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 New Crowns and Veneers Affecting My Speech?

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My dentist placed two crowns and ten porcelain veneers in late August. I had three sets of temporaries, and the final set looked and felt perfect. I’ve had permanent crowns and veneers since mid-September, and they disrupt my speech. My tongue feels too big for my arch and rests behind my lower front teeth. It feels so awkward.

My dentist can’t determine what’s happening with the crowns or veneers. Could the premolar crowns be the problem? – Thanks! Lou Anne from SC

Lou Anne,

We understand your concern about the impact of your dental treatment on your tongue and speech. An advanced cosmetic dentist would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to identify the cause of your discomfort.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns should fit and function confortabley

While properly placed porcelain veneers don’t interfere with speech or chewing, you may have received porcelain crowns instead. Crowns, which cover the entire tooth, can potentially affect speech patterns.

Experienced cosmetic dentists are skilled in creating restorations that minimize speech disturbances. They carefully consider tooth contour, thickness, and position to ensure a natural and comfortable result. Ideally, temporary restorations assess fit, function, and speech before proceeding with permanent restorations.

It’s concerning that your permanent crowns caused issues after a satisfactory experience with the temporaries. This suggests a potential discrepancy in the fabrication or placement process. It’s possible that the dental laboratory may not have accurately replicated the temporary restorations, or the dentist may not have properly positioned the permanent crowns.

While many patients adapt to new dental restorations over time, a dentist must address persistent speech difficulties. If the problem persists and your dentist can’t resolve it, we recommend seeking a second opinion.

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

Which Types of Porcelain Veneers Look the Best?

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I’ve had porcelain veneers since 2007, and want to replace them to get a brighter and more natural-looking smile. I had three consultations with dentists, and one recommend zirconia or Emax crowns. The other two dentists recommended feldspathic veneers. Do you mind ranking the materials from highest to lowest for what I want to accomplish? Thanks. Nagi

Nagi,

Your question is like asking which materials can create a masterpiece painting without considering the talent of the artist. Rather than being primarily concerned about whether a dentist uses e.max, feldspathic, or zirconia porcelain veneers, consider whether the dentist is a talented artist who creates beautiful smiles.

We recommend checking dentists’ post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training, cosmetic dentistry accreditation, the smile galleries of patients’ cases on their websites, and their porcelain veneers experience.

Check the credentials of the dentists with whom you had consultations. If they are not accredited cosmetic dentists or do not have extensive cosmetic dentistry training, find dentists with the training and experience to personalize a beautiful smile for you. Schedule consultations with at least two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss your smile goals and options for achieving them.

What Materials Produce Beautiful Porcelain Veneers?

Skilled cosmetic dentist often use feldspathic porcelain or e.max to achieve beautiful results. Zirconia is manufactured in blocks of porcelain that must be ground into porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Although a dental ceramist can bake stain on zirconia’s surface, the results are less aesthetic than baking tint variations onto porcelain. Also, a block of zirconia cannot product subtle variations in shade and translucence in porcelain veneers to mimic natural teeth, but e.max and feldspathic porcelain can.

Check the credentials and training of the dentist with whom you already had consultations. If they lack accreditation or post-graduate training, look for a dentists who do, and schedule consultations.

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

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

Before and after porcelain veneers photos from Dr. Duane Delaune.

Why Can’t I Floss Between My Porcelain Veneers?

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My dentist seems unconcerned that I cannot floss between my porcelain veneers. Is this common? Why can’t I floss? Thanks. Alec from Pittsburgh, PA

Alec,

The inability to floss between porcelain veneers is unusual and unhealthy. You have good reason to be concerned.

What Can Prevent Floss from Gliding Between Porcelain Veneers?

If floss cannot guide between your porcelain veneers, there may be a problem with the bonding. Correct bonding technique usually includes the following steps.

  • Use etching and bonding agents to prime the tooth
  • Place bonding on the back of each porcelain veneer before pressing it onto the tooth
  • Remove excess bonding material around the veneer
  • Harden the bonding only on the center of the composite with an ultra-small light
  • Remove excess composite by flossing
  • Smooth the surfaces of the veneers
  • Use a larger curing tip to ensure solid attachment
  • Smooth teeth with fine polishing strips

What Are the Results of Inability to Floss Between Veneers?

Plaque buildup can lead to gum disease if you cannot floss between porcelain veneers. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, flossing is essential to preventing dental plaque and inflammation. Advanced gum disease is linked to an increased risk of systemic diseases, including diabetes and heart disease.

We recommend asking your dentist to ensure you can floss between your veneers. Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if your dentist cannot resolve your concerns.

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

 

Will I Need New Porcelain Veneers If Mine Are Turning Dark?

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Will I need new porcelain veneers if mine are turning dark? I got the veneers in 2003. I realize that they are almost 20 years old. I compared pictures from last week with pictures from last year, and the difference is noticeable. Will I need new veneers, or can a dentist polish mine or do something else to make them look better? Thank you. Hanako

 

Hanako,

A skilled cosmetic dentist would need to examine your veneers to determine why they are turning dark, but we will provide some insight.

Do Porcelain Veneers Change Color?

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 only change color if they are damaged. Veneers are more stain resistant than natural teeth. However, discoloration in teeth behind the veneers can make them look darker.

  • Damaged porcelain veneers Power polishing equipment at a dental office can damage the glaze on porcelain veneers. As the roughened surface of damaged veneers attracts stains, you will notice that your teeth look darker. Also, acidulated fluoride etches the glaze on porcelain veneers and attracts stains.
  • Darkening natural teeth – If your natural teeth darken behind porcelain veneers, the color change can show through. If the seal between a porcelain veneer and tooth is compromised, bacteria can leak in and promote decay that darkens your natural tooth and shows through the veneer.

Will You Need New Porcelain Veneers If Yours Are Darkening?

If your porcelain veneers are turning dark, a skilled cosmetic dentist may be able to approve their appearance or you may need new ones. Schedule a consultation or an exam with an advanced cosmetic dentist to determine why your veneers are darkening. Treatment options may include:

  • Teeth bleaching to lighten your natural teeth
  • Diamond polishing your porcelain veneers to improve their appearance
  • Replacing the veneers your veneers if they are worn or damaged

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Why Did My Wisdom Teeth Erupt Brown?

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Both of my lower wisdom teeth erupted brown. I don’t know why it happened, but I’m self-conscious about it. Also, my lower molar teeth are darker than the rest. Could something be wrong with my tooth enamel? My dentist’s first available appointment is March 6, but I can’t stop thinking about what’s happening with my teeth. Can a dentist restore them? Will porcelain veneers work?

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth and take X-rays, we can use your description to describe what may be happening with your teeth. Remember that the explanation is not a diagnosis without an in-person appointment.

Why Are Your Wisdom Teeth Brown?

If your wisdom teeth erupted brown, you may have defective enamel. Decay can turn tooth enamel brown, but if the tooth erupts brown, it’s not from decay. A medical condition may cause discolored tooth enamel if other molar teeth are brown. Sometimes, a medical condition or medication taken while teeth form can affect their color as they erupt.

Defective enamel can make teeth susceptible to decay. A dentist would recommend a dental crown if a tooth is weak from decay or other causes. However, a weak or discolored wisdom tooth doesn’t need a crown because wisdom teeth are often problematic and need extractions anyway. Your dentist will examine and x-ray your teeth and review your medical and prescription histories to determine the cause of discoloration. Afterward, the dentist can recommend treatment to improve the shade of your teeth.

Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Molar Teeth?

Porcelain veneers will not withstand the forces of biting and chewing on molar teeth. A cosmetic dentist can recommend an alternative to porcelain veneers for discoloration. Depending on your teeth’s condition and the cause of discoloration, teeth whitening or dental crowns may be appropriate.

If your dentist doesn’t have post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training, schedule a second opinion with an advanced cosmetic dentist to compare your treatment options.

 

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

Before and after dark teeth picture

Photos of Dr. Brooksher’s patient. A tooth’s condition and location determine cosmetic dentistry options.

Is Peroxide Ruining My Porcelain Veneers?

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I’ve had two porcelain veneers loosen within the last four months. My sister said it’s probably because I’ve been rinsing my mouth with peroxide to whiten my natural teeth. I drink a lot of coffee, so I’m trying to keep my teeth as white as my veneers. Can peroxide ruin veneers? I’m embarrassed to tell my dentist what I’ve been doing. Thanks. Trudie

 

Trudie,

“Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide.” That’s advice that many people have heard for years. Is it good advice? We will explain how hydrogen peroxide can affect your mouth and smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

How Does Peroxide Affect Your Mouth?

As you rinse your mouth with it, hydrogen peroxide bubbles and releases oxygen. What’s the result?

  • The oxygen kills harmful bacteria that promote gum disease.
  • Beneficial microbes are also killed.
  • The absence of good bacteria causes other microorganisms, including yeast, to thrive.
  • Extended use (approximately two weeks or longer) of hydrogen peroxide to rinse your mouth will cause candida albicans to grow. The result is an oral yeast infection that will cause the tissue inside your mouth to become white and peel. The tissue will be red, raw, and painful.

If you want to keep your natural teeth as white as your porcelain veneers, get teeth whitening from a dentist.

Will Hydrogen Peroxide Ruin Porcelain Veneers?

Short-term use of hydrogen peroxide will not ruin porcelain veneers but don’t overdo it. However, it can irritate the gum tissue around the veneers and irritate. Still, if you wear porcelain veneers, caution is needed with the type of mouthwash you use. Mouthwash that contains alcohol softens the bonding that secures veneers to your teeth, and it will promote staining. Diligent oral hygiene limits the need for mouthwash.

  • Brush your teeth with non-abrasive toothpaste twice daily.
  • Floss daily.
  • If you still need mouthwash, ensure it’s alcohol-free.

How Can You Help Porcelain Veneers 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.

Porcelain veneer

You can prolong the life of your porcelain veneers with these steps:

  • Maintain regular exam and cleaning appointments – Ensure that your exam and cleaning are only completed by a dentist and hygienist trained in properly maintaining porcelain veneers. Power polishing equipment should never be used on veneers.
  • Wear a mouth guard – Wear a custom mouth guard if you play contact sports.
  • Wear an oral appliance at night – Tell your dentist if you grind your teeth at night. Wearing an oral appliance at night will protect your teeth.
  • Use a sonic toothbrush – A sonic toothbrush’s soft, vibrating bristles will clean and polish your porcelain veneers.
  • Limit snacks and sugar intake – Sugary foods and drinks promote bacteria and decay, as does frequent snacking.

Consult a cosmetic dentist to determine why your porcelain veneers are loosening.

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

My Dental Bonding Makes Fluorosis Stains Look Worse

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It might be hard to believe, but my dentist’s dental bonding job worsened my fluorosis stains. The bonding color is uneven, the stains still show through, and the bonding is peeling off. The day I got the bonding, it fell off two teeth the same evening. I returned to my dentist to replace the bonding and told him that the color is off. He added another layer of bonding that fell off. Unfortunately, my dentist implies that I must grind my teeth or have a habit of weakening the bonding. He recommended that I wear a night guard. I tried it, but the bonding will not stay on. This situation is more stressful and embarrassing than my fluorosis stains. Bonding should not fall off, but how long should it last? Is it unrealistic to expect bonding to stay on fluorosis-stained teeth? I will try again with another dentist if my dentist gives me a refund. Thank you. Alicia

 

Alicia

We are sorry to hear about your experience. It is frustrating when you are excited about a solution for your teeth, but the results worsen things. Without cosmetic dentistry training, fluorosis stains can be challenging to conceal.

What Is Fluorosis?

Dental fluorosis is a condition that results from consuming too much fluoride as a child—while permanent teeth are still developing. Although fluorosis does not affect the health of your teeth, it can spot and discolor them. The stains are usually limited to the tooth enamel and do not affect the dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). See the Center for Disease Control’s website for information on fluoride supplements and toothpaste use.

Types of Fluorosis Stains

Fluorosis stains can be mild, moderate, or severe.

 

  • Mild fluorosis – White specks, spots, edges, or lines randomly appear on teeth. The stains may be limited or extensive.
  • Moderate fluorosis – Moderate stains cover a wider area of your teeth. The stains are often brown.
  • Severe fluorosis – Brown spots or streaks dominate your teeth. Fluorosis can make the tooth surface feel rough.

Concealing Fluorosis 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.

Porcelain veneer

An expert cosmetic dentist can conceal fluorosis stains. After a thorough examination and x-rays, the dentist will let you know the results you can expect from dental bonding vs. porcelain veneers for fluorosis stains.

Most general or family dentists do not stock the tools and composites to achieve beautiful results. But a cosmetic dentist can get beautiful results with steps like these:

  • Grind out the discoloration
  • Bond high-quality composite to replicate your tooth enamel
  • Apply a base layer that has some opacity
  • Overlay the base with translucent composite

Whiten Your Teeth Before Dental Bonding

If you want to whiten your teeth overall, ask your dentist for teeth whitening treatment before composite is applied. Afterward, your dentist will apply bonding that matches your whitened teeth.

Why Does Dental Bonding Fall Off?

Dental bonding requires specific steps to keep it intact:

  • Etch, rinse, and dry the tooth enamel
  • When fluorosis stains are severe, increase the etching time
  • Apply a liquid bonding agent and cure it with a curing light
  • Place composite over the cured bonding agent

Your dentist must ensure that your bonding is so firmly in place that the only way to remove it is by grinding it off. If your cosmetic dentist does bonding correctly, it will not fall off.

Asking Your Dentist for a Refund on Bad Bonding

You paid for a service that you did not receive. That is the basis for asking your dentist for a refund. Depending on your dentist’s response, you have these options:

  • Reporting the issue to your dental insurance company
  • Asking your new dentist for help in requesting a refund
  • Filing a complaint with the state dental board
  • Leaving negative online reviews
  • Hiring an attorney

Schedule a Consultation

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if you want your fluorosis stains concealed without anyone noticing your dental work.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

 

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.