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.

Is It Painful to Get Teeth Shaved for Veneers?

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I am considering veneers for my eight front top teeth. The teeth are uneven, and their shape is weird. Two teeth slightly overlap the one in front of it. Will it be painful to get my teeth shaved for veneers or while the dentist attaches them?

Thank you. Micha from Warren, Ohio

Micha,

Thank you for your question. Getting porcelain veneers is one of the most comfortable procedures for a patient. We will explain what preparing your teeth for veneers involves.

Is It Painful to Get Your Teeth Shaved for Veneers?

Preparing your teeth for veneers is not painful. Sometimes, a dentist can prepare your teeth without any local anesthetic. However, if you have sensitive teeth or dental anxiety, your dentist will numb your teeth and ensure you do not feel discomfort throughout the procedure. In most cases, your teeth will require preparation to ensure your veneers fit snugly and smoothly over the fronts of your teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist will only remove 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm of tooth enamel.

How Does a Dentist Prepare Your Teeth for Veneers?

Cosmetic dentists use a diamond bur tool to remove a tiny amount of tooth enamel from each tooth that will get a porcelain veneer. A skilled dentist will select diamond bur sizes depending on the condition and position of each tooth, removing minimal amounts of tooth enamel. The dentist will avoid aggressive preparation that affects the dentin beneath your enamel. Tooth preparation should not be painful.

Will You Have Pain During Porcelain Veneers Placement?

Advanced cosmetic dentists place porcelain veneers with care. They use special equipment and materials to place veneers quickly and smoothly. Your cosmetic dentist will understand the importance of removing excess bonding while soft to prevent uncomfortable removal if the bonding hardens.

Schedule a Porcelain Veneers Consultation

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

Dr. Brooksher achieves beautiful results with porcelain veneers

We recommend scheduling a consultation with an advanced, preferably accredited, cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns and the results you can expect with porcelain veneers. Let the dentist know if you suffer from dental anxiety, and they will explain your options for sedation.

 

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

 

Why Don’t Dentists Warn Patients That Porcelain Veneers Fall Off?

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I got porcelain veneers in February this year. Two of them have fallen off, and one of the two just fell off again last week. So far, none of the others feel loose for now. I am nervous because I’m going to S. America in three weeks. I’m not sure how to find an excellent dentist to bond veneers back on, and I’m not sure it’s a good idea either. My dentist has an accusatory tone about why my veneers have fallen off. He says that it can happen if I’m rough with them. This is news to me. I wasn’t rough with my natural teeth before veneers. I floss and brush as usual.

I’m beginning to wonder what else my dentist didn’t tell me about what to expect with veneers. Is it legal for dentists to withhold vital information like this? My husband thinks my dentist must have done bad work, but this is the same dentist I’ve had for the past seven years. I know other people who have received veneers from him and aren’t having any issues. Interestingly, our dentist did not warn them about the possibility of their veneers falling off. Why wasn’t I warned? Is this common for dentists to keep to themselves? Thanks. Keilah from NH

Keilah – You didn’t receive a warning about porcelain veneers loosening and falling off because it should never happen.

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Fall Off?

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

Quality porcelain veneers do not fall off

If you have had repeated issues with veneers falling off, it is most likely because of your dentist’s improper bonding techniques. The veneer that fell off a second time wasn’t properly cleaned before it was bonded on again.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your veneers to determine what is happening, we suggest getting a second opinion before your trip. Find a skilled cosmetic dentist to examine your veneers, check them for stability, and let you know your options to ensure they are secure.

If your veneers are constructed properly, a trained cosmetic dentist can correctly bond them to prevent them from falling off in the future. If any of your veneers are loose, a skilled cosmetic dentist can remove, clean, and bond them on again.

You can decide whether you trust your current dentist to make the corrections, but given his track record, we suggest that you consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist.

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

Five Dental Tools and Materials That Damage Porcelain Veneers

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I have eight veneers on my upper front teeth. I received them last October from a dentist in Indiana. Now that I live in NM, I am concerned about my dental exam and cleaning appointment with a new dentist. Is it possible that the hygienist will break or loosen my veneers around my gumline? – Thank you. Damon from NJ

 

Damon,

Thank you for your question.

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

It is good that you are concerned about how a dental hygiene appointment will affect your porcelain veneers. A hygienist will not loosen or break your veneers. But if a hygienist uses incorrect tools, they can damage the glaze, which will make the surface of your veneers dull.

Dental Tools and Materials That Damage Porcelain Veneers

A dentist and hygienist who received advanced training in caring for porcelain veneers will avoid these tools and chemicals:

  • Power polishing equipment – Although some equipment is safe for natural teeth, it can harm porcelain veneers. For example, Dentsply’s Prophy Jet is a device that sprays a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and water on your teeth to clean them quickly. But the chemical blasts away the glaze on your porcelain veneers, and they will begin to stain. And other brands of power polishers will damage your veneers.
  • Ultrasonic scaler – The scaler can cause small chips at the margin of you veneers as it gets rid of calculus and bacteria. Plaque and stain can accumulate around your veneers and cause decay.
  • Heavy-duty manual scalers – If used on the margins of veneers, a heavy-duty scaler can scrape or chip porcelain veneers.
  • Coarse polishing pastes – Although polishing paste restores the gloss of natural teeth, it can scratch porcelain veneers. Trained hygienists use ultra-fine polishing paste instead.
  • Acidulated fluoride – Acidulated fluoride etches the surface of porcelain veneers and removes the glaze. A hygienist will use neutral fluoride gel instead.

Ensure your new dentist is an advanced cosmetic who regularly places porcelain veneers. Team members know how to take care of your teeth and veneers without damaging them.

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

Which brands of whitening strips work best on porcelain veneers?

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I have 8 veneers that I got in 2004. I smoke socially, so my veneers look a little yellow. When I first noticed the stains, I put whitening strips on them. I didn’t see much of a change, but my veneers are starting to really look yellow. I don’t want to keep buying different brands of white strips that don’t work, so I wonder if you can tell me which brands work best on porcelain veneers. – Jet from NJ

Jet – Regardless of the brand, whitening strips won’t remove stains from porcelain veneers. Even professional-strength bleaching gel from a dentist won’t whiten veneers. After a lab makes your veneers, the color cannot be changed. They are colorfast.

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

Ask an accredited cosmetic dentist to polish your veneers

Although porcelain veneers are virtually stain resistant, some things can make them more susceptible to attracting stains. You should use only non-abrasive toothpaste on them. Grainy toothpaste or baking soda can scratch the glaze and cause the veneers to stain easily.

Schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your veneers. An artistic cosmetic dentist knows how to polish your veneers to remove stains and add luster expertly. Depending on how long you’ve had your veneers, the age and condition can affect how well they polish.

The cosmetic dentist you choose can let you know the results to expect after your veneers are polished. If they are fifteen to twenty years old and a bit worn, it may be time to replace them. If it is time to replace your veneers, be sure to find a cosmetic dentist willing to design a natural-looking smile. Your new veneers should last for many years, so ensure they are precisely the smile you want.

Steven Brooksher, DDS of Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher is an accredited cosmetic dentist.

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.

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.

 

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.

His Dentist Bonded Porcelain Veneers to His Teeth Even Though He Hated Them

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In February, I received eight porcelain veneers. My dentist did two different wax models, but I didn’t like either of them. He told me that the final veneers would look several times better than the wax model. Before he bonded the veneers on, he used some a paste to attach them to my teeth.

I wrote down everything I told my dentist about what I hated about the veneers: 1 – the shape was wrong, 2) the color was wrong, 3) they looked like they were sliding away from my gums, 4) the teeth were unevenly spaced.

My dentist said he sent the veneers back to the lab, but I am wondering if these are the same veneers that I hated. I don’t see any difference. I really didn’t get a good look at these new veneers, but my dentist bonded them on without telling me that they were final. He did tell me that he had to “push back” with the lab to get them to redo my veneers. When he had me look in the mirror, I felt like I had been cheated. Now, I’m sure I’ve been cheated.

Last month I found about serious illnesses for two family members. This is a terrible time for me to worry about veneers. My dentist is trying to convince himself that my veneers are beautiful. He will never convince me. I know that I can start over, but I used a lot of my savings for this dental work. I don’t want to take more money out to have it corrected. Do I have any options? Thanks, Russ

Russ,

Many things went wrong with the way your dentist treated you as his patient.

  • Ignoring that you didn’t approve either was model
  • Directing the lab to make veneers when you didn’t accept the model
  • Proceeding with his plan after you tried on the veneers
  • Bonding the veneers to your teeth without your consent
Before-and-after smile makeover photos. Top photo shows a missing tooth and poorly spaced and shaped teeth. A new smile is below.


Dr. Brooksher rejuvenated this patient’s teeth with a beautiful smile makeover

Although we don’t know your dentist’s view on what happened, your description of the events sounds as if your dentist isn’t skilled in cosmetic dentistry.

A trustworthy cosmetic dentist will ensure you are delighted with your new smile before bonding it to your teeth. And he or she will only bond on veneers with a patient’s consent. Your dentist’s approach doesn’t reflect that he wants you to have a confident smile.

If Your Veneers Were Bonded on Without Your Consent

If you didn’t agree that your dentist could bond your veneers, you can file a complaint with the state dental board, leave negative feedback online, and consult with an attorney.

We hope that your dentist will voluntarily resolve the issue to your satisfaction.

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