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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

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.

Straight teeth after Invisalign but jagged edges like a zipper

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I knew braces would straighten my teeth vertically, but I guess I didn’t think about their shape overall. The edges of my teeth are jagged like a zipper. After 18 months of Invisalign, I still need dental work on my teeth. I was negligent about wearing Invisalign, so my treatment is lasting longer than normal. I still have two months of Invisalign left, but now I’m concerned about having zipper-edged teeth. Will I need porcelain veneers to even out my teeth horizontally? – Thanks. Cliff

Cliff,
Although porcelain veneers create beautiful smile makeovers, they are too aggressive for evening your teeth in your case. There is an alternative for contouring your teeth without preparing—or lightly shaving—to the extent that porcelain veneers require.

What Is Enameloplasty or Cosmetic Contouring?

Enameloplasty or cosmetic contouring is the process of removing a small amount of tooth enamel to change the length, shape, or size of a tooth. Enameloplasty is limited to your tooth enamel. And after reshaping your teeth, your dentist polishes them to a natural gloss. Tooth enamel doesn’t contain nerves, so the procedure is painless. And it only lasts a few minutes. Other names for the procedure are odontoplasty or tooth shaving.

Who Completes the Procedure?

If your teeth require minor reshaping, your orthodontist might complete the procedure to finish your teeth. If more Is involved, it’s unlikely that a family dentist will achieve highly aesthetic results. We recommend that you visit a dentist with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. An accredited cosmetic dentist will produce natural-looking results that enhance your smile.

What About Cosmetic Bonding?

Before-and-after composite boning photos

Composite bonding

In some cases, a cosmetic dentist skillfully uses cosmetic bonding to fill in the sides of teeth. In the case to the right, edges of the teeth were evened and cosmetic bonding filled in the sides.

Best wishing for completing Invisalign treatment and giving your smile a gorgeous finish.

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

4 Top Causes of Swollen Gums After Getting Porcelain Veneers

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

Porcelain veneers must be correctly bonded and placed

Are swollen gums detracting from your porcelain veneers and your smile? What’s causing the gum irritation? Some possibilities are listed below. And we’ll explain what you do about it.

1. Excess cement

When your porcelain veneers are bonded on, the dentist should clean off any excess before it hardens. Otherwise, it can get beneath your gumline and cause irritation and swelling. Dentists who don’t place a lot of porcelain veneers often fail to remove the excess cement. Advanced cosmetic dentists cure the cement in the middle of the tooth and remove the excess while it is still soft.

2. Wearing temporary veneers too long

If you wear temporary veneers for an extended period, it can cause gum irritation and inflammation. When your dentist removes the temporary veneers, the inflammation can make it difficult to bond on your porcelain veneers.

3. Messy margins

A dentist should precisely place veneers at your gumline. A fit that’s less than precise can irritate your gums, cause them to swell, and promote infection. If a veneer is too far away from your gumline, bacteria can leak in and cause infection. But if it is too far beneath your gumline, it will rub and cause irritation and inflammation.

4. Sensitivity or allergies

An allergy or sensitivity to porcelain is rare. But if you react to the dental ceramic, your gums can be irritated. Some patients choose to schedule an appointment with an allergist for testing.

What’s the solution?

Ask acquaintances or family members for a recommendation of a cosmetic dentist—preferably accredited—in your area. Otherwise, you can search online to find a cosmetic dentist. Look for his or her training, experience, and credentials in cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment for a second opinion for an exam of your veneers and gumline.

A highly skilled cosmetic dentist will determine the cause of the irritation and explain your options.

This post is sponsored by Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA. Dr. Szarek guarantees his work.

Dentist refuses to give me porcelain veneers and will only do crowns

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I thought I was going to get porcelain veneers until I got to my 3rd consultation with a dentist. The first 2 dentists I saw agreed that after I have a few cavities filled, I would be good to go for veneers. Yesterday I went for my 3rd consultation and the dentist said I have 3 teeth that are badly decayed. He told me if I chose veneers they wouldn’t look good nor would they last long. He doesn’t think it’s a good idea to just cover up the badly decayed teeth with veneers. He also said that he would only do crowns on me. If I insist on veneers he would ask me to see another dentist. Now I’m not sure if my first two consultations gave me good advice or if I really need crowns. Ezra

Ezra – Although x-rays can help detect cavities, it’s difficult to determine the amount of tooth decay. When the tooth is prepared for restoration and the dentist opens the area to clean out the decay, he or she might find some surprises as to the extent of decay. In that case, porcelain crowns might be recommended instead of veneers. But the decay has to be correctly assessed and treated before you can receive porcelain veneers or crowns.

Dentists decide different treatment based on their experience and judgement. Some dentists will fill the cavities with dental composite, while others recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth from further damage.

Although you’ve already spoken with three dentists, at this point it’s best to get another opinion from an accredited cosmetic dentist. An accredited dentist has passed a series of tests and exams, and submitted actual patient cases as proof of his or her skill.

After an examination and a review of your x-rays, a skilled cosmetic dentist can determine if porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns are best to restore your smile.

 

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