Are Veneers Safe Long Term?

More and more people in London are looking towards cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of their teeth and smile. Veneers in London are certainly at the top of the list for smile-conscious men and women.

What kinds of habits can shorten the life of your veneers? Often, the same ones that damage your natural teeth. Veneers can chip and crack just like natural teeth, so biting down on hard foods (like ice or boiled sweets) or inedible objects can cause damage.

Making Them Last

Veneers aren’t a permanent, maintenance-free fix — but if you look after them, they can last 10 years or more. Since they’re a significant investment in your oral health and smile, it’s worth treating them with care. Here are some ways to keep your veneers looking great:

1. Follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush at least twice daily, floss regularly, and don’t skip your six-month dental check-ups. This keeps both veneers and natural teeth healthy.
2. Wear oral protection. If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard. Impacts to the face can easily crack veneers — prevention is key.
3. Don’t use teeth as tools. Avoid opening packaging or cutting things with your teeth. It’s one of the quickest ways to chip a veneer.
4. Address teeth grinding (bruxism). If you grind your teeth at night, speak to your dentist about a night guard. Repeated pressure can shorten the lifespan of your veneers.

Veneers may be the ideal way to achieve your perfect smile, but they still require care. Skipping basic oral hygiene can lead to expensive repairs or early damage. Treated well, veneers can last a decade or longer.

Why Do Veneers Break or Fall Off?

Here are the most common reasons veneers become damaged:

• Age of veneers – Over time (typically 10+ years), the adhesive can weaken, causing veneers to loosen and fall off. Porcelain veneers are long-lasting but not forever.
• Poor adhesive – Sometimes, veneers detach early due to low-quality bonding agents or improper technique. This is usually a practitioner issue, not a product issue.
• Teeth grinding – Bruxism puts intense pressure on veneers, often causing cracks or chips. Consider a mouth guard if you grind your teeth during sleep.

That’s why it’s so important to choose the right dentist and have a clear understanding of your long-term care routine. If you have any questions, our cosmetic dentists are here to help — you can book a free veneers consultation to explore your options.

To make an informed decision, your dentist will talk you through each treatment and recommend the one best suited to your needs.

Find out more on our dental veneers homepage.