I have six porcelain veneers on my upper teeth and have had them for about twenty plus yaears. I’ve never had a problem with them until I went in for a cleaning about a month ago. Now, I’ve got a stain forming at the margin. I’ve heard that hygienists can damage porcelain veneers if they use the wrong polishing equipment. Could that be what happened?
Justine M. – OK
Justine,
Porcelain venneers are extremely stain resistnant as you know, having had them from so many years. While it is true that a dental hygienist can damage your porcelain veneers is they use certain power equipment, such as prophy jet, it is unlikely that has happened in your case. You’ve had them cleaned these last twenty years and they’ve never made such a novice mistake. Plus, if they had, it would have affected the entire glaze, not just one corner.
I havne’t seen your veneers, but if I were to venture a guess, I would say based on the age of your veneers and the fact that they stain has started at the margin, the stain likely comes from leakage. By that I mean the margin of the porcelain veneer has broken down and microscopic particles are getting between the veneer and the tooth. It is called microleakage. It starts as a stain, but can grow into decay if not dealt with.
In these cases, your veneer will have to be removed and replaced.
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