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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Can porcelain veneers be placed over old composite?

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I have 2 teeth that have a lot composite in them. I lost part of each tooth in an accident. I don’t like the way the composite wears over time and it never really matched my teeth, so I asked my dentist about veneers. He said that crowns will be better. I really want veneers and I am thinking about switching dentists to get it done. Can I get veneers over the composite? Thanks. Stephanie M.

Stephanie – The answer for whether or not porcelain veneers should be used over composite depends on each individual’s case.

You mentioned that you have a lot of composite in your teeth. If a tooth is at least half composite, it can break. Placing a porcelain crown over the tooth, instead of putting veneers on it will protect it from breaking off. The crown will also protect the tooth from decay.

The location of the composite is also a consideration in determining the most effective treatment. If the composite is on the front of each tooth, then trimming the composite and placing porcelain veneers on your teeth can produce excellent results.

You are considering the possibility of going to another dentist, so consider getting a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist—if possible, an accredited cosmetic dentist. He or she will be able to determine which treatment is best for your case. Also, a skilled cosmetic dentist can perfectly blend and manipulate composite to match the translucence, color, and characteristics of your natural teeth. An experienced cosmetic dentist will be produce beautiful results with replacing the composite, or providing you with porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My porcelain veneers are way too white

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I hate my porcelain veneers because they are way too white. Nobody thinks they are my real teeth. People actually ask me if I am wearing veneers or something over my teeth because they are so white. It is embarrassing. I know that they are not my real teeth, but aren’t porcelain veneers supposed to look natural? This is much whiter than I thought my veneers would be.  The cosmetic dentist that placed them is not my regular dentist, but she insists that I approved the color. I asked her to remove them and send them back to her lab to have them darkened. She says that it’s too late to darken them. Is this true? I am disappointed that I am not being offered any alternatives for this problem. Thanks for your help. – Sunni

Sunni – After porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth, no changes can be made to them. Even if the veneers were removed, the porcelain is color fast, and it cannot be changed.

Bonded veneers can’t be made darker or lighter. At this point, if you are able to prove that the color of veneers you received is not the color you approved, it may assist you in getting new veneers. You can consider tactfully asking your cosmetic dentist to compare the instructions on the color of your veneers that was sent to the lab with what was actually received. It is unfortunate, but at this point, the only way to receive more natural-looking veneers is to have them completely redone.

We hope that your cosmetic dentist will be willing to work with you to ensure that you get natural-looking veneers. If not, find another cosmetic dentist who will examine your teeth and veneers and let you know your options. An accredited cosmetic dentist is trained and skilled to product lifelike results.

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

Porcelain veneers or crowns for my worn teeth?

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My teeth are worn and discolored. I am going to make appointments with 2 different dentists to see what they recommend. I just need some direction before I see the dentists so I don’t get oversold or undersold. Should I go with one who recommends porcelain veneers or one who recommends porcelain crowns? Jon

Jon – A conservative, conscientious dentist will first examine your teeth to identify the cause of the wear and discoloration.

If the wear is caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding, that issue must be addressed first. Many patients who grind their teeth are not good candidates for porcelain veneers. The force on the teeth from grinding can fracture a veneer.

An experienced cosmetic dentist will recommend the most conservative treatment. If you do not grind your teeth, and if you have adequate healthy tooth structure, porcelain veneers are a more conservative treatment than porcelain crowns. Teeth are minimally prepared before the veneers are bonded to them. If preparation is required, only 0.5mm to 1mm of the enamel surface is removed. A disadvantage is that veneers cost more than crowns. Porcelain crowns require reducing the size of natural teeth so that crowns will fit over them. This is a process that reduces a significant amount of tooth structure, and it cannot be reversed.

It is possible that your smile can be rejuvenated with teeth whitening and dental composite. An artistic cosmetic dentist can manipulate composite to match the characteristics and translucence of your natural teeth. This is a minimally invasive treatment that will last for years if you take proper care of it. Some patients only require cosmetic contouring, which shapes the teeth to help them appear symmetrical and balanced.

When looking for dentists with whom you can have a consultation, we recommend that you find experienced cosmetic dentists who have artistic talent. A cosmetic dentist’s goal is to help you achieve a smile that is both healthy and beautiful. He or she may recommend one or more treatment options to help you achieve your goals for your smile. An examination and diagnostic studies are required to accurately inform you of your options.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

My porcelain veneers are sliding down

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None of my 8 porcelain veneers have fallen off. I’m happy for that! I’ve read bad stories online about veneers coming completely off. My case is different. My veneers look like they are sliding down or maybe pulling away from my gums. I got the veneers in July ’14 so they are a little more than a year old. 3 of the 8 seem to be sliding down. My dentist took a look at them and said she will fill in the gap or margin. I am wondering what the chances are that this will be a repeat performance on the other 5 teeth. Also how often will I have to get this done or retouched? Is this normal? I have already asked my dentist all of these questions and she answered them, but I need a second opinion. When I got the veneers I wasn’t told about this possibility and the maintenance required on them. Thanks. Hope J.

Hope J. – It is not normal for new porcelain veneers to develop a gap at the margin. This problem is often due to improper bonding technique. Whether or not you will experience the issue with the other veneers depends on whether or not they were properly bonded.

If the restoration of the three veneers isn’t done properly, it may need to be repeated. Dr. Szarek would need to examine your teeth and veneers to determine why the gap is occurring and to let you know if you can expect the issue with your other veneers.

It’s good that you are asking questions now. We recommend that you schedule an appointment for an examination with an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area. The examination will provide you with accurate information on your veneers, what you can expect for the future, and how to avoid a recurring issue.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michal Szarek.

One of my veneers hurts

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I’ve had 8 porcelain veneers since May 2014. For the past 2 months or so, I’ve been feeling pain in one of the veneered teeth. I’ve had a dental appointment about it, and my dentist says that he doesn’t see a problem. What could be going on? Marci

Marci – The problem with the tooth can be due to a change in your bite. It is also possible that there is a problem with the tooth itself.

The pulp in the tooth may be infected and irritated. A closer examination is needed, and a diagnostic study—an x-ray may be required to identify the problem.

If necessary, the veneer can be removed and re-made. An infected tooth is addressed by a root canal treatment.

Ask your dentist to take another look at your tooth. You can also choose to receive a second opinion from another dentist. He or she will need to examine your tooth and perhaps perform an x-ray to identify the cause of the pain.

 

This post is sponsored by Lowell accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.