Posted: October 30, 2012
Because of their name, many people assume porcelain veneers are fragile, like china plates or figurines. However, porcelain doesn’t describe what the veneers are actually made of, but refers to the white colour of the ceramic.
Unlike dishware and baubles, porcelain veneers are made of ceramic composite. Combined with a special hard plastic material, the veneers are created using high heat and intense pressure to ensure they are free of tiny voids and uneven composition that can cause premature failure.
So, how durable are porcelain veneers? There have been many studies done on the survival rates of porcelain veneers, and they all tend to agree. About 94-96% of porcelain veneers will last 10 years or more. Fewer studies look at the survival rate over a longer time period, but one published in 2012 showed that 84% of veneers are expected to survive 20 years!
However, the durability of your veneers will be impacted by many factors. Most importantly, tooth clenching and a poor bite can dramatically increase the odds your porcelain veneers may fail early, so you should talk to your dentist about this before deciding on a treatment plan.
To learn whether highly durable porcelain veneers are the right cosmetic treatment for you, contact Aesthetic Dental Studio in Calgary and make an appointment with a dentist.
