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.

Can I Have a Cavity In a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

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Could I have a cavity on a porcelain veneer tooth and not know it? I relocated in February of this year, and my dentist says my left incisor has a cavity, and the tooth needs a root canal. I have no symptoms in the tooth. Could I need a root canal, and can I keep the porcelain veneer on the tooth? Thank you. Jerome

Jerome,

Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge regarding the cavity in your porcelain veneer tooth.

Can You Have a Cavity in a Porcelain Veneer Tooth?

A porcelain veneer only covers the front of a tooth, so it is possible to develop a cavity in a tooth. If you have no history of tooth decay, trauma can cause a cavity inside the tooth.

Can You Have Tooth Decay Without Any Symptoms?

You can experience tooth decay without any symptoms. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, early tooth decay may not display any symptoms.

Advanced tooth decay can cause the following symptoms:

  • Toothache
  • Sensitivity to sweets
  • Sensitivity to cold

You may experience the following symptoms with An infected or abscessed tooth:

  • An abscess
  • Pus pocket
  • Pain
  • Facial swelling 
  • Fever

Do You Need a Root Canal for a Cavity?

Whether you need a root canal depends on the condition of the tooth and its pulp (living tissue inside). We recommend getting a second opinion from another dentist or a root canal specialist (endodontist).

  • Ask for a copy of the x-ray to take to your second opinion dentist.
  • Avoid mentioning the diagnosis during the second opinion.

Will You Lose Your Porcelain Veneer If You Have a Cavity?

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 will not lose your porcelain veneer if you have enough healthy tooth structure left after getting a filling or root canal treatment. Speak with a cosmetic dentist about the tooth to help you anticipate what you can expect with the veneer tooth.

Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post.

What Are the Options for Hiding Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

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I have dark fluorosis stains on six upper front and side teeth. I know the stains are permanent and that I can get veneers for my teeth to hide the stains. But what are my other options? – Nikki from Charlotte, NC

For our readers- Fluorosis stains can occur when a child’s teeth develop. Too much fluoride can cause irregularities, discoloration, or spots on teeth. If a child consumes too much fluoride, white or brown spots develop on the tooth enamel. Also, pits can form in the teeth.

Nikki –

Thank you for contacting Dr. Brooksher’s office in Baton Rouge.

What Are the Options for Fluorosis Stains in Teeth?

The options for fluorosis stains in teeth include porcelain veneers and dental bonding. A cosmetic dentist will recommend treatment based on these factors:

  • The condition of your teeth
  • The extent of the fluorosis stains
  • Your budget
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

Porcelain veneers. Although porcelain veneers are the most expensive option for concealing fluorosis stains, an expert cosmetic dentist can make the veneers look like your natural teeth. People cannot tell the difference between them and your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years.

Composite dental resin (dental bonding). Cosmetic dentists use this tooth-colored material to cover imperfections and discoloration in teeth. Cosmetic dentists know how to manipulate the color and translucency of the resin to match your teeth perfectly. But the composite is less durable and stain resistant than porcelain veneers, lasting about five to eight years.

Teeth bleaching.

Schedule a Fluorosis Stains Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to examine your teeth and explain your options for concealing fluorosis stains in your teeth. In addition to discussing the pros and cons of the treatment, the dentist can explain a cost estimate. You may prefer porcelain veneers over dental bonding if you can afford a longer-lasting result.

 

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

 

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.