers to match your desired appearance. Most patients choose to update their veneer shade during replacement. Teeth often darken naturally over 15 years. Replacing your veneers gives you a chance to brighten your smile again.

You wear temporary veneers while the permanent ones are made. These temporaries protect your prepared teeth and let you function normally. Dr. Forrest will bond the new veneers in place during your final appointment using the same careful technique as your initial placement.

The entire process takes two to three weeks from start to finish. Replacement veneers should last just as long as your originals if you maintain the same care habits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Veneer Lifespan

How long do porcelain veneers typically last?

Porcelain veneers usually last between 10 and 25 years based on multiple clinical studies. Most of my patients get 15 to 18 years from quality porcelain veneers with proper maintenance. Research shows a 95% success rate at 10 years. Individual results vary significantly based on oral hygiene, grinding habits, and diet.

Can I make my veneers last longer than average?

Yes, absolutely. Excellent oral hygiene extends veneer life significantly. Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth makes a huge difference, potentially adding five to eight years to veneer lifespan. Research proves that grinders who wear nightguards reduce their failure risk. Avoiding hard foods and never using your teeth as tools helps too.

Do composite veneers last as long as porcelain?

No. Composite veneers typically last 5 to 10 years, while porcelain veneers last 10 to 25 years. Composite material stains more easily because it is porous at a microscopic level. It chips more readily than porcelain under normal chewing forces. Over the long term, porcelain often provides better value because you replace it less frequently.

What happens if I don’t replace old veneers when they need it?

Old veneers can crack, chip, or detach completely if not replaced when needed. Worn veneers may expose your natural teeth to decay because bacteria can enter through cracks or gaps. Studies show that 95% of properly maintained veneers don’t develop decay within 10 years. However, neglected veneers increase decay risk significantly. The longer you wait after problems appear, the more complicated treatment becomes.

Will my insurance cover veneer replacement?

Most dental insurance considers veneers cosmetic treatment. Insurance rarely covers the initial placement or routine replacement. However, if your veneers need replacement due to documented injury or trauma, you might get partial coverage. Some policies cover up to 50% if damage results from an accident. Check your specific policy details, and our office can help you understand your benefits.

Can veneers be repaired instead of replaced?

Small chips can sometimes be polished smooth or repaired with bonding material. This works best for minor edge chips smaller than one millimeter. Most other problems require complete replacement. I evaluate whether repair is possible during your examination. Repairs are temporary solutions at best and typically last 1-2 years.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for veneers?

Good candidates have healthy teeth and gums, adequate enamel for preparation, and realistic expectations. You should not have active gum disease or untreated tooth decay. You must be willing to maintain excellent oral hygiene and wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth. Schedule a consultation so I can evaluate your specific situation and discuss your options.

Can veneers be redone multiple times?

Yes, if you have enough tooth structure remaining. Each replacement removes a small amount of additional enamel. Conservative preparation at first preserves your options for the future. Most patients can have veneers replaced 2-3 times over their lifetime before alternative options like crowns become necessary.

Are electric toothbrushes safe for veneers?

Yes. Electric toothbrushes are safe and work well with soft bristles and gentle pressure. Studies show electric toothbrushes remove more plaque than manual brushing when used correctly. Just avoid excessive pressure that could cause gum recession.

Do veneers cause problems later in life?

Properly placed veneers on healthy teeth rarely cause long-term problems. Research documents that 95% of veneers don’t require root canals within 10 years. Complications come from poor case selection, poor hygiene, or grinding rather than the veneers themselves. This is why choosing an experienced cosmetic dentist matters.

What should I expect during my veneer consultation?

Your consultation will include a complete smile evaluation, digital photos, discussion of your goals and concerns, and a personalized treatment plan. We use digital smile design technology so you can preview your potential results before beginning treatment. Most consultations take about 45 minutes.

Your Next Steps

Veneers give you the smile you have always wanted. They correct flaws that bother you every time you look in the mirror. Understanding their realistic lifespan helps you plan for the future. You can take steps to extend their useful life and protect your investment.

Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center specializes in creating and maintaining beautiful smiles. Dr. Forrest has helped hundreds of local patients in the Des Moines area achieve their dream smiles with high-quality veneers over 30 years of practice. He uses premium materials from trusted manufacturers and work with experienced Iowa dental laboratories. Our digital smile design technology lets you preview your new smile before we begin treatment.

Your veneers represent a significant investment in your appearance and confidence. Protect that investment with proper care and regular dental visits. When replacement time arrives 15 or 20 years from now, you will be ready to refresh your smile and continue enjoying the benefits of cosmetic

Contact Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center Today

Ready to discuss dental veneers or need a veneer consultation?

What to expect during your consultation:

• Complete smile evaluation with Dr. Forrest
• Digital photos and 3D smile preview using our advanced technology
• Discussion of your goals and any concerns
• Personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs
• Review of all available options and financing
• No pressure, just honest answers to your questions

We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you deserve.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding dental procedures. Individual results may vary.