Porcelain Veneers Problems and How to Avoid Them!

The successful completion of porcelain veneers requires attention to detail. Before they are bonded to the surface of a tooth, all veneers should be placed in position for the patient to approve by viewing with a mirror. Once veneers are bonded onto teeth they can only be changed by replacement with new ones.

Common concerns and disappointment occur due to:

1. Wrong shade
2. Poor Fit
3. Inadequate modification of the underlying tooth
4. Poor technical work in fabrication of the veneer
5. Inadequate technique by dentist
6. Choosing the wrong shade of the bonding cement

To insure proper shade, patients should approve the shade of temporary veneers placed as well as the final veneers when tried in. Different color try in materials which match the final cement put in the veneer should be employed by the dentist. Different shades of cement will affect the final color of a thin restoration like a veneer. Excellent fit is the responsibility of the dentist. Poor fit may predispose to future decay or discoloration at the bonding of the veneer. A small defect, however can be acceptable since the bonding material will fill it in.

In recent years, Lumineers or a veneer which is thin and often placed on unchanged teeth have been promoted. The difficulty with this approach is the likelihood of larger more prominent teeth since no room has been made to accommodate the veneer thickness. Bigger more prominent veneers will also look brighter as light reflects off of them. The dentist and patient must be wary of this "no preparation" approach. In addition, putting veneers on unchanged teeth may lead to bulkiness and gum inflammation. Discuss this with your dentist.

Veneers are made best by skilled ceramic artisans. Many dental labs don't have this type of skill. They may make the veneer with a milling machine and just stain the surface. These machines (one kind is called Cerec) are occasionally found in dental offices. Most ideal results are achieved when the porcelain artist cuts away the surface of the porcelain and rebuilds it in a custom fashion by hand. Life-like characteristics can be imparted in this manner avoiding flat opaque results.

Excellent results can be achieved with veneers when the dentist is knowledgeable, the technician skilled and the patient has the opportunity to approve temporary veneers and the permanent ones before final bonding.

To evaluate problems with existing porcelain veneers or have a complimentary cosmetic dental evaluation, contact Dr Robert G Rosenthal at 973-366-3596 or by email at rgrdmd@optonline.net.

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