Did Braces Damage My Teeth Enamel So Bad That I Need Porcelain Veneers?

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I’m almost 24 years old. I wore braces for two years, and after my dentist removed them, my upper front teeth looked so bad. I almost wish I could wear braces again to cover up my teeth. My dentist said the enamel eroded and permanently damaged my teeth. Now, my dentist wants to do porcelain veneers. I grind my teeth, too, so I think veneers are risky. My orthodontist never mentioned anything about this damage during any of my checkups. I’m pretty upset about this because I spent so much money on braces, and now I need to spend thousands of dollars on veneers. I don’t trust my orthodontist, and I’m not sure I should trust my dentist. Should I get a second opinion? Thank you. Kam from NJ

Kam

Your concerns are understandable. We will share information that can help you avoid overtreatment.

Do You Need Porcelain Veneers for White Spots After Braes?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Consult an accredited cosmetic dentist before agreeing to porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are an aggressive way to treat white spots after braces. Rather than enamel erosion that requires porcelain veneers, you probably have decalcification spots from the braces. A cosmetic dentist can use bonding to conceal the marks.

Get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist. Even if you need porcelain veneers, you could avoid having an awful experience by finding a skilled cosmetic dentist. Although dental bonding is likely the solution, it takes an artistic dentist to match the bonding with your teeth and conceal the spots perfectly.

We don’t know why your orthodontist or hygienist didn’t mention the decalcification spots during follow-up appointments, but they should have. When you wear braces, you must brush around the braces and brackets to remove food debris every time you eat. Otherwise, bacteria will collect, release acid, and decalcify your teeth.

It’s not too late to improve your smile. However, don’t let your dentist prepare your teeth for porcelain veneers. Find a cosmetic dentist with advanced orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry training and get a second opinion.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

Should I Switch to an Endodontist If I Need a Repeat Root Canal?

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Hello,

Should I switch to an endodontist if I need a repeat root canal? I had a root canal on my upper right canine, which is a porcelain veneer tooth. I have six veneers on my upper front teeth from canine to canine. My dentist did a root canal on the tooth a year ago, but the filling fell out. This was not a temporary filling. Anyway, the tooth has an abscess, so I saw my dentist last week, and she says I need another root canal. I am concerned about this tooth because of the porcelain veneer on it. I don’t want to risk losing the veneer or the tooth. I wish my dentist had noticed the filling was loose before it fell out. Should I switch to an endodontist? Thank you. Mikayla

 

Hi Mikayla,

Your tooth is infected and needs treatment. An infection may have remained in your tooth after the root canal last year. Losing the filling may have let saliva and bacteria leak into the tooth. Over time, saliva will weaken the seal in your tooth, infecting it or causing a new infection to flare up.

Should You Switch to an Endodontist for a Repeat Root Canal?

Tips of dental forceps holding a porcelain veneer next to a woman's teeth

Get a second opinion from an endodontist if you have concerns about root canal treatment on a porcelain veneer tooth

If you are uncomfortable with your dentist’s ability to resolve your tooth abscess, ask for a referral to an endodontist. Root canal treatment weakens a tooth, so you increase the chance of success with an endodontist since they specialize in root canal treatment.

The treatment should not harm your porcelain veneer. However, you can consult the endodontist before your treatment and express your concerns about keeping the porcelain veneer and tooth intact.

Schedule an appointment with the endodontist as quickly as possible to prevent the infection from spreading into your jawbone and affecting other teeth. An untreated infection will erode the tooth, making it unrestorable. That scenario would cause porcelain veneer and tooth loss, creating a need for tooth replacement, such as a dental implant.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Learn more about the porcelain veneers process.

How Can I Avoid Veneers Teeth Preparation?

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How can I avoid veneers teeth preparation? I don’t want my teeth shaved down. I’ve been checking out dentists’ patients along their veneers journey on IG, and their teeth look scary after prep. I’m so afraid of that experience. Are there other options for teeth covers?  Thanks. Finn from Jersey City

Finn,

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist to avoid aggressive teeth preparation for veneers.

Pictures on Instagram of aggressive teeth preparation for porcelain veneers can be alarming.  A 2019 article in the International Journal of Esthetic Dentisty confirms that excessive teeth preparation for veneers exposes the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel), weakening the bond between the porcelain veneers and your teeth. Skilled cosmetic dentists only remove 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm of tooth enamel, leaving 85 to 95 percent of your enamel intact. Removing that small amount is not equivalent to shaving down your teeth.

Can You Avoid Veneers Teeth Preparation?

Not every porcelain veneers case requires teeth preparation, but a cosmetic dentist may recommend minimal preparation for natural-looking results and gum health. Even the thinnest veneers add a little thickness to your teeth, so a skilled cosmetic dentist will determine whether your teeth require preparation. Remember—skilled cosmetic dentists only remove. 0.3mm to 0.5mm of tooth enamel. Your teeth will not resemble the aggressively shaved teeth you may have seen online.

Several factors determine whether you are eligible for no-prep veneers or require minimal preparation.

  • Tooth position – If teeth are crooked, misaligned, or sticking out, a dentist must prepare them. Otherwise, placing veneers over your teeth without preparation can make your teeth look thick or bulky.
  • Improvements you want – Achieving your smile goals may affect multiple teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth don’t overlap and that your teeth harmonize with your lips and bite. Achieving balance may require teeth preparation.

Are You Eligible for No-Prep Veneers?

Some porcelain veneers cases are suitable for no-prep veneers. If your teeth are even, properly aligned, and small, but you want to enlarge them, a skilled cosmetic dentist may include no-prep veneers as one of your treatment options. However, most porcelain veneers cases require tooth preparation because they are correcting imperfections in teeth.

Request a Porcelain Veneers Consultation

We recommend consulting with a dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training. Look for an advanced or accredited cosmetic dentist to discuss your treatment options for porcelain veneers, the most effective, healthy, and natural-looking teeth covers. Some patients prefer two consultations with different dentists to compare their options. A cosmetic dentist will determine whether your teeth need minimal preparation to achieve natural-looking results with porcelain veneers.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Learn more about the porcelain veneers process.

Will I Need to Replace a New Porcelain Veneer with a Crown?

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Will my dentist need to replace a new porcelain veneer with a crown if the tooth behind the veneer has a cavity? My dentist found a cavity in my right incisor during my six-month exam last week and recommended a crown. I’ve had my veneers since 2021, so I am concerned that replacing one is overtreatment because they are somewhat new. Thanks. Valene

 

Valene,

A dentist would need to X-ray and examine your teeth and veneers for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. However, we will provide some guidelines.

Does a Dentist Need to Replace Your Veneer with a Crown?

Whether a cavity behind a porcelain veneer requires replacing it with a crown depends on the size of the cavity and the tooth’s condition. Many cosmetic dentists consider ways to save the tooth by building it up with composite so that you can keep your veneer. If your dentist cannot save enough healthy tooth structure to bond a veneer onto your tooth, they may recommend a dental crown.

Matching a New Crown or Veneer with Surrounding Teeth

Whether you need a new crown or a veneer, it takes advanced cosmetic training and skill for a dentist to match your new restoration with the existing ones. Family dentists have limited skill and artistic inclination to understand how to instruct a dental ceramist to create a veneer or crown that perfectly matches the others and your surrounding teeth.

Schedule a Porcelain Veneers Second Opinion

We recommend scheduling a second opinion with one or two cosmetic dentists to examine your porcelain veneer tooth and X-rays. You can compare each dentist’s recommendation for removing your cavity and whether your veneer must be replaced. After consultations, you can decide whether you want your dentist to complete the work or if you prefer another dentist. Regardless of which dentist you choose, they should be concerned enough to determine why you developed a cavity behind a porcelain veneer.

Avoid letting a cavity linger untreated because the decay will spread and require more extensive and costly treatment.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Read about how Dr. Brooksher strives to provide high-quality dental care for his patients.

Before and after porcelain veneers pictures from Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brooker

Skilled cosmetic dentists understand porcelain veneer techniques for various circumstances.

Why Do My New Porcelain Veneers Look Old?

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A cosmetic dentist completed my smile makeover with veneers in mid-August. I drove 75 miles for each appointment because of this dentist’s reputation. It’s almost December, and my veneers do not look as white and glossy. I am almost heartbroken. I plan to return to the dentist in January, but I dread several appointments with her to improve or replace my veneers. Why is this happening, and what can I expect for repairs?  – Liyah

Liyah,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Lim would need to examine your smile makeover to determine why it is losing its luster, but we will explain what can happen to veneers.

What Can Cause New Porcelain Veneers to Look Old?

New porcelain veneers might look old due to glaze damage or the materials used to make your veneers.

Damage to the glaze

Abrasive chemicals or power polishing equipment can damage and dull the glaze on porcelain veneers. If your veneers lost luster within a few months, perhaps a dental professional used the wrong tools or materials.

  • Acidulated fluoride – Although acidulated fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay, it will scratch the porcelain. The scratches will easily attract stains and darken your veneers.
  • Power polishing equipment – While cleaning your teeth, a hygienist must know how to care for your veneers, including which tools and materials to use and what to avoid. When mistakenly using power polishing equipment (e.g., Prophy Jet) on your veneers, the result is a matte finish.

Composition of Your Veneers

Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

A cosmetic dentist provide quality porcelain veneers, as shown in these pictures from Dr. Brooksher.

Veneers can be porcelain or composite. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and stronger than tooth enamel, but composite veneers are softer. If you have compositive veneers, abrasive toothpaste, alcohol-based mouthwash, or pumice polish can decrease the gloss or luster of composite veneers.

Can a Dentist Restore Your Porcelain Veneers?

Yes, an advanced cosmetic dentist can restore your smile makeover by polishing your veneers with these steps:

  • Use diamond polishing instruments and polishing paste
  • Add further gloss using ultrafine diamond polishing paste

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

Can I Have a Cavity In a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

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Could I have a cavity on a porcelain veneer tooth and not know it? I relocated in February of this year, and my dentist says my left incisor has a cavity, and the tooth needs a root canal. I have no symptoms in the tooth. Could I need a root canal, and can I keep the porcelain veneer on the tooth? Thank you. Jerome

Jerome,

Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge regarding the cavity in your porcelain veneer tooth.

Can You Have a Cavity in a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

A porcelain veneer only covers the front of a tooth, so it is possible to develop a cavity in a tooth. If you have no history of tooth decay, trauma can cause a cavity inside the tooth.

Can You Have Tooth Decay Without Any Symptoms?

You can experience tooth decay without any symptoms. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, early tooth decay may not display any symptoms.

Advanced tooth decay can cause the following symptoms:

  • Toothache
  • Sensitivity to sweets
  • Sensitivity to cold

You may experience the following symptoms with An infected or abscessed tooth:

  • An abscess
  • Pus pocket
  • Pain
  • Facial swelling 
  • Fever

Do You Need a Root Canal for a Cavity?

Whether you need a root canal depends on the condition of the tooth and its pulp (living tissue inside). We recommend getting a second opinion from another dentist or a root canal specialist (endodontist).

  • Ask for a copy of the x-ray to take to your second opinion dentist.
  • Avoid mentioning the diagnosis during the second opinion.

Will You Lose Your Porcelain Veneer If You Have a Cavity?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneer

You will not lose your porcelain veneer if you have enough healthy tooth structure left after getting a filling or root canal treatment. Speak with a cosmetic dentist about the tooth to help you anticipate what you can expect with the veneer tooth.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

What Are the Options for Hiding Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

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I have dark fluorosis stains on six upper front and side teeth. I know the stains are permanent and that I can get veneers for my teeth to hide the stains. But what are my other options? – Nikki from Charlotte, NC

For our readers- Fluorosis stains can occur when a child’s teeth develop. Too much fluoride can cause irregularities, discoloration, or spots on teeth. If a child consumes too much fluoride, white or brown spots develop on the tooth enamel. Also, pits can form in the teeth.

Nikki –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office in Baton Rouge.

What Are the Options for Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

The options for fluorosis stains in teeth include porcelain veneers and dental bonding. A cosmetic dentist will recommend treatment based on these factors:

  • The condition of your teeth
  • The extent of the fluorosis stains
  • Your budget
Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most expensive option for concealing fluorosis stains, an expert cosmetic dentist can make the veneers look like your natural teeth. People cannot tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.

Composite dental resin (dental bonding). Cosmetic dentists use this tooth-colored material to cover imperfections and discoloration in teeth. Cosmetic dentists know how to manipulate the color and translucency of the resin to match your teeth perfectly. But the composite is less durable and stain resistant than porcelain veneers, lasting about five to eight years.

Teeth bleaching.

Schedule a Fluorosis Stains Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and explain your options for concealing fluorosis stains in your teeth. In addition to discussing the pros and cons of the treatment, the dentist can explain a cost estimate. You may prefer porcelain veneers over dental bonding if you can afford a longer-lasting result.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today.

 

How Can I Get Eroded Tooth Enamel Fixed?

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Hello,

Due to a childhood disease and the medication that I took for it, some of the tooth enamel on my front teeth eroded. Also, the color of my teeth is not uniform. I am 27 now, and the older I get, the more self-conscious I become. Some friends have encouraged me to try teeth whitening, but I am not a risk-taker. If I do something to make my teeth look worse, I will become even more socially distant than I am now because of my teeth. Are there any cosmetic treatments for eroded tooth enamel? Thank you. Emilia from Santa Clara, CA

Emilia,

Thank you for your question.

How Can You Get Eroded Tooth Enamel Fixed?

A skilled cosmetic dentist can restore your teeth from eroded tooth enamel with dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or a combination of treatments. Each patient’s case is different, so after a comprehensive examination and x-rays, a cosmetic dentist will explain your treatment options.

What Determines Your Treatment for Eroded Tooth Enamel?

The treatment for tooth enamel may be dental bonding, porcelain veneer, or dental crowns, depending on the condition and position of each affected tooth.

Consider the uses of each treatment:

  • Direct composite bonding – A skilled cosmetic dentist may use dental bonding to address mild enamel erosion. After removing the discoloration, the dentist will blend the composite and apply it to the affected areas.
  • Porcelain veneers – Severe enamel erosion that only affects the fronts of your teeth requires porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are suitable only for front teeth. An expert cosmetic dentist can conservatively prepare your teeth, take impressions of them, and work with a master ceramist to make custom, natural-looking veneers.
  • Dental crowns – When enamel erosion affects the backs of your teeth, closest to your tongue, dental crowns are the best way to restore your teeth. A crown covers the entire tooth and will protect weak tooth enamel from decay.

Consult with an Accredited Cosmetic Dentist for Enamel Erosion

Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

You can expect beautiful restoration after tooth enamel erosion with porcelain veneers, as shown in these pictures from Dr. Brooksher.

Regardless of the extent of enamel erosion on your teeth, we recommend scheduling a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist. Even mild cases requiring dental bonding need a cosmetic dentist for natural-looking results. Most general dentists lack an inventory of shades of composites and other materials needed to restore your teeth beautifully.

You can look forward to a beautiful smile and increased self-esteem after a cosmetic dentist restores your teeth.

Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

Why Are My Porcelain Veneers Turning Dark in Just 3 Months?

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Four of the eight porcelain veneers I got in August are turning dark. I’ve been back to the dentist three times, and all she does is look at my teeth and say that she isn’t sure what is going on. My veneers will soon look worse than the teeth beneath them. Since my dentist hasn’t done anything to determine what’s going on, I want a second opinion. It would help if you could give me a few ideas of why the veneers are turning dark so I know whether to trust a new dentist. Thank you. Monet from Charlotte, NC

Monet,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth and veneers to identify the problem. We will discuss three factors that can darken porcelain veneers.

What Causes Porcelain Veneers to Darken?

Photo of the tip of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneer; from the Baton Rouge office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneers can darken from power-polishing dental equipment, excess composite, or bacteria leaking between your teeth and the veneers.

  1. Bacteria between your teeth and veneers – If a dentist bonds your veneers but leaves small gaps between the veneers and your teeth, bacteria can leak in and attract stains. Prolonged bacteria lead to tooth decay, which can further darken teeth.
  2. Excess composite during bonding – Excess composite left around the veneers can cause them to darken. A cosmetic dentist can polish away the extra composite to lighten your porcelain veneers.
  3. Dental power-polishing equipment – Power-polishing equipment in the dental office can damage the glaze on the veneers, attract stains, and darken them. Dentists and hygienists trained in caring for veneers understand which instruments to use and avoid while caring for your porcelain veneers.

Can a Dentist Polish Your Veneers?

A trained cosmetic dentist can use ultra-fine polishing strips and aluminum oxide polishing paste on porcelain veneers for these benefits:

  • Help them resist stain
  • Prevent plaque accumulation
  • Smooth the area around veneers
  • Prolong the life of your veneers

Skilled cosmetic dentists have the tools, materials, and techniques required to polish your porcelain veneers and restore or replace them. After an exam, the dentist will explain the condition of your veneers and how to correct them. Look for dentists with advanced cosmetic dentist training for a second opinion.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Will Online Veneers Hide My Teeth Stains?

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I realize custom porcelain veneers will hide my teeth stains, but the cost is almost overwhelming. If I got veneers from a dentist for the stains in my teeth, it would take years to pay for them. I am unsure if getting a porcelain veneers payment plan is worth it. What about online veneers? I do not want the cheap $25 veneers. I found a few brands online in the $700 – $1,000 range that use impressions of my mouth to make them. I would expect better quality than the cheap veneers that require warming up and force fitting over your teeth. Could the more costly online veneers at least improve my teeth even though I know they won’t look as good as porcelain veneers? – Thanks, Rob from Arlington, TX

Rob,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office with your questions.

Will Online Veneers Hide Your Teeth Stains?

Online veneers may hide your teeth stains depending on discoloration. If you have realistic expectations about online veneers, you know that they do not look like real teeth. They fit over your natural teeth, so you can expect these results:

  • Online veneers will give you a bulker smile because the plastic teeth must fit over your teeth.
  • Online veneers often lack natural tooth color and translucence. They look pasty. Some companies offer a few choices for tooth shade.
  • If you plan to wear online veneers daily, they will wear quickly, and you will need to replace them frequently. Although online veneers offer payment plans, the product may last several months to a year with daily wear, depending on the quality.
  • You must remove the veneers to eat hard, sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods.

Can You Get a Porcelain Veneers Payment Plan?

Getting a porcelain veneers payment plan is worth it if you want healthy results and a natural-looking smile that will last. Most cosmetic dentists offer payment plans through financing companies, such as CareCredit®. Some dentists have in-office financing options to help you pay for treatment in monthly installments.

  • Porcelain veneers last 15 to 20 years and give you a long-lasting smile makeover.
  • Porcelain mimics natural tooth color, translucence, and gloss.
  • A dentist bonds the veneers to the fronts of your teeth, giving you the freedom to eat, brush, and floss your teeth as normal.

A skilled cosmetic dentist will identify the cause of your teeth stains and determine the best treatment options to conceal the stains.

Cosmetic Bonding for Teeth Stains

Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher

You can expect beautiful, long-lasting results with porcelain veneers, as shown in these pictures from Dr. Brooksher.

Depending on the type and extent of the stains, a dentist may be able to conceal them with cosmetic bonding. Bonding costs less than veneers but only lasts five years or longer if you take care of it. Cosmetic dentists stock high-quality bonding materials that mimic the color and translucence of natural teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will apply bonding by hand while you relax in a dental chair.

What Can You Expect with Online Veneers?

Companies that sell online veneers do not focus on what is best for your oral health. You must use their impression kit to make a mold of your teeth, and they make veneers based on the mold. In contrast, a cosmetic dentist will take the precautions:

  • Examine your teeth and gums
  • Determine the source of the stains in your teeth
  • Explain if you need further medical or dental care to protect your oral health for the long term

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a highly skilled cosmetic dentist to see which treatment is best for your stained teeth. The dentist will also explain options for a porcelain veneers payment plan.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.