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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Archives for June 2021

I thought porcelain veneers didn’t stain

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Well, my porcelain veneers are stained. And they are only two years old. I am not finished paying for them yet. Should I stop payments until my dentist figures out what is going wrong? – Thank you. Monica from NJ

Monica,

Thank you for choosing our office to ask your question.

Porcelain veneers are stain resistant. Although Dr. Szarek would need to examine your veneers and teeth, we can discuss several factors that can cause stains as an exception.

What Causes Porcelain Veneers to Stain?

Porcelain veneers might stain if the surface is damaged or a gap exists between your veneer and your tooth. We will discuss why either might occur.

Porcelain veneer surface damage

When a dental hygienist cleans your teeth and mistakenly uses power polishing equipment on your veneers, the glaze can crack. Your veneers would be at risk for attracting stains. Or, if someone in the dental office uses acidulated fluoride on your veneers, tiny scratches will form. And your veneers can stain.

Gap between the veneer and the tooth

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneers are stain resistant unless they are damaged or placed incorrectly

If you notice stains on the sides of your teeth, a dentist might have left a tiny gap where the porcelain and your teeth meet. The gap can allow bacteria in, and your teeth or veneers can stain. Your dentist will need to check for areas of bonding composite near those gaps and polish them to smooth them away. Ultra-fine polishing strips and ultra-fine or fine aluminum oxide polishing paste will help your dentist smooth the area.

Schedule an Appointment with a Cosmetic Dentist

Any accumulated stain on porcelain veneers is usually minor. So if you notice stains, schedule an appointment right away. If the glaze on your veneers is damaged or a gap exists between the veneers and your teeth, a cosmetic dentist can correct it. But it is essential to see a dentist soon to prevent it from getting worse.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.

Should My Dentist Replace a Cracked Porcelain Veneer for Free?

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In March 2021, my dentist placed ten veneers on my top front teeth. I agreed to ten veneers because I have a broad smile. My dentist did beautiful work, and I have recommended several friends to her. I wore a nightguard before I got the veneers because I grind my teeth. And I have never stopped wearing a nightguard. Two nights ago, I forgot to wear my night guard, and in just that one incident, my right lateral incisor veneer cracked. Should forgetting to wear my nightguard one night cause a veneer to crack? Can a dentist repair a cracked veneer? And should I ask my dentist to replace it for free? I was planning on getting a dental implant for a lower first molar, but this setback might delay my plans. Thank you. Lyzelle from ME

Lyzelle,

Thank you for your question.

Can a Dentist Repair a Cracked Porcelain Veneer?

If a porcelain veneer cracked into two pieces that fit together perfectly, a cosmetic dentist could bond the veneer onto the tooth. The crack will be virtually invisible.

Should Your Dentist Replace Your Cracked Veneer at No Cost?

If your porcelain veneer cracked because you failed to wear your nightguard, your dentist is not responsible for replacing the veneer at no cost. But your veneers are only three months old, so some dentists would replace the cracked one and charge you for the lab fee or another portion. But you can expect to pay the full cost if it happens again.

Dental implant diagram of component, implant fixture in bone, and crown placement

Dental implants are highly effective for tooth replacement

Another factor is whether your dentist gave you specific instructions about wearing your nightguard to avoid damaging your veneers. If your dentist explained the risk, she might not be inclined to replace your cracked veneer at no cost. And you mentioned wearing a nightguard even before your dentist placed the veneers, so unless there are factors that you have not mentioned to us, be prepared to pay the total cost of replacing the veneer.

We understand that you have been anticipating getting a dental implant. But if you have found an excellent dentist, be reasonable if she is willing to negotiate with you on the cost of replacing the veneer.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.