Discover the Signs of Bad Veneers and How to Fix Them

Dental veneers are highly favoured in cosmetic dentistry, providing an option to improve the look of discoloured, damaged, or crooked teeth through the application of a thin layer of porcelain or composite material onto the natural tooth. While veneers are designed to mimic the look and feel of natural teeth, issues can arise from poor application or material defects. Understanding the signs of bad veneers is crucial for maintaining not only your smile’s aesthetics but also your overall oral health.

Aesthetic Issues

One of the primary appeals of dental veneers is their ability to transform and beautify a person’s smile. However, when veneers are not applied correctly, several aesthetic issues can become apparent, significantly detracting from the desired outcome.

• Colour Mismatch: It’s optimal for veneers to be colour-matched to your nearby natural teeth, creating a seamless integration with your smile. A noticeable colour difference between your veneers and natural teeth can be a sign of bad veneers, often due to the dentist’s or the lab’s error in shade selection or poor-quality materials that do not mimic the translucency and reflectiveness of natural teeth.
• Improper Fit: Veneers need to be custom-fitted to each individual’s teeth. Poorly fitted veneers can lead to gaps between the veneer and the gum line or veneers that are too big or too small, making the teeth look uneven and unnatural. Such misfitting can also cause discomfort or further complications down the line.
• Rough Edges: Well-crafted veneers should feel smooth to the touch. If the edges of the veneers feel rough or sharp, it suggests improper shaping during the manufacturing process or inadequate finishing by the cosmetic dentist. Rough edges not only feel uncomfortable but can also irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, leading to additional oral health issues.

Physical Discomfort and Complications

While aesthetic flaws are easily noticed, physical discomfort and other complications might develop over time, indicating that the veneers are not performing as they should.

• Increased Sensitivity: Some sensitivity after having veneers placed is normal, but it should be temporary. Persistent or increased sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure might indicate that the veneers have not been bonded properly or that there is enamel damage.
• Irritation and Inflammation: If the veneers are poorly fitted, they can irritate the gums and other areas of the mouth. This can lead to redness, swelling, or bleeding, a direct result of the veneers rubbing against or pressing on the gums improperly.
• Bite Disruption: Ideally, veneers should enhance the function of your teeth without affecting how you chew or close your mouth. If you notice changes in your bite or discomfort during chewing, the veneers may have been improperly placed, which can lead to significant discomfort and problems with jaw alignment over time.

Signs of Deterioration

Even well-applied veneers can deteriorate over time; however, premature signs of wear can indicate issues with the initial application or material quality.

• Cracks and Chips: Veneers are durable, but they are not indestructible. Cracks or chips may appear if the veneers are made from substandard materials or if they have been subjected to excessive force. Although accidents can happen, frequent cracking or chipping is a sign of bad veneers.
• Discolouration or Staining: Quality porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant. If your veneers start to discolour or stain easily, it could suggest poor-quality materials or that the seal between the veneer and your tooth is compromised, allowing stains to seep through.
• Loosening or Detachment: Properly bonded veneers should remain securely in place for many years. If a veneer loosens or falls off, it is a clear indication of faulty bonding. This could be due to poor preparation of the bonding surface or the use of an inadequate bonding agent.

Impact on Overall Oral Health

Bad veneers do more than compromise your smile; they can also negatively impact your overall oral health.

• Development of Decay: Inadequately fitted veneers can allow food and bacteria to accumulate beneath or around them, leading to tooth decay. Such decay can progress unnoticed, as it is hidden beneath the veneer and might only be discovered when significant damage has occurred.
• Gum Disease: Similarly, if veneers are not aligned properly with the gum line, they can contribute to gum disease. This misalignment can trap bacteria and plaque, leading to inflammation and infection if not addressed promptly.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

Addressing Issues with Professional Help

• Consulting an Experienced Dentist: When signs of trouble such as misfit, discomfort, or deterioration appear with your veneers, it is crucial to consult an experienced dentist immediately. These professionals can precisely diagnose the issue and decide whether the veneers need adjusting, re-bonding, or replacing. Choosing a dentist who excels in cosmetic dentistry and has extensive experience with veneers ensures you receive the best advice and treatment options.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: During the consultation, the dentist will examine your veneers for any signs of poor fit, damage, or failure in bonding. Additionally, they will check your oral health to detect any underlying issues like tooth decay or gum disease that could affect the durability of your veneers. This step is essential to address any problems before they worsen, ensuring the longevity of your dental work.

Repair or Replacement Options

• Immediate Repair Solutions: If your veneers have rough edges or minor chips, a professional polish may restore their smoothness and aesthetics. For veneers that have loosened, the dentist may clean the underlying natural tooth and reapply a bonding agent to secure the veneer back in place.
• Veneer Replacement: For damaged teeth or veneers that are beyond simple repair, your dentist might recommend a full replacement. This decision is typically based on the extent of damage and the potential for further oral health risks. Replacing poorly fitted or severely damaged veneers can not only restore the look of your smile but also prevent tooth decay and other complications.

Preventive Measures for Future Care

• Setting Clear Expectations: Before proceeding with new or replacement veneers, have a detailed discussion with your dentist about your expectations and the aesthetic outcomes you are aiming for. This conversation should also cover the materials and techniques that will be used, ensuring they are of the highest standard.
• Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene: Practising good oral hygiene is pivotal in extending the lifespan of your veneers. Through routine brushing and flossing, you can prevent tartar and plaque from accumulating, which can lead to gum disease and compromise the integrity of your veneers. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste to maintain the smooth finish of your veneers.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Make regular visits to your dentist a priority to check the condition of your veneers and maintain optimal oral health. These appointments allow your dentist to spot early signs of potential issues and provide necessary treatments to uphold the functionality and aesthetics of your veneers.

The Comprehensive Procedure of Getting Dental Veneers

Assessment and Planning

The first step in the veneer process is an initial consultation with your dentist. During this visit, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth and gums, ensuring you are a suitable candidate for veneers. It’s important to handle any oral health issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, as poor oral hygiene can undermine the success of the veneers. The dentist will discuss your aesthetic goals, examining the shape, colour, and alignment of your natural teeth to determine how veneers can achieve the desired outcome.

Creating a Model of Your Teeth

Once your suitability is confirmed, the next step involves taking detailed impressions of your teeth. This is usually done using a dental putty that you bite into, creating a precise mould of your teeth. These impressions are crucial as they will be used to custom-design your veneers so that they fit perfectly over your natural teeth.

Preparing Your Teeth for Veneers

Before dental veneers are applied, a minimal amount of tooth enamel is usually removed from the teeth. This step is necessary to provide enough space for the veneers to fit over your teeth without appearing bulky or unnatural. The amount of enamel removed depends on the type of veneers being used. This process requires great precision to avoid damaging the tooth structure beneath the enamel.

Protection Between Appointments

In most cases, temporary veneers are placed to protect the prepared teeth while your permanent veneers are being crafted. These temporaries are made from a softer material and are bonded with a temporary adhesive, making them easy to remove once your permanent veneers are ready. They also give you a chance to test the feel and look of the veneers, although they won’t be as durable or as perfectly matched as the final product.

Crafting Your Custom Veneers

After your dental impressions are sent to the dental laboratory, skilled technicians begin the process of creating your custom veneers. This phase typically takes several weeks and is influenced by the type and complexity of the veneers ordered. The lab employs high-quality materials like porcelain or composite resin to achieve veneers that not only fit precisely but also replicate the natural teeth’s translucency and shine.

The Final Application

Once your permanent veneers are ready, you’ll return to the dentist for the final fitting. During this appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary veneers and thoroughly clean your teeth. Each veneer is then carefully adjusted to ensure the fit and bite are correct before being permanently bonded to your natural teeth. This is done using a strong dental adhesive, which is cured using a special light to harden it quickly, ensuring the veneers are securely attached.

Secure Your Smile: Address the Signs of Bad Veneers Today!

Recognising the signs of bad veneers is crucial for maintaining not only the aesthetics of your smile but also your overall oral health. If you’ve noticed issues such as colour mismatches, improper fit, or discomfort around your veneers, it’s important not to ignore these signs. Early detection and intervention can prevent further oral health complications and ensure your veneers enhance your smile as intended.

If you’re experiencing any concerns with your veneers, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Contact Boutique Dental Care at (02) 9054 5281 to book an appointment with one of our experienced dentists. We are here to provide expert advice and solutions, ensuring your veneers are of the highest quality and your smile stays beautiful and healthy. Let us help you achieve the confidence that comes with a flawless smile!

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers

https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/veneers