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Should I Be Worried About My Porcelain Veneer Repair

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Should I Be Worried About My Porcelain Veneer Repair

Posted by writeradmin

I had two porcelain veneers placed on my front teeth. I thought they were great though, admittedly, I only got to look at them for a short time. When I got home I noticed that one of them had a horizontal scratch across the front. I called the office and they scheduled for me to come back in a couple of days later. When I did go in, the dentist said it was an easy repair that he could do right then. He said it only needed to be smoothed out. Again, I thought it looked great. but, when I got home, I noticed the area that he smoothed out looked different than the rest of the tooth. While the rest of the veneers are shiny, this one looks dull. I know it may sound minor, but these cost a fortune. Will the shine come back? If not, should I mention it to the dentist or am I being too picky?

Caroline

Dear Caroline,

porclain veneer being placed on a tooth

I’m glad you wrote. You are not being too picky. The dullness surrounding the repair tells me that your dentist removed the glaze when he did your “repair.” This is a big deal because it is that glaze that protects the porcelain veneers from picking up stains. That dull spot is now more susceptible to staining. It must either be repaired or replaced.

There are generally two options in this type of situation. The first is to build back up the polish in that area with a diamond polishing paste. Those who are skilled in cosmetic dentistry keep this on hand. I do not think your dentist does or he would have used it for the repair instead of just buffing out the glaze. In that case, you will be better off asking him to replace the entire veneer.

This blog is brought to you by Mt. Dora Dentist Dr. Michelle Stillman.