I have this set of porcelain veneers and I’ve had nothing but trouble with them. First, they kept coming off. Then, once they started staying on permanently, I noticed one of them has a horizontal divot which I hadn’t noticed before. I called my dentist and graciously agreed to buff it out, but now that tooth looks more matte than the surrounding teeth. What’s going on? I thought porcelain veneers were the top of the line for smile makeovers.
Pamela
Dear Pamela,
You say that your porcelain veneers are the problem. On the contrary, I’m pretty sure it’s your dentist who is the issue here. First, you said they wouldn’t stay bonded. This shows a lack of basic technique. Then, you came to him with a divot in your veneer. While he may have buffed out the divot, he simultaneously took off the glazing on the veneer as well. This has ruined your porcelain veneer and it will begin to pick up stains rather soon.
You have three choices here.
- Have the veneer polished.
- Have your dentist replace your veneer.
- Have another dentist do the work.
First, you can have your dentist polish the damaged veneer. It’s not complicated, but it does require knowledge and equipment your dentist likely doesn’t have. You start by using diamond polishing instruments and polishing paste, then end with an ultra-fine diamond polishing paste. I recommend Brasseler’s Dialite Porcelain Polishing System.
If you aren’t confident your dentist can pull this off or he’s not interested in investing in the right equipment, then you can require him to replace the porcelain veneer. This would require he has improved his bonding technique.
Finally, if you don’t have confidence in him to be able to do either of the above correctly, then you simply ask him to pay for the repair from a more qualified dentist, whom YOU pick.
Who Should Do Your Porcelain Veneers?
You were correct in thinking that porcelain veneers are the top of the line smile makeover procedure. However, to get that gorgeous celebrity smile, it also requires having a top of the line cosmetic dentist. I always recommend you look for an AACD accredited dentist in your area.
These are the dentists who, not only invested in advanced cosmetic training, but also have an artistic eye with the ability to craft stunning smiles.
This blog is brought to you by Philadelphia Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Michael Weiss.