Maintenance is annoying, but honestly, it’s way better than shelling out for new veneers or crowns every few years.
Yeah, I totally agree. I used to think the mouthguard was overkill until I saw those before-and-after pics of teeth worn down from grinding. Now I can’t imagine skipping it, even if cleaning it is a pain. Out of curiosity, did your dentist ever mention how long crowns or veneers are supposed to last with good care? I’ve heard everything from 5 to 20 years, which seems like a huge range...
- Definitely agree, maintenance is a hassle but worth it.
- From what I’ve seen, crowns and veneers really do vary—some people get 10+ years, others need replacements sooner.
- Grinding and clenching are big factors. If you’re careful (mouthguard, no ice chewing, etc.), you’ll stretch the lifespan.
- My dentist said porcelain can last up to 15 years, but resin ones are usually less.
- Honestly, I’ve seen folks with 20-year-old veneers that still look great... and some who needed new ones after five. Kinda luck of the draw plus habits.
I’ve always wondered if those Hollywood origins are why veneers still cost so much, even with all the new materials around. I went with resin to save money, but yeah, my dentist warned me they wouldn’t last as long as porcelain. Still, I figure if I’m careful and skip the ice chewing (guilty...), I can stretch them out a bit. Maintenance really is key—just wish it didn’t hit the wallet so hard every time.
Maintenance really is key—just wish it didn’t hit the wallet so hard every time.
Do you think part of the cost is still “Hollywood pricing,” or is it just materials and dentist fees? I’ve always wondered how much of it is branding versus actual tech. Resin was my pick too, mostly because I couldn’t justify dropping thousands on porcelain, but I do worry about them chipping or staining over time. Has your dentist given you any tips for keeping resin looking good besides the obvious no-ice rule?
I’ve heard some folks get touch-ups every year or two, but that sounds like a lot. Are you planning to just ride them out until they need a full redo? Also, does insurance help at all with maintenance, or is it all out-of-pocket for you? Sometimes I feel like the cosmetic label is just an excuse for higher prices, but maybe I’m being too cynical.
Sometimes I feel like the cosmetic label is just an excuse for higher prices, but maybe I’m being too cynical.
I’ve wondered about this too. It’s hard not to feel a bit skeptical when you see those price tags—especially since veneers started as a Hollywood thing. My dentist told me some of the cost is materials (porcelain’s apparently pricey to work with), but yeah, branding has to be part of it. It’s like anything else that started in Beverly Hills—add a zero and call it “premium.”
I went with resin for the same reason. Porcelain just wasn’t in my budget, and honestly, I’m not sure I’d want to stress about chipping a thousand-dollar tooth every time I eat popcorn. As for maintenance tips, besides the usual “don’t chew ice” and “avoid red wine,” mine said to use a soft toothbrush and avoid abrasive toothpaste. Nothing earth-shattering.
Insurance didn’t cover any of it for me, which was a bummer. They kept calling it “cosmetic.” I’m just hoping mine last a decent stretch before I have to think about redoing them... Touch-ups every year sounds exhausting (and expensive). If anyone’s found an insurance loophole, I’d love to hear about it.
