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.

My Dental Bonding Is Peeling

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My dentist whitened my teeth and later placed bonding on them last February to hide fluorosis stains. The color still wasn’t right after three tries, so I let it go. I figured I would keep the bonding because my dentist said it would last five years. After that, I planned to find another dentist to replace it. But within the past week, the bonding started peeling off like old paint. This is so embarrassing. I called my dentist, who said bonding on fluorosis sometimes doesn’t stick to your teeth. He never mentioned that the bonding might peel before he placed it. Now, I am concerned that I must live with these stains. If my dentist cannot get this right, what are my options? Thank you. Jay

Jay,

We are sorry to hear about your experience with dental bonding from your dentist. Fortunately, you have options for concealing fluorosis stains, but you cannot rely on your dentist for them.

Types of Fluorosis Stains

Fluorosis stains occur from consuming too much fluoride as a child while your teeth are still developing. Tooth stains are white in mild to moderate cases and brown in severe cases. The stains usually affect the tooth enamel only.

How Do You Conceal Fluorosis Stains?

Concealing fluorosis stains in teeth is one of the most challenging aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Depending on the stains and condition of your teeth, an advanced cosmetic dentist may recommend dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Dental bonding

  • Applying dental bonding to tooth enamel securely requires these steps:
  • Etch the tooth enamel
  • Rinse and dry the enamel
  • Apply a liquid bonding agent to the tooth and use a curing light to cure it
  • Place the composite over the cured bonding

At least your dentist bleached your teeth before applying bonding, even though the color did not stay on. Bleaching teeth first is essential to matching bonding to your natural teeth. Whitening is an effective way to refresh your smile.

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 veneer

After removing a conservative amount of tooth enamel, a cosmetic dentist will complete these steps:

  • Take impressions of your teeth
  • Provide a wax-up of your veneers
  • Make temporary veneers for you to wear
  • After you approve the temporary veneers, send pictures and instructions to a dental ceramist to make the final product
  • Try the veneers on your teeth to ensure you are delighted with your smile makeover

Why Do My New Porcelain Veneers Look Old?

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A cosmetic dentist completed my smile makeover with veneers in mid-August. I drove 75 miles for each appointment because of this dentist’s reputation. It’s almost December, and my veneers do not look as white and glossy. I am almost heartbroken. I plan to return to the dentist in January, but I dread several appointments with her to improve or replace my veneers. Why is this happening, and what can I expect for repairs?  – Liyah

Liyah,

Thank you for your question. Dr. Lim would need to examine your smile makeover to determine why it is losing its luster, but we will explain what can happen to veneers.

What Can Cause New Porcelain Veneers to Look Old?

New porcelain veneers might look old due to glaze damage or the materials used to make your veneers.

Damage to the glaze

Abrasive chemicals or power polishing equipment can damage and dull the glaze on porcelain veneers. If your veneers lost luster within a few months, perhaps a dental professional used the wrong tools or materials.

  • Acidulated fluoride – Although acidulated fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay, it will scratch the porcelain. The scratches will easily attract stains and darken your veneers.
  • Power polishing equipment – While cleaning your teeth, a hygienist must know how to care for your veneers, including which tools and materials to use and what to avoid. When mistakenly using power polishing equipment (e.g., Prophy Jet) on your veneers, the result is a matte finish.

Composition of Your Veneers

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

A cosmetic dentist provide quality porcelain veneers, as shown in these pictures from Dr. Brooksher.

Veneers can be porcelain or composite. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and stronger than tooth enamel, but composite veneers are softer. If you have compositive veneers, abrasive toothpaste, alcohol-based mouthwash, or pumice polish can decrease the gloss or luster of composite veneers.

Can a Dentist Restore Your Porcelain Veneers?

Yes, an advanced cosmetic dentist can restore your smile makeover by polishing your veneers with these steps:

  • Use diamond polishing instruments and polishing paste
  • Add further gloss using ultrafine diamond polishing paste

 

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

My Dentist Buffed the Gloss Off My Porcelain Veneers

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My cosmetic dentist said he could remove scratches on two of my porcelain veneers after I finished Invisalign with my orthodontist. Now both veneers look matte because the glossiness is gone. My dentist said he used cups and some polishing tools. Are my veneers going to stain now? Is there a way to reverse the damage? Thank you. Bethany from Erie, PA

Bethany,

Thank you for your question.

Congratulations on completing Invisalign treatment. We understand your disappointment in wanting to complete your smile makeover by ensuring your veneers look great. Although a dentist may claim to be a cosmetic dentist, practicing cosmetic dentistry well takes post-graduate training and artistic inclination. A trained cosmetic dentist understands how to polish veneers after specific training on how to do it.

Will Veneers with a Matte Finish Stain?

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

A matte finish makes porcelain more susceptible to stain. It takes experience to polish a porcelain veneer and achieve a luster almost as good as the original glaze. Although polishing veneers requires less skill than creating a smile design, a dentist must know the process and stock specialized tools and materials in the office.

Polishing porcelain requires a cosmetic dentist to use these items:

  • Diamond polishing instruments
  • Polishing paste
  • Ultra-fine diamond polishing paste for finishing

If you trust your dentist’s skill, you can tell him you want more shine on your veneers. Some cosmetic dentists use Brasseler’s Dialite porcelain polishing system to remove the matte finish and restore the gloss. Depending on the extent of the issue, the system may work for your veneers.

Alternatively, you can look for a cosmetic dentist with advanced training and get a second opinion. The dentist will examine your veneers and explain your options for restoring them to a natural-looking gloss that complements your natural teeth.

 

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.