Why is my dentist pushing veneers for tetracycline stains if I can’t afford it?

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For the past 15 years, I’ve had dental bonding for tetracycline stains. The bonding is beginning to wear and look dull. My dentist of four years is pushing porcelain veneers, but I cannot afford them. I’ve told him several times that I cannot afford veneers. I can barely afford to get the bonding redone. I do not know if there are any new dental products or techniques that work well but are less expensive than dental bonding for tetracycline stains. I cannot rely on my dentist to tell me about all my options. Are there alternatives to veneers or bonding? Thank you. Lynn from MO

Lynn,

Tetracycline deposits in the dentin of your teeth if you take the antibiotic as a child while your teeth are still developing. Dark gray or brown spots develop inside the teeth show through to outside of your teeth and detract from your smile.

It is risky for a general dentist to conceal tetracycline stains. You need a dentist with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.

What If You Cannot Afford Porcelain Veneers for Tetracycline Stains?

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

Visit an advanced cosmetic dentist to discuss alternatives to veneers

If you cannot afford porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains, your options are dental bonding or teeth whitening—but only from an advanced, preferably accredited cosmetic dentist. Don’t try whitening your teeth yourself. You can make them look worse.

  • Teeth whitening – A cosmetic dentist can take impressions of your teeth for custom bleaching trays. The dentist can provide you with the most potent bleaching gel you can tolerate without making your teeth sensitive. Bleach your teeth nightly for two months. Although your teeth will not look as good as porcelain veneers or dental bonding, they will look much better.
  • Dental bonding – An advanced cosmetic dentist can remove your existing bonding and apply new bonding to your teeth. But to do it correctly will be expensive. And if you maintain the bonding properly over the years, it can become more expensive than porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years—or a lifetime.
  • Combination of whitening and bonding – A cosmetic dentist may recommend treating your teeth with a combination of teeth whitening and dental bonding.

Schedule a consultation for tetracycline stains

Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area to discuss treatment options for tetracycline stains. Ask to see patient photos of cases like yours. The dentist may offer payment plans or financing to make treatment more affordable.

 

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Can I Get Only One Porcelain Veneer Replaced?

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I received six porcelain veneers in May 2019. My dentist didn’t get the bonding quite right on one veneer, and I had a lot of sensitivity in the tooth. At first, he suggested that I use Sensodyne toothpaste, but it didn’t help much. I mentioned the sensitivity at my next dental cleaning appointment, so my dentist looked at the tooth and said that the veneer is not in its original position and the dentin is exposed. He suggested replacing the veneer (upper left center) and the right-center veneer next to it to ensure the veneers match. I’m disappointed because this dentin exposure business was my dentist’s fault. Why did the porcelain veneer move out of place? He offered to reduce the cost of replacing the two veneers, but I don’t think I should have a fee at all. And why can’t he just replace the one veneer anyway? I’m afraid that if he must remove the veneer on my right front tooth that it might become sensitive, too. Should I insist that he only replace one veneer? Thank you – Zachary from GA

 

Zachary,

You didn’t mention if your general or family dentist provided the veneers. But it seems that you saw a dentist with limited training in cosmetic dentistry who aggressively prepared your teeth.

Is It Possible to Replace One Porcelain Veneer?

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

A skilled cosmetic dentist can replace a single porcelain veneer

Yes, it is possible to replace a single porcelain veneer. Any dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can replace one veneer and perfectly match the color with your existing veneers. Dentists who are skilled in aesthetics use dental laboratories that keep color formulas for each patient’s case so they can perfectly match it in the future.

Dentin Exposed with Porcelain Veneers

When a dentist prepares your teeth for porcelain veneers, and the dentin is exposed, they over-prepared your teeth. When tooth preparation is necessary, skilled cosmetic dentists only remove a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel for several reasons:

  • Preserve as much tooth structure as possible
  • Provide better bonding—veneers adhere better to tooth enamel than dentin, which is softer.
  • Avoid exposing dentin because dentin tubules lead to the pulp and risk irritation and infection.

Insist on Replacing One Veneer?

If your dentist says he must replace veneers on both central incisors (center front teeth) to achieve a color match, he probably doesn’t know how to do otherwise. You can decide if you trust your dentist to do the work or want a second opinion. If you choose to get a second opinion on your porcelain veneers, look for a dentist with post-graduate training and experience in dental aesthetics.

You probably want to get the issue resolved quickly, so don’t delay—especially because dentin exposure is unhealthy for your teeth.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

Get details from a previous post on reasons that porcelain veneers might fall off.

Why do my veneers make my teeth look thick and bulky?

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One of my best friends and I both received porcelain veneers about six to eight months apart. But my veneers make my teeth look thick and bulky. We went to the same dentist, and he used the same veneers on both of us. My friend got veneers to make her teeth look larger, but I wanted veneers because my teeth were inconsistently shaped and uneven at the edges. My friend’s smile looks beautiful, which is why I used her dentist. She received no-prep veneers, so I asked for the same type.

I’m disappointed with the results from my smile (eight upper veneers) because my teeth look thick and bulky. The dentist explained that sometimes that happens with no-prep veneers. But if the dentist knew the results, why wouldn’t he tell me how they would look? And yes, I did try on temporary veneers, but I let the dentist convince me that I would get used to my “fuller” smile. Why did I get such drastically different results? Will I have to start over with veneers? Thank you.  Kennedy from Memphis, TN

Kennedy,

From your description, it seems that your friend’s case was successful because her teeth were small, and she wanted to enlarge them. The results of no-prep veneers vary with each patient. And not every patient is a candidate for no-prep veneers.

Thick and Bulky Porcelain Veneers

Your porcelain veneers can make your teeth look thick and bulky if you have average-sized or large teeth and your dentist doesn’t prepare them first. Even ultrathin veneers—as thin as 0.3 mm—add thickness to your teeth and slightly extend their length. Cosmetic dentists with advanced training in aesthetics use several brands of veneers and select one to match your case and your smile goals. And they work with master ceramists to ensure give you beautiful results.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, minimal preparation is probably the solution to helping your veneers fit well and look natural.

Correcting Thick or Bulky Veneers

If you want to correct the look of thick or bulky porcelain veneers, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. You can ask your dentist to redo your veneers, but based on your experience, you will probably be disappointed with the results again.

  • Look for a dentist with accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED).
  • Read the dentist’s patient reviews about porcelain veneers and the results.
  • Ask to see the before-and-after photos of the dentist’s patients who had cases like yours.

Before and after cosmetic dentistry photos from Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge

Dr. Brooksher used cosmetic dentistry to even this patient’s smile


A cosmetic dentist will explain your treatment options. And unlike your current dentist, they won’t try to convince you that you will eventually like your smile. Skilled cosmetic dentists don’t bond veneers to your teeth unless you are confident that your smile is exactly as you want it.

Best wishes for a beautiful smile.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.

Her Porcelain Veneers Are the Wrong Color – Again?

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In October, I went to my dentist to get a second set of six porcelain veneers on my front teeth because he can’t get the color right. The first set of porcelain veneers looked horrible. On this new set, my dentist allowed me to speak with the lab tech. I chose a specific white shade that is whiter than what my dentist likes, but it still looked natural. When I went to get the veneers bonded on, they were darker than what I requested. I complained, and my dentist said that he asked the lab tech to add color.

I’ve read too many horror stories online about porcelain veneers, so I didn’t let my dentist bond them to my teeth. I asked him to hold while I am thinking about what to do next. Is there a way to lighten the veneers? Or will I need another new set to get the color corrected? Thank you! Carlie from S. Carolina

 

Carlie,

We are sorry that you’ve already had two bad experiences with porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, your dentist puts his preferences above yours. Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your veneers to explain accurate treatment options, but we will discuss the possibilities.

Can Porcelain Veneers Be Lightened?

It is impossible to lighten porcelain veneers if a dark shade is within the porcelain. But if a stain was applied over veneers to add color, an advanced cosmetic dentist might be able to remove it. Over-the-counter products will not lighten porcelain veneers.

  • Over-the-counter products – Neither teeth bleaching gel nor whitening toothpaste will whiten porcelain veneers. Abrasive toothpaste might scratch the surface.
  • Cosmetic dentistry polishing – If the lab technician applied stain to your veneers to add color, an expert cosmetic dentist might be about to polish or grind out the color. Afterward, the cosmetic dentist can polish the veneers to improve their appearance. After examining your veneers, a cosmetic dentist will let you know if this is an option. But don’t ask your dentist to complete the work. It seems that he has limited skill in aesthetics.

Replacing Your Porcelain Veneers

You have a right to ask for new porcelain veneers. Although the process might be inconvenient and take up more of your time, you didn’t receive what you paid for and requested.

We recommend asking for a refund from your dentist and finding a dental artist to complete your smile makeover. Dentists who receive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry are concerned about creating a smile to match your preferences—not theirs. And cosmetic dentists are concerned with function and beauty. You will get porcelain veneers in the color you want.

How to Ask for a Refund from Your Dentist

Speak with your dentist respectfully and explain your concerns:

  • You’re unhappy with your veneers because they are not the shade you requested.
  • You believe that your dentist violated your right to be informed of the color change.
  • You did not receive what you paid for and requested.

Explaining it in a way that helps your dentist see his negligence should influence him to give you a refund. Dental law classes emphasize that it is essential to get a patient’s consent before providing treatment.

If the color of your porcelain veneers is the only thing you dislike about them, consider these options:

  • You can ask your dentist for a refund.
  • If you want your dentist to replace your veneers, insist on a third set of porcelain veneers in the color of your choice.
    • Remind your dentist that you want clear, tint-free bonding resin that will not alter the shade of your veneers.
    • Bring a friend or family member with you to look at your porcelain veneers after your dentist places them on your teeth with a try-in paste—before the dentist bonds them to your teeth.
  • Whether you receive veneers from your dentist or an advanced cosmetic dentist, please do not allow the dentist to bond them to your teeth unless they match your request. Don’t compromise.

How Can You Find a Cosmetic Dentist?

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

Before and After Porcelain Veneers from Dr. Brooksher

Look at dentists’ websites and read their biographies to see if they have advanced cosmetic dentistry or dental aesthetics training. Most dentists with membership or credentials in cosmetic dentistry organizations, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, are concerned about the beauty of your smile, not just the function.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, sponsors this post.

What if you have an issue with just one veneer? Read our post about replacing a single porcelain veneer.

 

Why do some of my veneers fall off every week?

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I started going to my dentist in 2015, and last October, I decided that I trusted her enough to get porcelain veneers. That was a huge mistake because my veneers regularly fall off. I asked for veneers because one of my front teeth was shorter than the others, a few teeth were chipped, and I wanted a brighter smile. My dentist explained that I needed veneers to protect my teeth and limit the cracks I have in them from grinding. My dentist made a custom nightguard to protect my veneers from grinding.

Before I agreed to veneers, my dentist explained that she would need to prepare my teeth first, but she ground my front upper teeth down to stumps. When I saw my teeth, I almost cried, but she reassured me that the veneers would look and feel so beautiful that I wouldn’t remember the preparation. She placed temporary veneers, and I wore them for two weeks. I did love the look and thought that my dentist was right about how much I would love my smile.

Everything was going well with my porcelain veneers the first week, but in the middle of the second week, a veneer popped off. I called my dentist’s office, and they were quite accommodating. I went to the office in the afternoon, and my dentist bonded the veneer on my tooth. But every week at least one veneer falls. I’ve noticed that the veneers that pop off the most have a ledge on the backside of them. Also, my breath smells terribly just before a veneer pops off. Over the winter holidays, we had family visiting, and I had three veneers missing. I tried not to smile so that no one would notice my tiny ground-down teeth. I keep glue in my purse just in case a veneer comes off.

This is an ongoing issue. Last week, I received a call from my dentist’s office to come in for my dentist to try something different. I’m beginning to think that I’m my dentist’s first porcelain veneers patient. I’m stressed out about this daily. How are my veneers going to last 20 years as my dentist promised? I know this can’t be normal because porcelain veneers are too popular. People wouldn’t get them knowing they would fall off regularly.

Can my teeth be fixed? Am I going to need dentures? Our family will be moving at the end of summer, and I’m afraid that a dentist in our new location won’t want to try to fix the mess my dentist made. Is there anything I can do?

Also, I want to ask about the combination of Ativan and nitrous oxide. My dentist gave me Ativan. I take one pill the night before my appointment and another about an hour before going to the office. While she works on my veneers, I breathe in nitrous oxide. I’m out of it for the rest of the day and sleep through the next morning. I am only slightly anxious about my appointments, and I’ve only had anxiety since I received these botched veneers, but is this sedation too heavy? – Andreja from Mississippi

Andreja,

We are sorry to hear about the trauma your dentist is causing and the horror story with your porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are meant to improve your smile and quality of life, not make you dread smiling.

No, the things you are experiencing are not typical. You have had an awful time with what should have been an enjoyable experience. Your dentist did several things wrong. And what has happened to you might be classified as malpractice.

Your dentist prepared your teeth for crowns

Your dentist prepared your teeth for porcelain crowns—not veneers. As the photos below show, a dentist only reduces about a half-millimeter of enamel from the front of a tooth to prepare it for a veneer. But when you’re receiving a crown, a tooth is tapered all around. And you describe it as a stump. Your experience says that your dentist doesn’t know how to do porcelain veneers and isn’t familiar with bonding technology. Your options for correcting the situation are limited.

Side-by-side photos of upper front teeth with porcelain veneer preparation and porcelain crown preparation

The crowns don’t have proper retention form

If a dentist prepares a tooth correctly, conventional dental cement will keep a crown in place. Bonding technology isn’t required. But your dentist hasn’t been able to do that. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, we guess that they are shorter than the teeth shown in the photograph. Your dentist so aggressively prepared your teeth that crowns won’t stay on. She grossly violated the standard of care, and she’s liable. Your crowns are getting loose in function. Saliva and bacteria are getting under the crown, which causes an awful smell and taste.

Your sedation

You described having mild anxiety about dental visits. We can’t explain why your dentist gives you Ativan because it lingers in your bloodstream. The term, serum half-life, represents how long half the dose of a medication is still in your bloodstream. After 24 hours, half the Ativan dose is still in your bloodstream, and it can take a couple of days to go away completely. Most dentists use triazolam, which lasts about three hours after a dental appointment. That’s plenty of time.

How can you resolve it?

We think that your dentist is legally liable for damaging your teeth. She should pay for another cosmetic dentist to correct your teeth and restore your oral health. But she should also compensate you for over-treatment that could affect you throughout life. Before you relocate, start searching for a competent dentist in your new location who can correct your teeth. The new dentist can confront the dentist who damaged your teeth. Her malpractice insurance should cover the cost of restoring your teeth, and your case shouldn’t need to go to court. But if you take your case to court, we think you would receive a substantial award.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

Will Porcelain Veneers Affect the Backsides of Her Teeth?

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My teeth look terrible, and I am considering getting porcelain veneers. I had braces in fifth grade, but I didn’t wear a retainer. I was not responsible, and my mom was to busy to make sure I wore a retainer. Now my teeth look worse than they did before braces.

My concern about porcelain veneers is how they will affect the outside and insides of my teeth. My teeth are quite uncomfortable on the inside against my tongue. I want that feeling to go away—not just to have veneers make my teeth look good on the outside. What can be done about that feeling that I hate? Thanks. Ashleigh from San Antonio, TX

Ashleigh,

Thanks for submitting your question to us. Observing how your teeth look and feel, and how they affect your confidence will help you choose an option that matches all improvements you want for your smile.

People who prefer porcelain veneers over orthodontic treatment want fast results without waiting months, or more than a year, to align their teeth.

Orthodontics or Porcelain Veneers?

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 cover the fronts of teeth

But if your teeth are severely misaligned, braces or Invisalign are best. Severely misaligned teeth are hard to clean and avoid decay. A cosmetic dentist might recommend clear braces, like Clear Correct, instead of porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are bonded to the fronts of your teeth and may not improve the feeling on the backside of your teeth.

Orthodontic treatment will align the front and back of your teeth—where your tongue and teeth touch. If both aesthetics and the way your teeth feel against your tongue are important to you, choose orthodontic treatment over porcelain veneers.

Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist who offers orthodontic treatment. He or she will explain your options and what to expect on the tongue side of your teeth.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

Thinking About Whitening Your Veneers with Toothpaste? Three Facts You Shouldn’t Ignore Before Buying a Product

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I’m looking for a safe way to get stains off my porcelain veneers without scratching them. I’ve seen ads for Supersmile toothpaste, but I don’t want to purchase it without a recommendation. Does it get stains off veneers? How long will the whitening last? I’m wondering if it’s worth it or if I should ask my dentist to polish my veneers.  Thanks. Braelynn from Little Rock, AR

Braelynn,

Some brands of non-abrasive toothpaste, including Supersmile®, will temporarily remove stains from veneers. But the results you’ll get depend on the cause of stains on your veneers.

What Is the Source of Stains on Your Veneers?

The source of stains on your porcelain veneers determines how to treat the stains.

  • Surface stains – Protein pellicle, or a film, naturally builds up on teeth from the protein in saliva. You can minimize the stains with a non-abrasive toothpaste approved for use on porcelain veneers.
  • Stains from damaged veneers – Power polishing equipment in a dental office gives luster to natural teeth. But the equipment is abrasive on porcelain veneers and will damage the glaze and attract stains. If the glaze on your veneers is damaged, a cosmetic dentist can help, but polishing toothpaste won’t make a difference.
  • Matte veneers – If there is a matte—non-shiny—finish on your porcelain veneers, the lack of smoothness over your teeth will attract stains. A cosmetic dentist can polish your veneers and give them enough luster to resist future stains.

How Long Will Whitening Last?

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

Avoid damaging your veneers with baking soda or abrasive toothpaste

If the stains on your veneers are from a buildup of protein film, daily use of the toothpaste will lighten the stain. But the stains will gradually return as protein film accumulates on your teeth. If you choose Supersmile toothpaste, use it daily.

Rinse your mouth and brush your teeth after consuming food and drink that promote stains:

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Wine
  • Dark berries
  • Soda, or other acidic drinks

Keeping Your Porcelain Veneers Bright

  • Avoid smoking – Smoking also accelerates a buildup of stains on porcelain veneers and limits the effects of brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste.
  • Avoid abrasive products – Baking soda, abrasive toothpaste, and all toothpaste not approved for use on porcelain veneers will scratch them and create more stains.
  • Schedule professional dental cleanings – Return to a cosmetic dentist and hygienist regularly for dental cleanings, exams, and veneer polishing. Ensure they are trained on how to care for veneers without damaging them.

Accredited cosmetic dentist, Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge sponsors this post.

Read our post about what to do if your dentist made your veneers the wrong color.

Can I Get a Root Canal If I Have a Porcelain Veneer?

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Hello there,

My dentist says I have a periapical abscess and I will need a root canal on one of my front teeth. However, my front teeth all have veneers over them. Will this case discoloration? Or will I need my veneers replaced?

Brent, from Alcolu, South Carolina

 

Hi Brent,

Usually, when porcelain veneers are placed, they are done on teeth that have been prepared. Most preparation cuts ridges into the surface of the tooth. However, some dentists go too deeply, or even place crowns under the guise of  veneers. Doing either of these things will cause significant stress on the surrounding teeth. The stress could be the cause behind the root canal.

Getting a root canal on a tooth will cause the tooth to turn dark, and this can lead to discoloration. If the tooth beneath the veneer is discolored, it can show through the veneer. To avoid discoloration, your dentist will need to clean your tooth properly, and may need to replace the post with white fiberglass and use natural-looking composite to fill in any gaps. An expert cosmetic dentist should be able to help you avoid dental discoloration, but if you trust your general dentist, they can help you as well.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge porcelain veneer provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.

 

5 Vital Facts About Porcelain Veneers and a Periapical Abscess

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Porcelain veneers can fulfill your dreams of a perfect smile. But in the hands of the wrong dentist, a periapical abscess on a veneered tooth can be a nightmare. Before you accept treatment, there are several things you need to know.

1. What Is a Periapical Abscess?

A periapical abscess is a pus-filled sac at the tip of a tooth root. It’s usually caused by a tooth infection that spreads through the tooth and into the roots. Depending on which tooth is affected, the infection can spread into your cheeks, jaw, or the floor of your mouth. The pus can drain, get in your airway, and be life-threatening.

2. If You Have Porcelain Veneers and an Abscess

Although antibiotics can treat the infection, your dentist needs to remove the diseased tooth pulp. Leaving it untreated will compromise your oral and overall health. If your porcelain veneer was correctly placed, it should remain intact.

3. What Caused the Infection?

A tooth infection has several possible causes, some of which include:

  • Decay – Untreated tooth decay can lead to an infection and root canal treatment.
  • Aggressive preparation for porcelain veneers – Aggressive preparation of your natural teeth can increase stress on a tooth, irritate the pulp, and cause an infection.
  • Trauma – Impact or trauma to your mouth or teeth can cause internal damage that results in an infection.

4. Retaining the Beauty of a Porcelain Veneer After Root Canal Treatment

Before-and-after porcelain veneers photos of a patient at Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge, LA.

Before-and-after porcelain veneers photos of Dr. Brooksher’s patient. Advanced cosmetic dentists understand how to retain the beauty of veneers.

If a dentist leaves remnants of filler material or cement from a root canal treatment in your tooth, they will show through your porcelain veneer and make it look dark. Your dentist must thoroughly remove any excess filler material that replaced your tooth pulp, as well as any cement.

Many skilled cosmetic dentists prevent the tooth from darkening by lowering a white fiberglass post into the root and filling the remaining space with a light-colored composite.

5. Ask Your Dentist What You Can Expect

Speak with your dentist about his or her process for removing the infected tooth pulp, preserving your porcelain veneer, and ensuring the veneer won’t look dark. If your dentist seems uncertain about the results you can expect, you can seek a second opinion from an advanced cosmetic dentist.

Baton Rouge, LA accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is an award-winning cosmetic dentist, and he has many loyal patients who think he is the best dentist in town.

Porcelain Veneers or Composite for Discolored Front Teeth?

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A cosmetic dentist can use porcelain veneers or composite veneers to correct discoloration on front teeth. But which should you ask for? And what results can you expect?

Porcelain veneers

  • Material – Porcelain is more durable than tooth enamel, and it’s stain resistant. It can be manipulated to mimic natural teeth.
  • Preparation – Skilled cosmetic dentists conservatively prepare each tooth to preserve as much tooth enamel as possible while ensuring the veneers look natural on the front and sides of your teeth and at the gumline.
  • Appearance – Advanced cosmetic dentists work with master ceramists to craft veneers that perfectly match the color and characteristics of the surrounding teeth.
  • Longevity – If you take excellent care of them, your porcelain veneers might last up to 20 years.

Composite

  • Material – Glass or quartz, along with plastic resin, make dental composite. Composite is available in a variety of shades and translucencies, and cosmetic dentists blend them to provide natural-looking results.
  • Preparation – It’s more conservative than the preparation for porcelain veneers. Your cosmetic dentist will etch your discolored teeth to prepare them for composite and to ensure the bonding won’t make your teeth look too thick.
  • Appearance – A dentist who is a true artist can blend composite to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth. It will be polished to match the gloss of your teeth, too.
  • Longevity – In three to five years, the surface of bonding wears. Your dentist will need to resurface it.

Which Should You Choose?

Whenever possible, an artistic cosmetic dentist will preserve as much of your healthy tooth structure as possible. Most often, he or she will select composite veneers for a conservative, highly aesthetic result.

When multiple teeth are discolored

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 might be recommended to correct multiple teeth

If multiple teeth are discolored—or if your entire smile zone needs cosmetic work—porcelain veneers might be recommended. The condition and position of your teeth can also influence which cosmetic treatment your dentist will recommend.

Some dentists might suggest cosmetic work on the teeth adjacent to the discolored ones. But that often indicates they lack the artistry needed to match the color. It’s best to get a second opinion.

Schedule a consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist

Look for an accredited cosmetic dentist in your area and schedule a consultation. The dentist will listen to your smile goals, examine your teeth, and explain your options. You’ll be able to make an informed decision about whether porcelain or composite veneers are right for you.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA.