This is one of the most important questions patients ask me before committing to veneers. I’m Dr. Emily Nguyen, Principal Dentist at Picasso Dental Clinic, and having placed veneers on patients from 65 nationalities since 2013, I can give you a clear understanding of what “permanent” really means with porcelain veneers.
What “Permanent” Actually Means with Veneers
The term “permanent” confuses many patients at our Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City clinics. What dentists mean is that the procedure permanently alters your teeth, not that the veneers last forever. To bond veneers properly, I remove approximately 0.5 millimeters of enamel from the front surface of your teeth. This preparation is irreversible because enamel doesn’t regenerate.
Once we’ve prepared your teeth for veneers, those teeth will always need some form of coverage. You cannot go back to your natural tooth structure. Think of it like installing tile on a wall: once you’ve prepared the surface, you’re committed to having tile or another covering material.
The porcelain veneers themselves are durable restorations, but they’re not indestructible. They can chip, crack, or debond over time, especially if you grind your teeth, chew hard objects, or experience dental trauma. I’ve treated patients who’ve had their veneers for two decades and others who needed repairs within five years based on how they cared for them.
How Long Porcelain Veneers Actually Last?
In my experience at Picasso Dental Clinic, most high-quality porcelain veneers last between 10 to 15 years with proper care. Some patients exceed this timeframe significantly. I recently examined veneers I placed in 2014 that still look excellent and function perfectly.
Several factors influence veneer longevity. The quality of the porcelain and bonding materials matters enormously. We use premium Japanese and German ceramics that resist staining and wear better than economy options. The skill of both the dentist and the dental laboratory technician also plays a major role in how well veneers fit and function.
Your oral habits are equally important. Patients who grind their teeth at night wear through veneers faster than those who don’t. Biting fingernails, opening packages with your teeth, or chewing ice can chip veneers prematurely. At our Da Nang clinic, I provide nightguards to teeth grinders, which extends veneer life considerably.
What Happens When Veneers Need Replacement
Eventually, even perfectly maintained veneers require replacement. The porcelain might develop fine cracks, the margins where the veneer meets your natural tooth can start to show wear, or the color might no longer match your other teeth if those have yellowed with age.
When replacement time comes, we carefully remove the old veneers and assess the underlying tooth structure. If your natural tooth remains healthy and intact, we can prepare it again and place new veneers. The replacement process is similar to the original procedure, typically requiring two visits and about two weeks total.
I’ve replaced veneers for hundreds of patients over the years. Some teeth require minimal additional preparation, while others need more extensive work if decay developed at the margins. This is why regular dental checkups every six months are essential for veneer patients.
The cost of replacement veneers is comparable to the initial investment. Many patients at Picasso Dental Clinic appreciate knowing this upfront so they can plan financially. Since 2013, we’ve developed maintenance programs to help patients maximize their veneer lifespan and budget for eventual replacement.
Maintaining Your Veneers for Maximum Longevity
Proper care dramatically extends how long your veneers last. I recommend treating veneered teeth gently, even though porcelain is quite strong. Avoid using your front teeth as tools, don’t bite directly into extremely hard foods like raw carrots or apples, and be cautious with sticky candies.
Excellent oral hygiene is non-negotiable. Brush twice daily with non-abrasive toothpaste, floss carefully around the veneer margins, and see your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. The gum tissue around veneers needs special attention because inflammation can compromise the bond between veneer and tooth.
If you grind your teeth, wearing a custom nightguard protects your investment. At our clinics in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat, I fabricate nightguards that fit comfortably and prevent the destructive forces that crack veneers. Many patients resist wearing them initially but become committed once they understand the protection they provide.
Avoiding staining substances helps maintain your veneers’ appearance. While porcelain itself resists staining much better than natural enamel, the bonding cement at the margins can discolor over time from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. Moderate consumption and good hygiene minimize this issue.
Alternatives If You Want Something Less Permanent
Some patients decide they’re not ready for the permanent commitment of traditional veneers. Minimal-prep or no-prep veneers require less enamel removal, though they’re not suitable for everyone depending on your tooth alignment and goals. These options provide more reversibility but may not achieve the same dramatic results.
Teeth whitening combined with cosmetic bonding can address minor imperfections without the permanence of veneers. I discuss all options during consultation because I want patients making informed decisions they’re comfortable with long term. What works beautifully for one person might not suit another’s lifestyle or expectations.
If you’re considering porcelain veneers and want to understand exactly what “permanent” means for your situation, I’m happy to discuss your specific case at any of our Picasso Dental Clinic locations. Veneers can be life-changing when you understand the commitment involved.
