Porcelain Veneers Gone Bad

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Bad Porcelain Veneers

The following comments are general in content and should not be used for self-diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment is indicated by professional dentists only. There are many variables in treating dental issues.

Inferior Veneers or Bad Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be a success! Veneers offer straighter and whiter looking teeth that can last for many years. Porcelain veneers provide a thin surface layer to the tooth that is smoother than the natural tooth. Porcelain stains much less than natural teeth, therefore bleaching and whitening is not required. The porcelain veneer provides a protective shell to the tooth enamel, resulting in less temperature sensitivity. Tooth shape can also be improved. Veneers benefit the patient every day of the week. However, problems can occur.

Thick or Bulky Looking Porcelain Veneers

The shape of the veneer must follow the biologic contour and surface texture of the natural tooth. Sometimes, the porcelain veneer looks bulky because porcelain was made too thick. An artistic eye is essential to create a result that is natural looking. It may be necessary to consult with several dentists before committing to a professional who can provide in-house photos of actual cases. If the dentist cannot provide actual photos from prior cases, respectfully request testimonials from existing veneer patients. Before and after photos should show the artistic ability of the dentist. If the photos don't look good enough, move on to another dentist.

Too White or Fake Looking Veneers

Sometimes the shade of the veneer is too white and looks like a kitchen appliance. Too much white is referred to as opacity. Too opaque means there is so much white color that the opaque porcelain stops the light from penetration. The experienced dentist/ceramist team can use the same white shade, but have enough translucency in the veneer to allow the light to penetrate the veneer and into the tooth. Opacity and translucency must be balanced along with surface texture to break up the light. Surface texture refers to the surface of the veneer having a texture rather than a smooth surface. Surface texture is very difficult to obtain since pressed ceramics is commonly used instead of layered ceramics. It is easier and less expensive to make pressed ceramic porcelain veneers. Sometimes there is a reason why one dentist is less expensive.

Veneers That Come Off

Porcelain veneers that come off the tooth in one piece within a short period of time, is probably due to the bonding process being compromised. Keeping the tooth surface dry is imperative to a good bond. The presence of water or liquid during the bonding process can lead to moisture contamination that results in bonding failure. When bonded correctly and precisely, porcelain veneers, will not come off the tooth in one piece. If part of the veneer breaks off, a bite alignment problem may exist.

Broken Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers that break off instead of coming off in one piece generally were bonded well but the bite may be too hard on that particular tooth. The opposite or opposing tooth keeps hitting a particular spot on the veneer and the porcelain finally fractures. If the veneers were in the mouth for ten years and one of the veneers breaks, it is normal wear. The dentist did a great job. If the veneer breaks within the first few months, the bite may be the problem.

Veneers are Dark at the Gum Line

This is a stain from chemical contamination. Blood from the gums can contaminate the surface of the tooth and the edge of the veneer will stain. It can be microscopic blood contamination. The edge of the porcelain veneer can stain black from the blood or some other chemical agent that the dentist was using. The edge of the veneer can also stain over years of gum recession and tooth abrasion. As the tooth abrades, the edge of the porcelain can stain because the tooth is dissolving and the porcelain does not. This is an advantage to porcelain, as it does not erode in the mouth as natural teeth do. The porcelain veneer actually protects the tooth enamel if the veneer was the non-invasive type of veneer.