Will I Need to Replace a New Porcelain Veneer That I Can’t Floss Well?

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I’ve flossed my teeth twice daily for decades without problem. Last month, I got eight new veneers, and now one veneer catches on another. I am concerned there may be a gap between the veneer and my tooth that can lead to a cavity. My dentist doesn’t think it’s a big deal, but I have an appointment with her in two weeks if the problem persists. I don’t understand how my dentist thinks this might have been resolved without her intervention. Will I need a new veneer? Thanks. Monika from IL

Monika,

What you’ve described sounds like an overhang on your dental veneer. An overhang occurs when the margin of the veneer doesn’t seamlessly meet the tooth, creating a slight gap or overlap.

What Causes an Overhang on a Porcelain Veneer?

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

Porcelain veneer

Overhangs can result from inaccuracies in the dental impression taken before veneer fabrication. An inaccurate impression can prevent the laboratory technician from creating a veneer with a smooth and precise fit at the margin.

The ideal veneer should seamlessly blend with the natural tooth structure at the gumline, replicating the original contour.

What Are the Risks of Dental Overhangs?

  • The risks of dental overhangs include decay, gum irritation, and gum disease.
  • Increased Risk of Decay: While not always immediate, overhangs can create a small space where bacteria and debris can accumulate, potentially leading to decay.
  • Gum Irritation and Disease: More significantly, overhangs can irritate the surrounding gum tissue, potentially causing inflammation, redness, bleeding, and even gum disease.

What Can You Do If Floss Catches on Your Porcelain Veneer?

  • Talk to your dentist. Explain your concerns and request a new porcelain veneer to eliminate the overhang.
  • Get a second opinion: If your dentist is unwilling to replace the veneer, you may need to consult another dentist for a second opinion and potential replacement.
  • Be diligent with oral hygiene: Meticulous oral hygiene, particularly around the affected veneer, will help minimize further complications

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.

Will I Need to Replace a New Porcelain Veneer with a Crown?

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Will my dentist need to replace a new porcelain veneer with a crown if the tooth behind the veneer has a cavity? My dentist found a cavity in my right incisor during my six-month exam last week and recommended a crown. I’ve had my veneers since 2021, so I am concerned that replacing one is overtreatment because they are somewhat new. Thanks. Valene

 

Valene,

A dentist would need to X-ray and examine your teeth and veneers for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. However, we will provide some guidelines.

Does a Dentist Need to Replace Your Veneer with a Crown?

Whether a cavity behind a porcelain veneer requires replacing it with a crown depends on the size of the cavity and the tooth’s condition. Many cosmetic dentists consider ways to save the tooth by building it up with composite so that you can keep your veneer. If your dentist cannot save enough healthy tooth structure to bond a veneer onto your tooth, they may recommend a dental crown.

Matching a New Crown or Veneer with Surrounding Teeth

Whether you need a new crown or a veneer, it takes advanced cosmetic training and skill for a dentist to match your new restoration with the existing ones. Family dentists have limited skill and artistic inclination to understand how to instruct a dental ceramist to create a veneer or crown that perfectly matches the others and your surrounding teeth.

Schedule a Porcelain Veneers Second Opinion

We recommend scheduling a second opinion with one or two cosmetic dentists to examine your porcelain veneer tooth and X-rays. You can compare each dentist’s recommendation for removing your cavity and whether your veneer must be replaced. After consultations, you can decide whether you want your dentist to complete the work or if you prefer another dentist. Regardless of which dentist you choose, they should be concerned enough to determine why you developed a cavity behind a porcelain veneer.

Avoid letting a cavity linger untreated because the decay will spread and require more extensive and costly treatment.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher, a Baton Rouge fellow of implant dentistry, sponsors this post. Read about how Dr. Brooksher strives to provide high-quality dental care for his patients.

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

Skilled cosmetic dentists understand porcelain veneer techniques for various circumstances.

Can I Get Only One Porcelain Veneer Replaced?

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I received six porcelain veneers in May 2019. My dentist didn’t get the bonding quite right on one veneer, and I had a lot of sensitivity in the tooth. At first, he suggested that I use Sensodyne toothpaste, but it didn’t help much. I mentioned the sensitivity at my next dental cleaning appointment, so my dentist looked at the tooth and said that the veneer is not in its original position and the dentin is exposed. He suggested replacing the veneer (upper left center) and the right-center veneer next to it to ensure the veneers match. I’m disappointed because this dentin exposure business was my dentist’s fault. Why did the porcelain veneer move out of place? He offered to reduce the cost of replacing the two veneers, but I don’t think I should have a fee at all. And why can’t he just replace the one veneer anyway? I’m afraid that if he must remove the veneer on my right front tooth that it might become sensitive, too. Should I insist that he only replace one veneer? Thank you – Zachary from GA

 

Zachary,

You didn’t mention if your general or family dentist provided the veneers. But it seems that you saw a dentist with limited training in cosmetic dentistry who aggressively prepared your teeth.

Is It Possible to Replace One Porcelain Veneer?

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

A skilled cosmetic dentist can replace a single porcelain veneer

Yes, it is possible to replace a single porcelain veneer. Any dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training can replace one veneer and perfectly match the color with your existing veneers. Dentists who are skilled in aesthetics use dental laboratories that keep color formulas for each patient’s case so they can perfectly match it in the future.

Dentin Exposed with Porcelain Veneers

When a dentist prepares your teeth for porcelain veneers, and the dentin is exposed, they over-prepared your teeth. When tooth preparation is necessary, skilled cosmetic dentists only remove a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel for several reasons:

  • Preserve as much tooth structure as possible
  • Provide better bonding—veneers adhere better to tooth enamel than dentin, which is softer.
  • Avoid exposing dentin because dentin tubules lead to the pulp and risk irritation and infection.

Insist on Replacing One Veneer?

If your dentist says he must replace veneers on both central incisors (center front teeth) to achieve a color match, he probably doesn’t know how to do otherwise. You can decide if you trust your dentist to do the work or want a second opinion. If you choose to get a second opinion on your porcelain veneers, look for a dentist with post-graduate training and experience in dental aesthetics.

You probably want to get the issue resolved quickly, so don’t delay—especially because dentin exposure is unhealthy for your teeth.

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

Get details from a previous post on reasons that porcelain veneers might fall off.