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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

If a Porcelain Veneer Falls Off, Should It Be Replaced with a Crown?

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Last December, my dentist placed 6 porcelain veneers on my front teeth. Two weeks after my dentist bonded the veneers, one of the incisor veneers fell off and broke while I was eating. The tooth was quite sensitive. My dentist said that he needed to adjust my bite. He shortened the opposite bottom tooth and the porcelain veneer. My dentist applied chemicals to my tooth that hurt so bad because it was already sensitive, despite his claims that the fix would be painless.

Last week, the same veneer fell off while I was eating. I feel the same sensitivity in my tooth. I called my dentist’s office to report the problem, and he returned my call and asked me to schedule an appointment for a porcelain crown because my bite must still be off. My dentist hasn’t looked at my tooth, and he wants me to get a crown. I’m suffering from sensitivity in the tooth, and I’m very skeptical about returning to my dentist. Is it normal for a cosmetic dentist to replace a veneer with a crown that keeps falling off?  – Omar from CT

Omar,

Two things aren’t normal about your situation. Porcelain veneers don’t commonly fall off, and it isn’t reasonable to grind down your tooth to replace the veneer with a dental crown.

Your dentist’s explanation about why your porcelain veneer is falling off doesn’t sound logical—especially since your dentist adjusted your bite, and the veneer fell off again. When a dentist properly bonds a porcelain veneer, it might chip or crack—but not fall off.

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Fall Off?

Improper bonding – Porcelain veneers require skill and proper bonding techniques. A dentist needs post-graduated cosmetic dentistry training to understand which tools and materials are needed for successful bonding. We are skeptical that your dentist has received the proper training to give you a long-lasting smile makeover.

Aggressive tooth preparation – If your dentist aggressively prepared your tooth and removed too much enamel, it would cause sensitivity in your tooth and make it a challenge for the veneer to stay in place.

Switch to an Advanced Cosmetic Dentist

If you take the veneer to an advanced cosmetic dentist—preferably accredited— he or she will ensure your tooth is prepared correctly and bond the veneer back in place. A cosmetic dentist who can save your tooth from a crown and ensure your veneer is secure.

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post. Dr. Szarek’s office is conveniently located near Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Westford, Andover, Lawrence, Wilmington, Bedford, and Burlington.
Below are porcelain veneers photos of one of Dr. Szarek’s patients.

6 Questions to Ask Yourself before Choosing Dental Implants

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If you’re reading this post, you probably know that dental implants are the most effective form of tooth replacement. That’s because they mimic natural teeth.

The components of a dental implant include:

  • Artificial root – A root form, usually made of titanium, is surgically implanted in your jawbone. It’s a simple procedure.
  • Abutment – This connector is attached to the artificial root to support a crown.
  • Dental crown – A dental crown is attached to the abutment.
Diagram of dental implant phases, including 1) implant insertion in bone, 2) healing process, 3) abutment attachment, 4) crown attachment.
Dental implant phases

Questions to Ask Yourself before Dental Implants Are Placed

1. What are the implant dentist’s qualifications?

Although many dentists offer dental implants, not all of them meet the following qualifications:

  • Post-graduate training in implantology
  • Regularly place dental implants
  • Use advanced technology, including 3-D images to ensure optimal implant placement
  • Provide natural-looking dental crowns or implant overdentures

2. What are my other options?

Dental implants are the best form of tooth replacement, but they are also the most costly. If they are not within your budget, you should be aware of the following:

  • Other options, e.g., dental bridge, partial denture, implant overdentures
  • Cost of the options
  • Longevity of your options
  • Results you can expect

3. What’s involved with getting dental implants?

Dental implants have a 98% success rate, but they require diligent oral hygiene. Ask yourself if you’re willing to do the following:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily and daily floss between them
  • Keep appointments for regular dental cleanings and checkups
  • Quit smoking or tobacco use—or avoid those habits before and after dental implant surgery to allow proper healing

4. What Are My Long-Term Goals for My Smile?

If you have multiple smile goals, dental implants can be added to the treatment plan. But timing is everything. Your dentist will let you know at what stage dental implants will be scheduled in your overall treatment. For example, if you want your teeth whitened or aligned, let you dentist know before you receive dental implants.

5. Am I Willing to Wait?

  • Surgery and healing – Receiving dental implants is a process. After the implants are placed, it takes three to four months for the implants and your jawbone to fuse and provide a solid anchor for dental crowns or dentures. Meanwhile, you will wear temporary crowns or dentures.
  • Bone grafting – If some of your teeth have been missing for an extended period, your jawbone might be shrinking. Adequate bone is needed to support dental implants. If you don’t have enough bone, grafting might be required. The grafts need to heal before dental implants are placed.

A successful outcome requires patience. Don’t expect a quick fix with dental implants.

6. Am I Willing to Consult with More than One Dentist?

Much of the success of dental implants depends on the training, skill, and experience of the dentist. We recommend that you schedule consultations with more than one dentist. Only schedule consultations with providers who have post-graduate training in implantology, years of experience in placing implants, and many patients for whom implants have been provided.

During your consultations ask each dentist about the following:

  • Advanced training and credentials
  • Years of experience
  • How many dental implant cases he or she has completed
  • Before-and-after photos of patient cases
  • Cost of the entire procedure, including surgery, bone grafting if needed, and crowns or dentures
  • How he or she ensures accurate placement (3D imaging, computer-guided placement, etc.)

Cost alone should not determine which provider you choose for dental implants. Compare all of your options and weigh them carefully.

This post is sponsored by Lowell, MA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Dr. Szarek’s office is convenient to the following towns:

  • Dracut, MA
  • Chelmsford, MA
  • Tewksbury, MA
  • Billerica, MA
  • Pelham, NH      
  • Westford, MA
  • Methuen, MA
  • Andover, MA
  • Lawrence, MA
  • Wilmington, MA            
  • Bedford, MA
  • North Andover, MA
  • Burlington, MA
  • Hudson, NH
  • Windham, NH