How Long Do Veneers and Crowns Last?

This is one of the most common question I hear during a veneer and crown consultation. The most simple answer I can give you is:  "It depends."

If a crown or a veneer functions in a perfectly healthy dentition, then the restoration will last a long time.  If the restoration functions in an unstable bite and/or in an unhealthy bone/gum environment, then it will not last as long.

The best thing to do is to not be fixated on a certain number of years as a life span for your restoration.  Rather, find out the existing status of the overall health of your dentition, then treat the dentition comprehensively in order to assure the longevity of not only your restorations but also of your natural teeth.

It is a red flag if your consultation involves zero discussion about the status of your bite and focuses only the cosmetic of the case.

Accurate diagnosis, proper treatment planning, and precise delivery will result in optimum lifespan of your restoration.

Here is a case of two veneers on two front teeth which I delivered on Feb 8th, 2001.  Eleven years in the patient's mouth, and this picture still shows no sign of wear on the porcelain.  The gum tissue is perfectly healthy around the neck of the tooth, and the veneers look beautiful in the patient's smile. The photo was taken on March 1st, 2012.

Images of actual patients of Alex Nguyen, DDS are Copyrighted and Digitally Embedded to track Unauthorized Use.

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Alex Nguyen, DDS is a Saratoga Dentist who practices General Dentistry, Cosmetic, and Implant Dentistry. For over 20 years the practice has been serving the residents of Santa Clara County and San Francisco Bay Area.