Last Medically Reviewed: 9th October 2026 by Dr Imogen Bexfield.
To summarise this question for our cosmetic patients, we need to clarify what we mean by “veneers are permanent.” In terms of lifespan, veneers won’t last forever; even the longest-lasting porcelain veneers aren’t permanent additions to your smile. However, they will permanently change your teeth.
That said, this isn’t true of all types of veneers. To break it down simply, here are the key points you should know…
Certain types of veneers, such as porcelain, are classified as permanent because, during application, a small amount of enamel is removed to allow them to sit on top of the tooth. For no-prep veneers, such as composite, this step isn’t necessary, making them a reversible option.
This is where it might get a little complicated. Traditional porcelain veneers require enamel removal and are permanent.
For example, with Emax veneers, we’ll need to remove a small amount of enamel.
Once we remove this enamel, the tooth will always need protection with a veneer or a crown. This means you are committing to veneers long term, and they will need to be replaced or refreshed over time as part of ongoing maintenance.
However, modern porcelain veneers marketed as ultrathin and no-prep, with no enamel removal, are considered reversible options, meaning you don’t have to commit to them long-term.
If you don’t want composite veneers but prefer a non-permanent porcelain option, you can still choose one; just pick a brand like Durathin, Ultrathin, or Lumineers.
The answer to this question really depends on your goals…
For patients committed to a full smile makeover, porcelain veneers are the preferred option because they offer superior aesthetics and enhanced durability and strength. They’re also chip- and stain-resistant, requiring less maintenance than composite veneers.
Once you commit to traditional porcelain veneers, there’s no going back, so make sure you want them before you proceed, since they are permanent. Your underlying teeth will need long-term protection, whether with another veneer or a crown, until you replace them.
To keep costs low in the future, you can replace your porcelain veneers with composite veneers, even if enamel has been removed. But when enamel is reduced, the tooth relies on the restoration for protection, and porcelain veneers offer strength, longevity, and colour stability.
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