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Can I Get Porcelain Veneers Over Front Tooth Fillings?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I have fillings on all my front teeth across my smile, from canine to canine. I’ve had tooth decay since childhood and have had the fillings for as long as I can remember. I’m interested in porcelain veneers but wonder if I qualify for them since I have dental fillings on my front teeth. I would like something to hide the discoloration in my teeth, and I prefer something that lasts longer than dental bonding. Will Lumineers work? I’ve heard they are fast and a little cheaper than high-end veneers. Thanks. Lenore

Lenore,

We understand your concerns about discoloration in your teeth and desiring a solution that lasts longer than dental bonding.

Can a Dentist Cover Tooth Fillings with Porcelain Veneers?

A dentist can cover your tooth fillings with porcelain veneers. The bonding material for porcelain veneers and the composite for tooth fillings are compatible. Your veneers will not loosen or fall off due to the fillings.

However, if you want stable, natural-looking results with porcelain veneers, find a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. Cosmetic dentists understand how to prepare your teeth conservatively for porcelain veneers and bond them for strength. Over-preparing your teeth can expose the dentin beneath your tooth enamel. Veneers do not adhere well to dentin, so that over-preparation can loosen them.

What Is Porcelain Veneer Preparation?

Porcelain veneer preparation removes a tiny amount of tooth enamel from the fronts of your teeth. Minimal preparation can help veneers fit well where the veneers meet your gum line. Preparation helps veneers look natural, not bulky.

Lumineers for Tooth Discoloration

A single porcelain veneer - for info on Lumineers

A skilled cosmetic dentist can anticipate the results you will get with Lumineers vs other porcelain veneer brands.

Most advanced cosmetic dentists prefer other brands over Lumineers for better aesthetics. Lumineers often make teeth look opaque. However, after examining your teeth, a skilled cosmetic dentist will explain your options.

Look for a Highly Trained Cosmetic Dentist

We recommend scheduling consultations with at least two dentists with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. You can get natural-looking results.

New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Find out why so many people consider him to be one of the best dentists in New Orleans.

No Problems with Inflamed Gums Until I Got Porcelain Veneers

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My gums have been inflamed since I got porcelain veneers in February. My hygienist and dentist showed me how to brush and floss with veneers, and I followed their instructions to the letter. I had my dental cleaning appointment in late March, and the dental assistant said I must be brushing too aggressively, so my gums are inflamed. Two weeks ago, I returned to the dentist for an exam, and she removed cement and some roughness behind my teeth. She didn’t seem too concerned, but my gums are still inflamed.

I am concerned that something is wrong. Last night I thought about the veneer placement process. I wonder if the irritation is because my dentist removed the temporary veneers that I wore for five weeks but didn’t have my teeth cleaned afterward. Do I need to see a periodontist if my dentist is so casual about my gum inflammation? – Thanks. Joslyn

Joslyn,

Like most patients who get cosmetic dentistry work, you have been diligent about your oral hygiene. It’s irritating when a healthcare professional accuses the patient of doing something wrong when a healthcare provider is at fault. Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your teeth, gums, and veneers, we can explain the possible causes of your gum inflammation.

What Causes Gum Inflammation After Getting Porcelain Veneers?

Excess cement, irregular margins, porcelain veneer position, or ceramic sensitivities can cause gum inflammation after getting porcelain veneers. We will explain.

Excess cement

Red, inflamed gums after getting porcelain veneers

A case of gum inflammation around two lateral incisors with new porcelain veneers. See an expert cosmetic dentist if you experience gum irritation.

If you experience gum inflammation after getting porcelain veneers, it may be because your dentist left excess cement behind. Dentists who regularly place veneers cure the cement in the middle of a tooth and remove the excess while it is still soft. When excess cement lingers, it hardens and irritates gum tissue.

Irregular margins

Unevenness, where a veneer and tooth meet, can lead to gum irritation. You may need to see a periodontist after a second opinion from an expert cosmetic dentist. We recommend getting a second opinion first.

Porcelain veneer position

Veneers placed too far under your gumline can inflame the gingival attachment—connective fibers that hold gum tissue to your teeth.

Ceramic sensitivity

Ceramic sensitivities are rare, but you may be sensitive or allergic to the material in the porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic dentists with advanced training ensure gum tissue is healthy before and after treatment. We recommend scheduling a second opinion with an expert cosmetic dentist who regularly places porcelain veneers. Allow the dentist to examine your veneers and gums and explain the next steps. Avoid mentioning your current dentist’s name or any diagnosis you got from the office to get an unbiased opinion.

 

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

Another Lumineer Popped Off My Tooth. It’s the Third Time.

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I got Lumineers placed on 8 teeth upper teeth in 2022. Last July, two of them popped off for no reason. I returned them to my dentist, and she bonded them back at no cost. Last night another one popped off. Fortunately, I was at home this time. The previous times I was in public, and really embarrassed. I can’t return to the same dentist now because I moved over 200 miles away, although I am still in Texas. Why are the Lumineers popping off, and what should I do now? Will I need new Lumineers? Thank you. Dinah from Sumter, SC

Dinah,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie about your Lumineers. We understand your concerns and the embarrassment of faulty cosmetic dentistry.

Why Are Your Lumineers Popping Off?

A single porcelain veneer - for info on Lumineers

A skilled cosmetic can inspect your Lumineers for stability.

If your Lumineers periodically pop off, it is likely because your dentist did not correctly bond them to your teeth. With proper bonding and proper care, porcelain veneers should remain in place for the life of the veneers—15 to 20 years or longer.

In addition to veneers falling off, improper bonding can result in veneers staining, discoloring, and sensitivity in the veneered teeth. Some people experience decay in teeth behind the veneers due to faulty boning techniques.

Schedule an Exam with an Experienced Cosmetic Dentist

It is vital to the longevity of your cosmetic dentistry treatment to find an experienced cosmetic dentist who is skilled with current bonding techniques. Make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist to restore the Lumineer that fell off and examine the others. The dentist will recommend a treatment plan to ensure all your veneers are stable and stop the Lumineers from popping off individually. You should only need new Lumineers if the dentist determines that yours are defective.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Dentist Agreed to Composite Veneers and Then Declined

Posted on by AllSmiles.

After three consultations with dentists about teeth whitening and composite veneers, I selected a dentist close to my job. My teeth are uneven, chipped, and discolored. I’ve had teeth whitening by a dentist before, but it made the other problems more noticeable. My dentist did the whitening and said we could wait a week or two before the color stabilizes to see if I want to continue whitening. Then he said we could discuss what I wanted for my porcelain veneers. Before I let this dentist do my teeth whitening, we agreed to composite veneers, not porcelain. I reminded the dentist that we decided that I could get composite veneers. Then he said that he only does porcelain veneers.

I chose composite veneers because of my budget and desire to see how it looks. If I like it, why would I agree to tooth preparation for porcelain veneers? The composite costs less, I can try it out, and if I don’t like the dentist’s work, I can pursue other options. Isn’t this my choice? What can I do about a dentist who will only do porcelain veneers for me? Thanks, Paul from Columbus, OH

Paul,

Thank you for contacting Delaune Dental in Metairie. We encourage you to get a second opinion from an experienced cosmetic dentist.

Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers

The differences between composite veneers and porcelain veneers include their composition, process, longevity, aesthetics, and required skills.

  • Composition – Dental composite, a mixture of plastic resin and glass, makes composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are dental ceramics.
  • Process – For composite veneers, a dentist will layer composite bonding directly on your teeth while you sit in a dental chair. A dental lab crafts porcelain veneers, which are custom made to fit the fronts of your teeth.
  • Longevity – High-quality composite veneers can last five years or longer but are not stain resistant. Porcelain veneers last eight to over 15 years and are stain resistant.
  • Aesthetics – An artistic cosmetic dentist can select shades of dental composite and layer them on your teeth for natural results. Dental ceramics for porcelain veneers mimic natural teeth more closely than other options.
  • Skills – Both porcelain veneers and composite veneers require artistic talent. Not all cosmetic dentists offer composite veneers because they need much care and details to look natural.

Your dentist may lack enough training in dental composite to achieve beautiful results. That may be why he insists on porcelain veneers.

If you want composite veneers, schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look at the dentist’s website to confirm that they work with composite. You can also look at the dentist’s smile gallery of composite veneers or composite bonding. The dentist will examine your teeth to ensure they are healthy after teeth whitening and explain which options will conceal the imperfections in your teeth.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Before and after composite veneers photos

Dr. Delaune transformed this patient’s smile with composite bonding.

Why Do My Inner Lips Catch on My Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

In November last year, I got 8 porcelain veneers on my front teeth, but my teeth catch on them. I trusted my dentist of 15 years for veneers. I have seen the work she has done for patients and have always felt that it looked great. A smile makeover was important for me as I turned 40 years old. I saved money for it so that I wouldn’t need financing. My dentist was confident that she could produce the smile I wanted. I got veneers to boost my career and help clients focus on my presentation instead of my bad smile. Despite the mockups and trials with the veneers, I have a new smile that I actually hate. Two veneers aren’t smooth, and my inner lip catches on them. It’s a mess that my dentist can’t seem to correct, even though I’ve been back to her six times. I’m not angry at my dentist but hurt and disappointed. I really want the veneers off. I don’t want veneers anymore. What should I say to my dentist?

Why Do Your Lips Catch on Your Porcelain Veneers?

If your lips catch on your porcelain veneers, a skilled cosmetic dentist may need to adjust your bite. Or, you may need new veneers. Only after an examination could a dentist accurately identify the source of your concerns.

We suggest that you schedule an appointment with an accredited cosmetic dentist. They will examine your veneers and determine how to correct your smile. Minor adjustments may be needed to prevent your lips from catching on your porcelain veneers, but other issues might lead to replacing the problematic veneers.

What Happens If You Don’t Want Porcelain Veneers Anymore?

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Porcelain veneer

If you do not want porcelain veneers anymore, in most cases, a dentist can only replace them with new veneers. Most often, a dentist prepares your teeth by removing a tiny amount of tooth enamel from the fronts of your teeth. If a dentist prepared your teeth, it is no longer possible to return to your natural teeth without some cosmetic dentistry to protect them.

Although you have an established relationship with your dentist, she may need more training to provide beautiful porcelain veneers that function correctly.

Request a Porcelain Veneers Consultation

We recommend consulting with an advanced cosmetic dentist to resolve your concerns.

A few tips:

  • Ask friends or family members for an advanced cosmetic dentist.
  • Check the dentist’s credentials on their website.
  • Read patient reviews.
  • Check the dentist’s website smile gallery of porcelain veneers.
  • Only allow a dentist to redo your porcelain veneers if you are confident in their ability.

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Porcelain Veneers for Overlapped Teeth Instead of Invisalign?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Will you please tell me if porcelain veneers can straighten my teeth? I understand that Invisalign is an option, but at age 52, I prefer something faster than a year of orthodontic treatment. My upper teeth overlap. The overlap affects six teeth, but I realize that a dentist may see that other teeth are involved. Is there any chance that veneers might work? Thank you. Antonia from Northbrook, IL

Antonia,

Thank you for contacting us. Sometimes, porcelain veneers can straighten teeth without braces.

Can You Get Porcelain Veneers Instead of Invisalign?

One porcelain veneer held by dental forceps

Porcelain veneer

Porcelain veneers can sometimes straighten teeth instead of Invisalign, but they have limitations. If you have mild overlap, porcelain veneers may be an option. Veneers can improve tooth shape and shade, too. After an examination and x-rays, a cosmetic dentist will determine whether veneers can help. These steps may improve your overlapped teeth:

Will You Need Orthodontics Before Veneers?

A cosmetic dentist may recommend orthodontics before veneers in these cases:

  • Cross-bite
  • Your palate requires expansion
  • The degree of tooth rotation
  • Missing teeth
  • Extra teeth

Mispositioned opposing teeth can break or displace porcelain veneers.

Are You a Porcelain Veneers Candidate?

You may be a porcelain veneer candidate if your teeth and gums are healthy. Otherwise, a dentist must resolve tooth decay or gum disease before recommending cosmetic dentistry. Also, the dentist will explain alternative treatment methods for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile.

Request a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

During a cosmetic dentistry consultation, you can meet with the doctor to discuss your concerns about your teeth. The dentist may take pictures, scans, and x-rays of your teeth to assess their condition and whether porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or another treatment will give you the best results.

 

Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.

Will Bonding Work for My Peg Lateral Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I have peg teeth on my left and right incisors. Also, the left tooth sticks out a little farther than my other teeth. I am self-conscious about my small teeth and do not smile for pictures. Is bonding enough to correct them, or will I need additional treatment? Thank you. Brielle from Spokane, WA

Brielle,

Thank you for choosing Dr. Delaune’s office for your question. Dr. Delaune would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to determine your treatment options, but we will discuss treatment in general.

What Are Peg Lateral Teeth?

Peg lateral teeth are lateral incisors located next to the central incisors (center front teeth). According to the American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, peg laterals affect about two percent of the U.S. population. More women than men have small, misshaped lateral incisors. What cosmetic dentistry treatment can correct peg laterals?

What Are the Treatment Options for Peg Laterals?

Treatment options for peg lateral teeth may include cosmetic bonding, contouring, orthodontic treatment, porcelain crowns, or porcelain veneers. A dentist will examine your teeth and gums and x-ray them to evaluate their health and position. Your case may require one or more of these treatments:

  • Cosmetic bonding – A cosmetic dentist can blend composite to match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. Bonding is not as stain resistant and durable as porcelain veneers. The dentist will clean and lightly etch the tooth before applying a bonding agent to it. Afterward, the dentist will shape the composite to lengthen your small teeth. After hardening and further shaping your tooth, the dentist will polish it. Your lengthened teeth will seamlessly blend with your natural teeth. If you take diligent care of your teeth, the bonding can last ten years or more.
  • Gum contouring – Gum contouring is an option if it will not expose tooth roots and create sensitivity in your teeth. At times, dentists use gum contouring with porcelain veneers. A dental laser can shorten your gumline around your lateral incisors so they appear longer.
  • Orthodontic treatment – If your lateral incisors have not fully erupted or if they are not in the correct position, a cosmetic dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment.
  • Porcelain crowns – Dental crowns can cover peg lateral incisors. Your dentist may recommend crowns if your teeth are weak or otherwise unhealthy. Crowns require aggressive tooth preparation, so cosmetic dentists use them as a last option for restoring teeth. A dental ceramist can manipulate ceramic crowns to match your natural teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers – After preparing the fronts of your lateral incisors, a dentist can apply custom-made porcelain shells to them. Veneers are stain resistant and can last 15 years or longer if you take care of them and get regular maintenance from a cosmetic dentist.

Whether a dentist restores your peg laterals with porcelain veneers or another cosmetic dentistry treatment, the aesthetics and durability depend on the skill of your cosmetic dentist. We recommend scheduling consultations with two advanced cosmetic dentists to discuss and compare your options.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Before-and-after small teeth photos from Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, LA

Porcelain veneers photos from Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana

What Tools Can I Use to Remove Porcelain Veneers?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I hate my porcelain veneers and am tired of talking to my dentist about them. I asked her to remove them, and she told me that I couldn’t go back to my natural teeth, so there was no need to remove them. She also insists that the veneers I have are what I ordered, but that is not true. I tried on veneers that I liked. The things she bonded onto my teeth look like fake model sets of teeth I used to see in the dentist’s office when I was a kid. They look that bad. I want to know how I can get the veneers off myself and what tools I can use. I can’t imagine my natural teeth looking bad because these were no-prep veneers. Please tell me how I can get the veneers off without hurting my teeth? I don’t want to pay another dentist to do anything to my teeth. Thank you. Walt

Walt – Thanks for your question.

What Tools Can You Use to Remove Porcelain Veneers?

porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Only a skilled cosmetic dentist can remove veneers safely

There are no tools that you can use to remove your porcelain veneers. Unless a dentist has the proper training, they would not be able to remove your veneers either.

A skilled cosmetic dentist has an inventory of dental tools to carefully etch the veneers off your natural teeth without damaging them. After the dentist removes your veneers, they will clean your teeth. The dentist can polish your natural teeth and rejuvenate them if you have no-prep veneers.

What If You Do Not Have No-Prep Veneers?

If your new dentist discovers that your teeth were prepared for porcelain veneers, you will need new veneers to replace them. You cannot leave your natural teeth exposed. They will be vulnerable to decay and fractures, so your new cosmetic dentist must cover and protect your teeth.

Find an experienced cosmetic dentist to examine your veneers and teeth. They will explain your treatment options.

Dr. Duane Delaune, a Metairie, Louisiana, cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.

Will No-Prep Veneers Work for My Teeth?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I have seen and compared no-prep veneers before and after pictures on several dental websites. Sometimes they look good and other times they do not. I am concerned about how they will look on my teeth. I do not know whether it is a coincidence, but it seems that the pictures that look good are mostly of people who wanted to make their small teeth larger. Only a few dentists’ patient photos look good in every case. My tooth size is fine, but I would like veneers to correct the shape of three teeth and another tooth that slightly overlaps the tooth immediately to the left. Will no-prep veneers work for my case? Can anyone get no-prep veneers? – Thanks. D’Andre from TN

 

D’Andre,

Thank you for your question.

Although Dr. Delaune would need to examine your teeth to determine whether you are a candidate for no-prep veneers, we will answer your question in general.

Will No-Prep Veneers Work for Your Teeth?

Although many patients ask for no-prep veneers, it does not mean that they will look good on your teeth or improve your smile. Skilled cosmetic dentists are careful with patient cases when asked to place no-prep veneers. Most often, without preparation, teeth can look large and bulky. Advanced cosmetic dentists are upfront about how no-prep veneers will look on you.

What Are Minimal-Prep Veneers?

Minimal-prep veneers require a cosmetic dentist to reduce only 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm of tooth enamel. Removing a tiny amount of enamel allows your veneers to fit nicely over your tooth and around your gum line. Minimal preparation can help veneers look natural on large, misshapen, uneven, or misaligned teeth.

If one of your teeth slightly overlaps, a cosmetic dentist must trim the tooth to get a beautiful result. Without preparation, the tooth will stick out even further.

Ultra-Thin Veneers

A skilled cosmetic dentist completes beautiful smiles by blending ultra-thin veneers with conservative tooth preparation. They choose veneer brands based on stunning results—not because they are popular no-prep brands, such as Lumineers, advertised on TV. Remember, even an ultra-thin veneer often requires tooth preparation depending on the condition and position of your natural teeth and the look you want to achieve.

Schedule Porcelain Veneers Consultations

We recommend scheduling consultations with two cosmetic dentists to compare their treatment recommendations for improving your smile with conservative tooth preparation and veneers. Each dentist should explain whether they would prepare your teeth and why.

What you can do:

  • Look for dentists with advanced cosmetic dentistry training.
  • Prepare your questions for the consultations and take notes.
  • Ask to see each dentist’s smile gallery of their porcelain veneers patients.

Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post.

Before and after minimal prep porcelain veneers photos

An example of the results Dr. Delaune achieves with minimal-prep porcelain veneers

How Much Is Needed for a Smile Makeover?

Posted on by writeradmin.

I’m a little confused about smile makeovers. I was told that THE procedure for this was porcelain veneers, but when I went to see my dentist for this, he is suggesting I have teeth whitening, Invisalign, and porcelain veneers. Is all this REALLY necessary? I was under the impression that porcelain veneers can make teeth look straight. The only thing I have like that is one front tooth goes just slightly over the other. I would think you could shave that down, though I am not a cosmetic dentist. Am I misunderstanding something here?

Susan

Dear Susan,

porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

There are a few things going on here. First, you are correct that porcelain veneers are the way to go if you are getting a smile makeover. You mentioned that you are not a cosmetic dentist so maybe you did not understand how they worked. The trouble is your dentist may not be a cosmetic dentist either. Believe it or not, cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty. Any general dentist can do cosmetic dentistry regardless of the amount of training they’ve received. That leads me to answer your questions. Some of what he said could be necessary and one is not.

Let’s start with the teeth whitening. Unless you are placing porcelain veneers on every single visible tooth, then teeth whitening will be a good idea. You did not mention how many porcelain veneers you are getting. Most smiles are 8-10 teeth wide. Unless you are getting that many veneers, the whitening will help the adjacent teeth to blend in nicely and is less expensive than additional veneers. Just make certain that you do the teeth whitening before the veneers.

The Invisalign is a completely different story. Some cases are so complicated that it might be necessary, but from your description, it is NOT necessary in your case. An experienced cosmetic dentist could definitely make those teeth look straight. I don’t think your dentist is an expert cosmetic dentist. That is why he is suggesting Invisalign. It will help compensate for what he is not capable of doing on his own.

My suggestion is you find an expert cosmetic dentist to do your case. You will be much happier with the results. To find one with real expertise and proven artistry, I would look on the mynewsmile.com website. These are some of the best cosmetic dentists in the country.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.