How Long Do Implants and Veneers Last? What Studies Show

ByDr. Evandro Osterne Filho

Published studies show that most dental implants and porcelain veneers last many years. On average, about 96 in 100 implants are still in place after 10 years, and about 96 in 100 porcelain veneers after 5 years. These are averages, not promises. Your own result depends on your health, habits and care.

How do researchers measure “how long it lasts”?

Most studies use a measure called survival rate. It means the share of implants or veneers still in the mouth after a certain number of years.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • “Still in place” does not always mean “never needed a repair.” A crown can chip and be fixed while the implant stays.
  • Studies follow specific groups of patients. Your health and habits may be different.
  • Longer studies are harder to run, so 10-year and 15-year data are less common than 5-year data.

This is why it makes sense to talk about averages and risk factors, not promises.

How long do dental implants last?

A large review pooled many studies and found that about 96 in 100 implants were still in place after 10 years (Howe et al., 2019).

That is encouraging. But some implants do fail. The most common risk factors include:

  • smoking,
  • gum disease that is not controlled,
  • poorly controlled diabetes,
  • heavy grinding or clenching, and
  • skipping cleanings and checkups.

The crown attached to the implant may also wear or chip over the years and need repair or replacement.

How long do full-arch fixed bridges last?

For patients who replace a whole lower arch with a fixed bridge on four implants (the “All-on-4” concept), a long-term study found about 99 in 100 bridges still in use after 10 to 18 years (Maló et al., 2019).

This study looked at the lower jaw. Results for the upper jaw and for other designs can differ. Learn more in full-arch fixed teeth.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

A review found that about 96 in 100 porcelain veneers were still in place after 5 years (Layton, Clarke and Walton, 2012). At 10 years, results varied more from study to study.

Veneers can chip, come loose or show wear at the edges over time. Grinding and biting hard objects are common causes. A night guard helps many patients. Read more in porcelain veneers in one trip.

What can I do to help my treatment last?

You play a big part. Here is what makes the most difference:

  • Do not smoke. It slows healing and raises the risk of implant problems.
  • Clean every day. Brush twice a day and clean between teeth and under bridges.
  • Keep your checkups. See a dentist for cleanings at least as often as they recommend.
  • Protect against grinding. Wear a night guard if you clench or grind.
  • Keep your records. Your records in English list the implant brand and lot numbers, so any dentist can help you later.

Careful planning by Dr. Evandro, who has placed more than 10,000 implants over 22 years, is one part of the picture. Your daily care at home is the other.

Key takeaways

  • About 96 in 100 implants are still in place after 10 years, on average.
  • About 99 in 100 lower-jaw All-on-4 bridges were still in use after 10 to 18 years in one long-term study.
  • About 96 in 100 porcelain veneers are still in place after 5 years; 10-year data vary more.
  • These are averages, not promises.
  • Not smoking, daily cleaning and regular checkups make a real difference.

Questions patients ask

Can an implant last a lifetime?
Many implants last for decades. But no one can promise that for a specific person. Care and health play a big role.

Will I need to replace the crown on my implant?
Possibly, after many years. Crowns can wear or chip. The implant itself often stays.

Do veneers stain?
Porcelain resists stains well. The edges and your natural teeth can still stain, so cleanings help.

Tell us about your smile and schedule a pre-visit video call with Dr. Evandro. Start here.

About the author

Dr. Evandro César Vidal Osterne Filho, Dentist (Cirurgião-Dentista), CRO/DF 7172, Clinical Director of Onne Odontologia in Águas Claras, Brasília.

  • Registered specialist in Implant Dentistry, Orthodontics, Functional Jaw Orthopedics and Halitosis with Brazil’s Federal Council of Dentistry (CFO)
  • Experienced in complex cases and full-mouth rehabilitation
  • Postgraduate training: Orthodontics (3 years), Implant Dentistry (2 years), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1-year advanced course), Functional Jaw Orthopedics (1 year)
  • More than 10,000 dental implants placed over 22 years of practice
  • Former professor at the University of Brasília (UnB) for two years; instructor in postgraduate courses that train dentists to place implants
  • Dental auditor for health plans, reviewing treatment plans from other clinics
  • Master’s in Digital Dentistry with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, Harold Gillies University, Florida (in progress)
  • Speaks fluent English and sees every international patient personally

Verify his license: website.cfo.org.br/consulta-inscritos
Clinic website: onneodontologia.com.br

Sources

This article is educational and does not replace an in-person dental evaluation. Results vary from person to person. Dr. Evandro César Vidal Osterne Filho, Dentist (Cirurgião-Dentista), CRO/DF 7172.

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