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Staining Around Edges of Porcelain Veneers

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I’ve only had my porcelain veneers for a little over a year. I was told they’d be very stain resistant. Yet, mine have picked up staining around the edges of my porcelain veneers. I’m worried it’s because I’m a smoker. I wish they’d have warned me about this. Will teeth whitening help them?

Lucy

Dear Lucy,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

You are correct that porcelain veneers are very stain resistant. In fact, they typically are even more stain resistant than your natural teeth. Staining can happen on porcelain veneers for several reasons, however.

Why Porcelain Veneers Might Pick Up Stains

The major reason porcelain veneers will start to stain is if the glaze has been removed from the porcelain veneers. It’s the glaze which protects them. This can happen if a dental hygienist mistakingly uses something like a power prophy jet during your checkup and cleaning. With the glaze gone, the veneers will look fine at the appointment but quickly begin to pick up stains.

I don’t think this your issue though. When that happens, the stains are usually all over the porcelain veneers. Yours are limited to the edges.

A second reason for discoloration would be if you don’t have a good bond between the veneers and the teeth. This will allow food and other types of bacteria carrying things to get lodged underneath your veneers. Like the issue above, this would show up over the surface area of the tooth, not just the edges.

A third reason for stains would be if your veneers had bulky margins. This happens when the dentist doesn’t get the veneers flush with the tooth and gums, creating a small “shelf” above your veneers. This will allow particles to get trapped, leading to discoloration and decay. This particular issue shows up at the gumline.

What you’re describing on the edges makes me think you’ve got some bonding material there. Teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structure, so don’t expect that to take away these stains. Instead, this can be fixed if the hygienist uses ultra-fine polishing strips in this area and a special ultra-fine aluminum oxide polishing paste, to keep this area as smooth as possible and resistant to stain and plaque accumulation.

I would consider this a part of the normal maintenance of your porcelain veneers. Make sure you go back to the dentist who did your smile makeover to have this done. It is not something I would expect your general dentist to know or even have the materials to perform the task.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Are You Too Young for Porcelain Veneers?

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HIlton Head Porcelain Veneers

A single porcelain veneer

In August I’ll start my senior year of high school, and I want porcelain veneers. I’m 17 years old and I live with my dad. He says it is okay for me to get them, but my mom doesn’t want me to have them because she thinks I’m too young. She lives in Seattle and I rarely see her, so I’m not sure why she cares so much. I guess I’m looking for some reasons that I can give my mom to convince her that it’s okay for me to have veneers. If I get braces instead, all of my senior events and pictures will show a smile that I’m not proud of. Am I too young for porcelain veneers? – Janae

Janae – Although teenagers can receive porcelain veneers, if you’re receiving them for a complete smile makeover, there are several things to consider.

Determining If You’re Too Young for Porcelain Veneers

  • Is your jawbone growth complete? – If you’re still growing, your teeth and jawbone movement are not complete. The growth will eventually affect the way your porcelain veneers look and feel. A noticeable space between your gumline and the veneers can develop. In addition to the space detracting from your smile, bacteria can leak in and promote decay. After your jawbone growth is complete, you might not like the way the veneers look. They will need to be replaced.
  • How many porcelain veneers do you need? – The cost for porcelain veneers is per tooth. If you have one or two teeth that need improvement and you receive a veneer for each of them, the cost of replacing them in a few years after your jawbone has fully developed can be kept to a minimum. But if you need eight to ten porcelain veneers, replacing all of them will be costly.
  • Is there a way to know if your bone growth is complete? An examination, x-rays, and a review of your family history can help determine if your jawbone growth is near completion. A cosmetic dentist can’t guarantee that your growth is complete, but at least you will have an idea of what to expect if you receive porcelain veneers now.

Porcelain veneers are an investment in your smile. If you and your parents decide you can receive them, only allow them to be placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist. You’ll get predictable results that will last.

This post is sponsored by Bonnie Rothwell, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Hilton Head, SC.

Porcelain Veneers or Crowns for Tetracycline Stains?

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I haven’t smiled in a long time. It’s not that I’m depressed or just plain unhappy. I’m embarrassed. I have tetracycline stains. I’ve been to see two dentists about this. One suggested crowns. The other veneers. I’m not sure which is better. I’m guessing crowns would cover the stains better, but I don’t really like the idea of grinding down my teeth. Do you have a recommendation?

Patty

Dear Patty,

Woman Covering her mouth
Tetracycline Stains Require an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

I’m not going to recommend the porcelain crowns for the same reason you are not excited about them. It would require getting rid of healthy tooth structure. It’s not required, either, to cover the stains. Though, some dentists will use it as a crutch.

Covering tetracycline stains are among the most challenging procedures a cosmetic dentist can do. The stains are dark and deep. This isn’t your fault. I hope you know that. Though, I do realize that likely doesn’t ease the embarrassment for you.

I’d recommend porcelain veneers. However, it will require the best of the best of cosmetic dentists. We’re talking someone in the top 1-2% of his or her field. The veneers have to be made opaque enough to cover the stains, but still have a natural translucency to give it that varied shine.

There are opalescent porcelains which can help with this, but not many ceramists have them. Again, a skilled cosmetic dentist knows about these and who will know how to use them properly.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

I’d start by choosing the dentist, not the procedure. The top cosmetic dentists are AACD accredited. This is a certification awarded by The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. These dentists are highly skilled and artistic.

However, be sure to ask them how many tetracycline cases they’ve done and ask for before and after pictures. I’m a big believer in trust but verify.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Lumineers for a Gapped and Chipped Tooth?

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I just want to double check a treatment before I invest in. My dentist had recently developed an interest in cosmetic dentistry and just became certified to place Lumineers. He happened to ask if I’d like to fix the gap between my teeth as well as the chip on a tooth. In fact, I would like that repaired. He suggested I get four Lumineers. I wondered why four when it’s really just two teeth that need the treatment. He said so they’d match better. It’s going to be a tad pricey so I just wanted to double check. Is this the way for me to go?

Penny

Dear Penny,

A beautiful smile with a tooth gap

There are cosmetic solutions for a tooth gap

It’s great that your dentist is trying to improve his skills and broaden the services available to his patients. All cosmetic dentists have to start somewhere. All that being said, this isn’t the best treatment option for you. Here’s why.

Porcelain Veneers are for Complete Smile Makeovers

First, I should explain that Lumineers are simply a brand of porcelain veneers. If you wanted a complete smile makeover, then getting porcelain veneers would be a good option. As it is, you simply want to fix a gap and a chip. In that case, veneers are quite an overtreatment. I don’t necessarily think your dentist is trying to cheat you. He likely offered the only cosmetic treatment he knows.

The usual treatment for the things you want to fix is dental bonding. It uses a composite resin that a cosmetic dentist will hand sculpt onto the teeth to close the gap and to repair the chip. It takes a skilled cosmetic dentist because it has to be done freehand. I’m sure your dentist didn’t offer that because he doesn’t know how to do it yet.

Don’t Get Lumineers

If you were to decide to get a full smile makeover, I’m going to suggest you don’t get Lumineers. Let’s start with the “certification”. This is simply a seminar the dentist sits through. There’s not any significant training. It’s most often marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists as being easy to place.

However, the worst part about them is their lab. This brand is owned by the DenMat company and they require dentists to use their lab. Sadly, this lab is known for not being very good. Combine inexperienced dentist with bad lab and you’re likely to end up with a disappointing smile.

There is a very basic mistake your dentist is already suggesting. He’s saying you need four for them to match. First, an expert cosmetic can match a single porcelain veneer to the rest of your teeth. Second, most smiles are much wider than four teeth. If you’re wanting a smile makeover, you’d want a minimum of six to eight veneers (depending on the width of your smile).

However, if you’re happy with your smile, a single veneer is possible with a perfect match.

Who Should Do Your Porcelain Veneers

While every dentist has to start somewhere when it comes to cosmetic work, it is to your benefit to let him practice on someone else. You want someone with expertise and an artistic eye. Finding that dentist used to take a lot of research on the part of the patient. Fortunately, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry started an accreditation program.

This program is designed to help patients know who are the best cosmetic dentists and who are still developing their craft. If you go the aacd.com, you can do a search for a cosmetic dentist in your area. Just make sure you check that you want one who’s been accredited.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Problems from Porcelain Veneers

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I received four porcelain veneers a little over six months ago. For the most part, they’ve been okay. My gums have been tender but I figured that was normal after a procedure. The other issue I had was the teeth next to them are obviously darker because of their age and stains. I was considering asking my dentist to whiten my teeth at my last appointment. However, the hygienist told me I’m developing gum disease. I had noticed my gums occasionally bleeding when I brushed but I thought that was from the tenderness. I don’t know where the gum disease could be coming from. I’ve always been super diligent with my oral healthcare and had healthy gums. Could this be the result of the porcelain veneers?

Penny

Dear Penny,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

There are a couple of things going on here which make me wonder about your dentist. First, you said they only did four porcelain veneers and because of that you need to do teeth whitening. Most cosmetic dentists will do between six to ten veneers depending on the width of the patient’s smile for this very reason.

It’s unlikely you’ll be able to get an exact match for the color of your veneers but it will make them match a little better. If you want an exact match, you’ll need to have more veneers placed.

The second thing which worries me is your gums. Porcelain veneers do not cause bleeding gums, but if your dentist didn’t place them correctly then that can. I want you to get a second opinion. Ask the dentist if it looks like you have bulky margins. Don’t tell him who did your veneers, just let him know about the tenderness and bleeding gums.

I’m thinking your dentist didn’t get the veneers flush against your teeth and gums the way he should have. That would create a tiny shelf at the top of your veneers allowing food and bacteria to get trapped there. This would lead to both tenderness, bleeding gums, and if not dealt with quickly, gum disease.

If this is what you’re dealing with, you’ll need to have the case redone. I wouldn’t have your dentist do it again. He’s lacking some skill and he doesn’t even realize it. Otherwise, they would have recognized the true problem at your checkup.

Instead, ask for a refund and go to an expert cosmetic dentist to redo the case, this time with the proper number of veneers so you won’t have to bleach your teeth.

Who Should Place Your Porcelain Veneers?

To get a gorgeous smile makeover, you want a dentist with extensive experience and both technical skill and artistry. Finding that type of dentist is easier now than it used to be. Realizing patients wouldn’t be able to tell the experts from those just developing their skill, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) began an accreditation program.

To get accredited, dentists have to pass stringent oral and written exams demonstrating their technical knowledge. Additionally, they have to provide a large number of specific cases they’ve performed to show they’re artistic as well and can truly provide a gorgeous smile.

You’ll want to have an AACD accredited dentist to do your new veneers.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Is Mouthwash Safe for Porcelain Veneers?

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I recently invested in porcelain veneers. I do like them and have gotten many compliments on my smile. I think I even look younger! I want to take super good care of these. Generally, I use a mouthwash, but I don’t want to do anything which could damage them. Is it safe for me to use mouthwash?

Karyn

Dear Karyn,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

How great that you love your new smile. Well made porcelain veneers bring a confidence with them that lasts many years. It’s also wonderful that you’re taking the initiative to find out the best way to care for your new smile. Too bad your cosmetic dentist didn’t think to give you this information.

First, I’ll address the mouthwash situation because that was your distinct question. Then, we’ll go into other aspects of caring for your porcelain veneers.

Back of a mouthwash label showing alcohol content

For the most part, mouthwash won’t damage your porcelain veneers, with one exception. If a mouthwash contains alcohol, don’t use it. The acidic nature of the alcohol will eat away at the bonding material causing them to fall off.

You can see from the image directly above that Listerine contains some alcohol, so that is definitely a brand I would not recommend. If you feel mouthwash is an important part of your oral hygiene routine, then just make sure you purchase a brand which is alcohol-free. There are plenty of them on the market.

Caring for Your Porcelain Veneers

1) Brush gently after every meal. It’s a misconception that you need to brush hard. In fact, it’s even best to use a soft bristled brush.

2) Floss at least twice a day.

3) Never use a whitening toothpaste. These contain abrasive agents which will scratch the glazing on your veneers making them more susceptible to staining. Remember, teeth whitening only works on natural tooth structure. If you want to keep your veneers as clean and white as the day you got them, we often recommend Supersmile Toothpaste. It’s specifically formulated for cosmetic dental work.

4) Make sure you see your dentist for regular check-ups and that his or her hygienist is knowledgeable with care for veneers. For instance, if they use anything like a prophy jet during your cleaning it will completely remove the glaze.

Best of luck to you, and keep smiling!
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell. Check out how she guarantees patients a beautiful smile.

Can Off-Centered Porcelain Veneers Be Fixed?

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I’m feeling really sad about my porcelain veneers. I spent a lot of money and had been saving for years. When the dentist put them on, they looked a little off to me. I couldn’t put my finger on it. I told my dentist something looked weird to me, but because I couldn’t give him specifics he figured it was because I’m not used to the smile. I figured he could be right and went home. Several days went by and it’s still bothering me. I asked my sister about it and she says the front teeth aren’t centered. Once she pointed it out, it was obvious. I called my dentist and he said they’re perfect. When I insisted they weren’t he told me once they’re bonded on nothing can be changed. Is that true? Did I spend a fortune on a permanently crooked smile?

Sara,

Dear Sara,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

I’m very sorry you’ve received a disappointing smile. It sounds like you went to your family dentist instead of someone who’s invested time and money into becoming an expert at cosmetic work. Unfortunately, because there isn’t a recognized cosmetic dentistry specialty it’s very hard for patients to know who is great in the field and who just gets by. We’ll talk about how to find an expert cosmetic dentist a little later. First, let’s address your specific issue.

Once porcelain veneers are bonded on it’s permanent, but that doesn’t mean your dentist couldn’t take responsibility and re-do the veneers at his cost. It doesn’t sound like he intends to do that, though. It would be hard to force him into it. Unfortunately, the standard with the dental board is function, not form.

So you know, even celebrities have had this problem.

If you look closely at a photo of Tom Cruise’s smile, you’ll notice his front teeth are off-centered as well. I don’t know if that’s because his cosmetic dentist failed, Mr. Cruise wanted it that way, or his teeth shifted after his case was done. Any of those is possible.

Though Mr. Cruise has done quite well with his crooked smile, it doesn’t mean you have to keep yours. There is a chance another cosmetic dentist could put some pressure on your dentist to make this right. My suggestion is you see an expert cosmetic dentist (I’ll tell you how to find one momentarily) and have him look at your porcelain veneers. If he sees what you’re seeing, he could talk to your dentist. Sometimes a dentist is more likely to listen to a peer because they don’t want to look bad. You can choose whether or not to give him another chance to re-do the porcelain veneers or to just get a refund and see another dentist.

Finding an Expert Cosmetic Dentist

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) started an accreditation program. It has both oral and written exams, as well as makes them demonstrate a large number of cases they’ve done to ensure they not only have technical skill but artistry.

It takes dentists years to reach accreditation level. Only 1% of dentists actually accomplish this. But, those dentists can give you a gorgeous smile. My first recommendation would be for you to get a second opinion from an AACD accredited dentist. It would be worth it for you to drive to another nearby city to get the beautiful smile you deserve. In fact, most of them even have a beautiful smile guarantee.

If there isn’t an AACD accredited dentist near enough for you to get to, check the mynewsmile.com website. They also recommend highly skilled cosmetic dentists. Not all are AACD accredited yet, but they’re highly skilled and on their way to accreditation.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Are Press-on Veneers a Good Option to Porcelain Veneers?

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I wanted to get a smile makeover for my teeth. They’re stained and have a chip. I’m told porcelain veneers is the way to go, but they’re too expensive. I’ve seen press-on veneers. They’re only about $1000.00. Will that be a good option? They seem to look nice on the site. I just don’t want to spend that much money if it’s a waste.

Mindy F.

Dear Mindy,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

It depends on what you mean by good option. If you want to know if they’ll look as natural and beautiful, the answer is no. They’d be useful for something like a photo shoot. But, in everyday life where you have conversations and people see you close up.

They just press over your natural teeth, the same way snap on smile does. They’re going to look bulky and won’t look nearly as natural as porcelain veneers your dentist makes.

The ones from your dentist are custom crafted into tiny wafers of porcelain, which naturally mimic teeth. You’ll find the others made from a composite resin, which is good for small repairs, but not to completely mimic an arch of teeth. Additionally, because they go over your teeth, they’ll look bulky.

Alternatives to Porcelain Veneers

If cost is the reason you’re wanting an alternative, I’ve got some good news for you. The types of repairs you need won’t require porcelain veneers to have a beautiful makeover. Yes, porcelain veneers are the top of the line in makeovers. But, that changes everything about your smile: shape, color, size, and character.

You mentioned staining and a chip. Those can be easily updated with teeth whitening and dental bonding. In fact, many patients find teeth whitening alone takes years off their appearance. The dental bonding is to repair the chip. A cosmetic dentist can sculpt material onto the chipped tooth to make up the missing portion. It will blend in perfectly.

Just be certain you have your teeth whitened before you do the bonding. You’ll want your dentist to match the bonding to your new whiter color.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

Dentist Refuses Porcelain Veneers Because of My Tongue Ring

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I wanted to get porcelain veneers before my wedding day. I went to see a dentist. He said I was a good candidate but he wouldn’t make them for me unless I got rid of my tongue ring. Can he really do that? It’s part of who I am. Will every dentist be the same? I wanted a pretty smile for my wedding.

Laryn M.

Dear Laryn,

A woman having porcelain veneers placed

First, let me say congratulations on your upcoming wedding. That’s a very special time in a person’s life. I wish you all the happiness in the world. While I’m certain you’ll be able to find a dentist willing to place porcelain veneers on your teeth before your wedding. Before you decide though, I want you to consider a few things.

1. Are there chips and dings on your teeth and that’s why you’re wanting porcelain veneers? Part of the reason the dentist didn’t want to place them while you are still wearing a tongue ring is because they tend to damage both teeth and porcelain veneers. The damage it does to your teeth it will do to your veneers. Which leads to my second question.

2. Are you willing to spend a small fortune on something you’re likely going to damage shortly after it’s placed? If you are, that’s fine. It is your mouth and your smile. I understand the tongue ring is part of your identity and is important to you. Most cosmetic dentists won’t judge you for wearing one, but will warn you it will damage the very thing you’re trying to improve.

If you decide to move forward with your smile makeover, who you have create it will be the single greatest factor in determining how beautiful it turns out.

Who Should Do Your Porcelain Veneers?

Cosmetic Dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty from the American Dental Association. That means any general dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist regardless of their skill. Think of it as art training. Some have natural ability. Some learned art in elementary school. And then some have spent years training under the masters. If you were picking an artist to do your smile, which would you want?

As a patient, it is very hard for you to know what category a dentist falls into when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry recognized this issue and saw how many patients ended up with smile makeover disasters. Because of those issues, they started an accreditation program. This enables patients to get a truly qualified cosmetic dentist.

So, if you want a truly gorgeous smile for your wedding. Look for a dentist who has reached accreditation level with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accreditation is different than membership. A dentist can pay to become a member of the AACD. They cannot pay to get accredited. That requires passing stringent exams and demonstrating artistry in cases they’ve personally done. Any one of them can give you a gorgeous smile. In fact, most of them have beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

My Porcelain Veneer Doesn’t Match!

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I’m so frustrated I don’t know what to do. Part of me is afraid I’ll never smile in public again. I had a chipped tooth repaired about five years ago with dental bonding. I broke it. My dentist retired. He sold his practice to a dentist he’s known for years. She’s very nice, but I’m not thrilled with the repairs to my tooth. I wanted her to simply put more bonding on the tooth. She said that once it’s gone you can’t repair it. She suggested I get a dental crown. I really didn’t want to do that. It would mean grinding my tooth down to a nub. I asked about a porcelain veneer. She agreed. I’m glad she was willing to listen to me, but the veneer she gave me doesn’t match my other teeth. I mentioned that to her, but she said it looks fantastic and it’s probably just the angle I’m looking at it or the light. But, I never had trouble with my natural teeth matching and I looked at those with the same angles and lights.

Farra M.

Dear Farra,

HIlton Head Porcelain Veneers

Your new dentist may be very nice and great a general dentistry, but she doesn’t have very much knowledge when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. I’m not sure why she thought the bonding couldn’t be re-done. It could have and dental bonding is the standard treatment for chipped teeth. My guess is she’s just not confident with her ability to do it so she suggested a crown, which she was comfortable doing.

About your porcelain veneer. Unfortunately, once it’s bonded on there’s not much which can be done to change it. The only way to make this match would be to have it re-done entirely. Though, I doubt even if your current dentist was willing to redo it, you’d get the results you want. Placing a single porcelain veneer takes a great deal of skill to get the coloring just the right mix to blend with your other teeth seamlessly.

Your best bet is to find an expert cosmetic dentist to have it done right. You could ask for a refund. Hopefully, she’ll comply knowing deep down that the veneer doesn’t really match. To find an artistic cosmetic dentist, you have a couple of good options.

The first is to look for a dentist who has reached accreditation level with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Accredited dentists are quite artistic and can make you a gorgeous veneer. The other is to look at the mynewsmile.com website to see who they recommend close to your zip code. They only recommend expert cosmetic dentists.

No matter which method you choose to find them, you’ll get a great dentist. Plus, I’d almost be willing to bet all of them have a beautiful smile guarantee. They certainly wouldn’t be satisfied if you weren’t.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.

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