Menu Phone
Phone: 504-885-8869 Main Site Pen Icon Reviews: GoogleFacebook

Will dentist fix my cracked veneer?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I grind my teeth at night, but I was happy to find out that I could still be a candidate for porcelain veneers. I just got them done a couple months ago and I have been wearing a night guard. Last night, I was so exhausted that I feel asleep and didn’t get the night guard put in. I woke up because I noticed something in my mouth – it was a piece of one of my veneers that broke off! Do you think my dentist will replace it for free since I’ve had the veneers for such a short time? — Josh

Josh,
This is a tough one. While I’m sure you didn’t intend to fall asleep without your night guard, things happen and whether or not your dentist will fix it is completely up to him. If he prescribed the night guard and told you to be sure to always wear it, he really has no obligation to you.

Maybe he’ll offer to replace it this time if you cover the laboratory charge. You can be sure that it will be full price if it happens again. However, it’s best to have him look at it because there’s also a chance that he could repair it. If it split cleanly into two pieces that fit back together, he could re-bonded it to your tooth and the crack will be nearly invisible.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

CEREC for porcelain veneers? My dentist seems to think so…

Posted on by smiles4u.

I will be fifty soon and while I look and feel pretty great for my age, my teeth are definitely not holding up as well. I’ve chipped and cracked a couple of them and overall, they just look old and discolored. I’ve read up on porcelain veneers and I’d like to treat myself to an early birthday smile makeover. When I talked to my dentist, he recommended using his CEREC machine that is right there in the office. While I have had a crown done with CEREC, I’m not so sure it is ideal for extensive procedures like veneers. I have high expectations for my new smile, so wouldn’t it be better if he sent them to a lab? — Danielle

Danielle,
There are many dentist who use CEREC machines and claim they can get the same results that a dental lab can. If you talk to any tried and true cosmetic dentist, they would more than likely strongly disagree. Before making any sort of decision, google some photos of CEREC veneers. Hopefully you will find some before and after photos from dentists who have completed veneers this way. As you are examining them, ask yourself these these questions:

  • Is the gumline symmetrical?
  • Is the shape of the tooth natural?
  • Does the color and shading match the surrounding teeth?

While many of the smiles may look improved, if you find yourself answering no to these questions, CEREC will not give you the results you desire.

When it comes to porcelain veneers, the best results will be achieved by an experienced cosmetic dentist working closely with an expert lab technician. The best ones out there will have before and after photos of actual patients. Study the photos closely and if you have any doubts in his or her skills, keep looking. The other thing you can do is tell you dentist you would prefer traditional porcelain veneers. If he seems hesitant, it would be best not to push him into doing them. Chances are, he isn’t comfortable with them and that is a sure-fire reason to find someone who is.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Single veneer replacement – should I be concerned about color match?

Posted on by smiles4u.

About a month ago, I had veneers put on my front teeth. Because of some exposed dentin, I’ve endured quite a bit of sensitivity (although it’s getting better). When I saw my dentist this week, he said he wants to correct the fit issue and replace the one veneer. Will he be able to match the color or will I have a tooth that looks different? Also, what are the chances that removing the veneer could break the tooth underneath or possible damage one of the other veneers? — Shiela

Sheila,
You should absolutely let you dentist fix this issue for you. If he or she is a skilled cosmetic dentist, they will have no problem matching the color of the new veneer to your existing ones (the lab used most likely has the color formula on record so they can make a perfect match).

As far as damaging your tooth or surrounding veneers, you should also not worry. It’s actually more of a risk to leave the veneer the way it is. The sensitivity you have been experiencing is because dentin has tubules that lead directly to the pulp. When these tubules are left open, bacteria can easily get into the pulp and cause an even bigger set of issues.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Crowns or porcelain veneers for tetracycline stains?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I had porcelain veneers placed about 18 years ago to cover very severe tetracycline stains on my teeth. Even though the veneers looked gray, it was better than living with almost black teeth. Now my veneers need replaced, but when I consulted with my current dentist he and his lab tech decided on crowns instead.  I’m not sure this is the best choice… any advice?  — Ann

Dear Ann,
In this case, crowns would be a bad choice. Tell your dentist this is not an acceptable option and seek out a cosmetic dentist to get a second opinion. Since you’ve lived with your current veneers looking gray for all these years, you know that tetracycline stains are not easy to mask. But it sounds like your dentist (and the lab tech for that matter) simply don’t have the experience or skill needed for porcelain veneers – thus their reasoning for suggesting crowns. A true cosmetic dentist would not grind your teeth completely down.

If you want a beautiful, natural looking white smile, do some extra homework and find a  cosmetic dentist in your area. Even if you have to drive a few hours to find one, it will be worth the additional time and effort because you want to do this right.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Help…my gums look uneven after porcelain veneers

Posted on by smiles4u.

I recently saved up to get porcelain veneers and was so excited when I was finally able to get the appointment scheduled and get the process going. One of the main things I was concerned about was how uneven the bottoms of my teeth were. My dentist assured me that the veneers would look great and I even tried them on before they were cemented and was very pleased with how they looked. Now that they are permanently placed and I’ve had more time to really look at them, I’m noticing that my gums look uneven. I didn’t see it before the veneers, so I’m not sure if they did something wrong? It’s frustrating because I’m still not happy with how my smile looks. Can my dentist fix this or is it something I will just have to learn to live with? — Annika

Annika,
Did your dentist mention that he would have to make any adjustments to your gums as part of your porcelain veneer prep? The technical term he would likely use would be “gingivectomy” or “gingival surgery” but some dentists will refer to it as “recontouring “ or even a “ginge.” A procedure such as this should have been discuss with you up front so that you could give your consent, but if it was done in a more casual, conversational manner maybe there was a miscommunication. However, if you don’t remember addressing the topic at all, it likely wasn’t done. The fact that you are noticing the uneven gums now is probably because your teeth are straighter. You should ask your dentist for sure, however.

Any gumline issues should be talked about during the consultation process, and if any reshaping is needed it’s done during the preparation. There is no way to correct the problem now because removing gum tissue will likely expose the margin. Not only will that look even worse asthetically, it also puts your teeth at risk of decay. Schedule a follow-up appointment so you can talk to your dentist about your concerns. Unfortunately, the only way to fix this issue would be to request a do-over.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

My sister looks like bugs bunny!

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have an identical twin sister and we happen to have identical teeth, too (they’re slightly crooked and small). For as long as I can remember, we’ve both talked about getting porcelain veneers, and she actually went ahead and had them placed by her regular dentist. While I’m glad she decided to do it, I’m trying to figure out the best way to tell her that I think they look totally fake and unnatural. To be honest, she looks like Bugs Bunny and I have to wonder if the dentist didn’t do them correctly. Her veneers look bulky and big, so I’m wondering if they can be shaved a little to make them look smaller? If they can, I might consider telling her what I think. If not, any idea what could have gone wrong? If I decide to get mine done, I want to be sure I don’t end up with the same issue. — Anika in Oklahoma

Anika,
If you and your sister are used to being honest about everything, it might be hard to keep your feelings to yourself. If you do decide to tell her what you think, be gentle and just present it as your opinion. Start the conversation by asking her if she’s happy with the length of her veneers. If she says she is, it would probably be best to leave it at that and let it go. But, if she’s not happy, you can tell her that her dentist may be able to shorten them a little, depending on the type of porcelain veneer he used and how it was prepared.

As you start thinking about your own procedure, tell your dentist up front what your expectations are and about your sister’s results. Taking a photo of her would be helpful so that he/she can understand what you consider to be too long. You may find that hers are a perfectly natural length and it’s just going to take some getting used to. Also, make sure your dentist will let you “test-drive” the porcelain veneers before they are permanently bonded. This will allow you to see exactly how they look and feel, plus give your dentist the opportunity to send them back for any adjustments that may needed.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Why are my veneers yellowing and looking black at the top?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I am so depressed about my teeth right now. I have a class reunion coming up and I don’t even want to go because my teeth look so bad. When I was 16 I had two veneers placed on my front teeth and now, 16 years later they are yellow… and, to make matters even worse, they look black at the top. What is causing them to look this way and can anything be done to fix them?  — Leisha in Nebraska

Leisha,
There’s no reason why porcelain veneers shouldn’t last 16 years if you are taking good care of them. And they definitely shouldn’t be turning yellow, unless for some reason you had them cleaned with a power polishing spray such as the Prophy Jet. This type of cleaning can cause porcelain veneers to lose their glaze and start to yellow. If, however, your veneers are composite, they can discolor quite easily and quickly – especially if you are eating or drinking foods and beverages that can stain or if you smoke.

If you are noticing black at the gumline, that is a whole other issue and could be a sign of leakage from the bond failing. If a dentist isn’t skilled or simply is careless during the bonding procedure, fluid can seep up from the gums and contaminate the bond. Over time, this contamination will cause the veneer to blacken near the gumline. If this is happening, the veneers absolutely need to be replaced because the leakage will lead to decay underneath them. If the decay continues to spread, it can cause even more damage. So, replace the veneers, not only to get the smile you love back, but to ensure the future health of your teeth.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

What can I do to cover tetracycline stains?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have had gray stained teeth as a result of tetracycline for many years. All I really want is to have nice, white teeth. I’ve seen and heard a lot of negative stories about porcelain veneers and Lumineers. I’ve also researched bonding. What procedure would give the best results for my situation? — Adrianna in Tennessee

Adrianna,
Tetracycline stains the teeth from the inside out and are very difficult to remedy – particularly with traditional teeth whitening. The best procedure to mask the stains is probably porcelain veneers. While Lumineers might be a cheaper option, keep in mind that they are very thin and the dark enamel might show through. You’ll have similar problems with cosmetic bonding, plus bonding is also susceptible to staining and it is not as durable as porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers will give you the best result because they will completely mask  and cover the dark enamel. What’s even better is that the procedure is much less invasive compared to other treatments (i.e. porcelain crowns) and if you have them done by an expert cosmetic dentist,  you shouldn’t have any pain or sensitivity. The result will be a beautiful, natural-looking smile you will be proud to show your family and friends.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Unhappy with my porcelain veneers… shouldn’t my dentist be required to fix them?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I am wondering what I should about the porcelain veneers I recently had placed… I am so unhappy with them. I can see two problems with them: 1) my canine teeth look crooked and 2) I noticed a little line above my left front tooth and wonder if it is my natural tooth surface showing through. When I went back to my dentist with my concerns, he refused to do anything about the line because he said it was barely noticeable. I spent so much money and now I am afraid that area might decay. I chose porcelain veneers because I had old bonding that needed to be replaced, but now I am just as insecure with my smile as I was before. Is it really not a big deal and I am just being difficult? What should I do? — Lizzi in Atlanta

Lizzi,
It sounds like you have a couple of things going on here. To address the issue of your dissatisfaction with how your smile looks, it is quite disappointing that your dentist didn’t do a better job of letting you see what your smile was going to look like before permanently bonding it. Good cosmetic dentists want to always make sure you see exactly how your porcelain veneers will look, and will even let another family member or a friend look at them with you. They may even offer a beautiful smile guarantee because their first priority is making sure you absolutely love your new smile.

As a patient, you have a right to ask him to re-do what you don’t like… particularly the crooked canine teeth. As far as the line at your gumline, unless there is a groove or ledge that could “catch” decay, you tooth is not going to be vulnerable, so he does have a point there.

The other issue at hand is the difference between a true cosmetic dentist and a general dentist who “likes” to do cosmetic dentistry. A good cosmetic dentist understands: 1) that he or she is not just treating a patient, they are treating the self image of the patient, and 2) if the patient is unhappy, he or she has failed. Good cosmetic dentists will want you to leave the office absolutely loving your smile, and if you don’t they will make any and all adjustment needed to achieve that end.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.

Can I replace porcelain crowns with veneers?

Posted on by smiles4u.

I have a couple of crowns on my front teeth, but I would really like to replace several of my upper teeth with a set of new porcelain veneers – including the ones with crowns. Can crowns be replaced with veneers?  — Sheila in New Mexico

Sheila,
While both a crown and veneer are made of porcelain, one of the biggest differences is that a crown is made to cover the entire tooth structure and a veneer is bonded only to the front of the tooth. Because of this, the prep work your dentist has to do for each respective treatment is very different and makes it impossible to replace a crown with a porcelain veneer. Here’s why…

A porcelain crown being placed over the prepared tooth

When your dentist prepped your teeth for the crowns you currently have, he or she had to aggressively remove some of the tooth structure and actually taper it on both sides so the crown could essentially fit like a “cap” over the tooth (see photo). You cannot remove the crown and just place a veneer because that would leave the back and the sides uncovered.

There are some dentists who will actually shave down the front of a crown and place a porcelain veneer over it, but this is not recommended. Not only will you spend the same amount of money it would cost to simply do a new crown, but from an aesthetic standpoint, it won’t look as good and it won’t be as strong – which could lead to failure later down the road. Your best advice would be to find a good cosmetic dentist will replace the crowns, and who will utilize a good cosmetic dental laboratory that will match the new crowns to the color of the porcelain veneers.

This post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune. Read more about Find out why many consider Dr. Delaune to be the best dentist in New Orleans.