Can I Get Only One Porcelain Veneer Replaced?

Posted on by .

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.

Are Crowns on All Teeth Needed As I Recover from Bulimia?

Posted on by .

I’m recovering from bulimia, and I have had three consultations with cosmetic dentists who have good reputations. One of them suggests a complete smile makeover with porcelain crowns. He said the crowns would restore my decayed teeth, correct my bite, and make my smile beautiful. 10 of my teeth are severely decayed, 2 have some decay, and the others are healthy enough not to require major work. I’m concerned about the dentist grinding down all my teeth when only 10 are severely decayed. Unfortunately, my consultation with the dentist who wants to do all crowns was the last of the three. I was surprised by his recommendation, and I couldn’t ask the other two dentists about it because I had already seen them. Each dentist agrees to give me sedation for anxiety and do wax-ups of my new smile. But now I’m concerned and getting more anxious. Did the first two dentists miss something about the condition of my teeth and which treatment is best? Or is the third dentist too aggressive? Thanks. Micah from TX

Micah,

Congratulations on your recovery from bulimia. Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, dental history, and x-rays to evaluate your case accurately, your explanation of the third dentist’s recommendation raises concern.

Advanced, ethical cosmetic dentists treat teeth conservatively, preserving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. And they don’t try to convince patients to receive treatment that makes them uncomfortable or recommend an aggressive treatment plan without the patient’s request.

Does It Take All Crowns to Get a Smile Makeover?

If you get the sense that a dentist is a salesperson, opt for a conservative cosmetic dentist who will transform your smile in a way that preserves your healthy tooth structure whenever possible. As you recover from bulimia, a conservative approach will increase your confidence in your smile. A full-mouth reconstruction that shaves all your teeth for crowns is required in these instances:

  • Severe issues with your bite that cause pain
  • Facial collapse
  • Many decayed or broken teeth
Before-and-after photos of dark, uneven, and broken teeth transformed by a smile makeover from Baton Rouge cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.

Dr. Brooksher gives his patients healthy, natural-looking smile makeovers

It’s wise to return to either of the first two cosmetic dentists you saw and discuss your concerns about porcelain crowns for all your teeth vs. the dentist’s recommendation. The cosmetic dentist will further explain why he or she recommended specific treatment and not all crowns for your teeth. Often, a smile makeover includes a combination of treatments, such as cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and sometimes crowns.

If it increases your comfort to return to both cosmetic dentists, don’t hesitate to do so. Best wishes on your journey and your new smile as you recover from bulimia.

This post is sponsored by Steven Brooksher, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist and accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.