Do porcelain veneers need to be replaced?? Also, if they need replacement, can I get it done with the NHS???

I've had mine put in on four of my upper front teeth in June 2000. They still look good now, aren't chipped, etc... but I heard that porcelain veneers have to be replaced after an x amount of years. I've always been meticulous about caring for my teeth, flossing daily, brushing thoroughly, rinsing with Corsodyl, etc.





My question is, must I replace them in 2010 even if they aren't chipped or damaged, or can I wait until the day they get chipped or damaged to get them replaced?? They are expensive!





Also, if they need to be replaced, can I have them replaced on the NHS (NOT free of charge, of course)... but would an NHS dentist do it for a cost? I'd rather have an NHS dentist do it instead of a private dentist, because correct me if I'm wrong, but I think private dentists always will charge more than an NHS dentist even if its for cosmetic jobs? What do you think?

Do porcelain veneers need to be replaced?? Also, if they need replacement, can I get it done with the NHS???
Think of Veneers like a false fingernail, if you look after them, they can last for a long time, if you are careless with them, then they are fairly fragile.





There is no set time limit to have them changed or replaced and a good set should last for a number of years before they need replacing.





Veneers will need to be etched and bonded onto the tooth surface and depending upon how well they are bonded onto the tooth will depend upon how long they last.





Veneers are used used more on front teeth for appearance purposes and give a good aesthetic results.





You cannot usually get veneers replaced under the NHS and you will need to have them done privately once they need replacing.





Hope that this helps





"The Dental Solicitor"
Reply:where do you get the idea they have to be replaced,you only have to if they need to be,so stop worrying
Reply:If theres nothing wrong aesthetic or pain wise then just leave them be, a decent dentist will only replace them when they do start looking dodgy or you are having problems with them. If he/she does suggest replacement then it should be done on the NHS provided you are under an NHS dentist.
Reply:there is actually no need to replace untill you have problem of discoloration or chipping as you said ..but it is always better to have a review in half yearly duration with your dentist, inorder to evaluate the health of the gums and maintanence of the venners.
Reply:Hello,





Veneers do not last a lifetime and will need replacing in time. At the practice I work at, we advise 10 years for the life of crowns, veneers and bridges, etc.





It is impossible to say when you'll need them replaced, but as long as you care for them well I am sure they will last a decent amount of time. Don't bite onto anything too hard and floss daily, as well as brushing with a flouride toothpaste. Caring for your veneers will, obviously, prolong their lifespan.





I have seen patients with veneers who have had them for 20+ years. However, a friend of mine had to have hers replaced just a few months after she had them done, but that was due to a chip to the veneer from eating chicken! I also recently saw a patient who needed his replacing because they were no longer the colour of his other teeth.





Did you have your veneers done because you clinically needed them or did you have them done cosmetically?





If there is something clinically wrong with a veneer an NHS will replace it. However, if there is absolutely nothing clinically wrong with the veneer and you simply want it replacing for cosmetic reasons an NHS dentist will not carry out the treatment under an NHS treatment plan. He/she may still carry out the treatment, but under a private basis.





I hope this helps.





Keep smiling.