I Thought I Was Getting Porcelain Veneers

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I thought I was getting porcelain veneers, but my dentist gave me crowns. My dentist shaved my teeth so much that my top right canine aches and is infected. Now, my dentist says I need a root canal. The dentist called my dental work a veneer placement, but the office billed my insurance for dental crowns. Isn’t this malpractice? Thanks. RL from Richmond, VA

RL,

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 are thin and require minimal tooth preparation

From what you’ve shared, there is a strong possibility of malpractice. A dentist might argue that the term “veneer” allows for some interpretation, but if their website explains veneers clearly and you received crowns instead, the dentist is responsible. Without a clear explanation and your consent, the treatment you received was inappropriate and illegal.

Why Do Some Dentists Avoid Placing Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers require greater skill than crowns, and not every dentist is comfortable performing them. Rather than admit this, some dentists resort to:

  • Saying veneers are not appropriate when they are.
  • Using misleading phrases such as “360-degree veneers” to make crowns sound like veneers.
  • This type of misrepresentation is unfortunately common, though in your case, the dentist did not use that excuse.

How Can Aggressive Crown Preparation Affect Teeth?

Crown preparation is significantly more invasive than veneer preparation. In your situation, it appears the crowns harmed your canines—leading to one extraction and one root canal. Such damage would have been unlikely with conservative preparation for veneers.

What Can You Do If Your Dentist Gave You the Wrong Treatment?

If your dentist gave you the wrong treatment, report the issue to the state dental board. Also, consult a lawyer to evaluate your case and determine whether you have grounds for a claim.

 

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

How Can I Find a Dentist to Take My Porcelain Veneers Case?

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I’m looking for a dentist to take my porcelain veneers case. I’ve seen two dentists, and both took X-rays. I prefer to narrow my choices instead of getting X-ray after X-ray, only to discover that a dentist might overprepare my teeth. Any tips on finding a dentist, other than a preferred provider in my insurance plan? How can I find someone to do minimal prep on my teeth and give me beautiful veneers? Thanks. Nate from MI

Nate,

Navigating the selection of a new dental professional requires careful consideration. Fortunately, numerous resources are available online to aid you in this important decision. By thoughtfully exploring these resources, you can gather valuable insights to help you identify a dentist who aligns with your needs and preferences.

How to Find a Dentist for Porcelain Veneers

You can find a dentist for porcelain veneers by researching a dentist’s training, credentials, and experience, and reviewing patients’ feedback.

Exploring Online Resources

A well-established cosmetic dentist typically maintains a professional website. We encourage you to explore these sites to review the dentist’s biography, which often details their training, experience, and commitment to ongoing professional development. Look for affiliations or credentials with reputable organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, which offer specialized training.

Before-and-after smile makeover from Dr. Steven Brooker of Baton Rouge

A healthy smile makeover from Dr. Brooksher

Furthermore, many dental websites feature a “smile gallery,” showcasing before-and-after photographs of their work, particularly with procedures like porcelain veneers. Examining these galleries can help you assess the dentist’s aesthetic skills and identify cases like yours.

Schedule Consultations

Most cosmetic dental practices offer a no-obligation initial consultation. When scheduling, clearly express your interest in visiting the office, meeting the dentist, and discussing potential treatment options. Many practices provide a brief appointment with the dentist or a team member to understand your smile objectives and provide an overview of their services. This visit lets you gauge your comfort with the practice environment and the dental team.

Review Patient Feedback

Seek online reviews for dentists you are considering. Platforms such as Google My Business, Yelp, and Facebook often host patient testimonials. Additionally, a web search using the dentist’s name followed by the word “reviews” may uncover further sources of valuable feedback.

A dental practice’s website or social media accounts can also provide significant information about its expertise and approach to patient care.

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post. Request a consultation with Dr. Brooksher today. Read why so many patients view Dr. Brooksher as one of the best dentists in Baton Rouge.

Why Are My Porcelain Veneers Turning Black at the Top Then Yellow?

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I got porcelain veneers eight years ago. I was never thrilled with them, but they are beginning to discolor so badly that it’s embarrassing that 5 of my eight veneers are turning black at the top and then yellow beneath the black. I expected to keep the veneers for 15 years because my dentist assured me that I had the highest quality materials. I am so anxious because I realize this may mean I need new veneers. I’m getting married in September 2024, and new veneers are not in my budget. I have relocated twice since I got the veneers and must find a new dentist. Although my current dentist takes good care of them, I hesitate to ask him for new veneers. Why do I have two-toned veneers? Thank you. Khloé

Khloé,

Quality porcelain veneers can last 15 years or longer if you care for them well.

Why Are Your Veneers Turning Black and Yellow?

If your veneers are changing colors, the cause may be damage to the veneers or their composition.

Dental Veneers That Turn Yellow

  • Veneers Composition. Veneers can be porcelain or dental composite. Dental composite is a mixture of plastic resin with quartz or glass. Dental composite discolors from everyday activities, including eating, drinking, or smoking over time. However, undamaged porcelain veneers are stain resistant.
  • Damaged Veneers. Porcelain veneers resist stains unless something damages them. Dental office power polishing equipment can etch away the glaze, causing the veneers to turn yellow.

Dental Veneers that Turn Black Near the Gumline

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

Dental veneers may turn black at the gumline if something is leaking behind the veneers. Weakness, where the veneer and tooth meet, can allow fluid to leak and contaminate the bond. The veneer will gradually darken near the gumline. Bonding dental veneers to teeth requires advanced knowledge of bonding techniques.

What Are Your Options for Discoloring Veneers?

Replacing your porcelain or composite veneers is the only option to protect your teeth and oral health. Regardless of the cause of the discoloration of your veneers, leaving it untreated promotes tooth decay. You may need tooth fillings or root canal treatment for untreated decay.

We recommend consulting an advanced cosmetic dentist for an exam and X-rays to identify the source of leakage behind your veneers and explain how to protect your oral health.

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

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.

How Can I Get My Small Adult Teeth to Look Larger?

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I am a 37-year-old adult, but my teeth are small and look like baby teeth. I feel like only my gums show when I smile, and the tiny teeth beneath them are almost invisible. It is embarrassing. My friends try to comfort me by saying it’s better than having teeth that are too large, but I need to feel confident and smile more. How can I get my teeth enlarged, at least the ones that show when I smile? – Thank you. Imari from MD

Imari,

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office. Although he would need to examine and x-ray your teeth, we will explain two options for enlarging small adult teeth.

How Can You Make Small Adult Teeth Larger?

You can make small adult teeth larger with the help of a cosmetic dentist. Two treatment options include dental bonding and porcelain veneers. We will compare how the options can transform your smile.

How Do Dental Bonding and Porcelain Veneers Enlarge Small Teeth?

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers enlarge small teeth by using cosmetic dentistry to expand their appearance. The treatment options have different procedures, materials, longevity, and costs. Let us explain.

Dental bonding

Below we explain dental bonding composition, procedure, longevity, maintenance, and the average cost for enlarging small adult teeth.

  • Composition. Dental bonding is a blend of plastic resin and silica filler. Bonding material has properties like tooth dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). A cosmetic dentist can polish bonding to a natural-looking gloss.
  • Procedure. After lightly etching your tooth enamel, a skilled cosmetic dentist blends composite and layers it by hand to achieve your desired tooth shape and size.
  • Longevity. Dental bonding is less durable than porcelain and has a shorter lifespan. High-quality bonding can last five years or longer if you care for it well and maintain it with a cosmetic dentist’s help. A study published in a 2011 Japanese Dental Science Review issue concluded that at least 60 percent of high-quality dental bonding could last up to ten years.
  • Maintenance. Floss between your teeth and use a soft-bristled brush and nonabrasive toothpaste. Dental bonding is not stain resistant, but a cosmetic dentist can polish it for you.
  • Cost. Chairside bonding costs $300 to $1,000 per tooth. The price depends on the condition of your teeth, the extent of work, the dentist’s skills and fees, and your location in the U.S.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers composition, procedure, longevity, maintenance, and cost differ from dental bonding in several ways, which we will explain.

  • Composition. A dental ceramist can craft porcelain to mimic the color and characteristics of natural teeth while making your small teeth look more prominent. Porcelain veneers contain dental ceramics and are more durable than tooth enamel.
  • Procedure. Your cosmetic dentist may recommend conservatively preparing your teeth for porcelain veneers by moving tiny amounts of enamel from their fronts. After taking impressions of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will make temporary veneers to determine whether they require adjustments. You will get custom veneers after you approve the temporary ones.
  • Longevity. Well-made and precisely bonded porcelain veneers can last about 20 years. A 2021 European Journal of Dentistry article published findings from a cumulative, long-term study on the lifespan of porcelain veneers in patients with good oral health and oral hygiene habits. The results after five, ten, fifteen, and 20 years are below:
    • Five years: 98%
    • Ten years: 96%
    • Fifteen years: 91%
    • Twenty years: 91%
  • Maintenance. Schedule dental cleanings and exams with a trained cosmetic dentist. You can floss and brush your veneers as your natural teeth but avoid abrasive substances.
  • Cost. One porcelain veneer can cost $1,500 to $3,500 depending on tooth condition, personalization, veneer quality, and your dentist’s fees.

Request a Consultation for Enlarging Small Adult Teeth

Enlarging small adult teeth is a cosmetic dentistry technique that requires artistry and advanced training. We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two highly trained cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.

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

Before and after pictures of small adult teeth that look larger with dental bonding

Dr. Brooksher used dental bonding to make this patient’s front small adult teeth look larger.