Porcelain Veneer Came Off

It has been over 10 years now that I had porcelain veneers placed on my upper teeth. I really like them a lot, but recently one of them broke into two pieces and fell off. My dentist glued it back in place for a temporary fix. I’m so scared it’s going to break off again and it kind of hurts. I am supposed to wait for another five days before they get me back in. This seems like an emergency to me, but I was told it wasn’t since it is cosmetic in nature. Do you think all dentists feel this way? Do you think it best for the veneer to be replaced or should I have a crown done? Also, do you think my tooth will hold another veneer in place?

Thank you,

Cameron in Kentucky

Dear Cameron,

In an office that does a lot of cosmetic dentistry, I think that having a porcelain veneer fall off qualifies as an emergency. There are emergency dentists that will make cases like this top priority even if they are cosmetic.

You can have another porcelain veneer bonded to the same tooth. I would make sure you do consult with a cosmetic dentist that has done a lot of cosmetic work and truly understands the dental bonding technology. It will be important to remove all of the old bonding material to begin with a clean slate. As for a porcelain crown, I think this may not be the best option.

Keep in mind that you do not need to return to the original dentist that placed them originally. There are many great cosmetic dentists that are fully capable of assisting with your dental emergency.

Good luck.

This post was provided by Glibert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

My porcelain veneers are not smooth

My porcelain veneers do not feel smooth on my five upper, front teeth. Basically, when I run my tooth over them they do not feel slick like my normal teeth. I have gone back to the dentist that did them to have them polished two times. Also, I think they look pasty.

-Carrie from California

Dear Carrie,

Unfortunately, from what you have described it does not sound as if your dentist knows how to polish your porcelain veneers. Another issue could be that he originally used a laboratory that may not have made the most natural-looking veneers.

Many general dentists claim that they can do porcelain veneers. The problem is that they need to look as life-like as possible. It truly take an “artist” to perfect this technique. That is why there is so much additional training and education to be considered a cosmetic dentist.

Porcelain veneers do not require polish. The process in which they are made when they are fired in the porcelain oven gives them a glaze. This coating is very stain resistant and durable. There are occasions where polishing is required when a dentist that is maintaining them does not treat them properly.

I would recommend consulting with a true cosmetic dentist. They should be able to polish them properly and ultimately give you the natural, beautiful look you are after.

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.

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