Monthly Archives: May 2014

Best Dentist

Problem with my porcelain veneers

I’m not sure what to do. I got these porcelain veneers. I told the dentist exactly what I wanted, but for some reason what came back wasn’t even close. I told him I did not like them, but he said they’d be much better than what I chose.  He feels like he’s the expert and knows what I need better than I do.  I thought cosmetic dentistry was about what I wanted?

Amelia L. – Little Rock, AR

Amelia,

I don’t know how else to say this, but you need a different dentist. You’re right. Cosmetic dentistry is about what you want.  I highly suggest you find a dentist who is better qualified. Ideally, you’d want one who is AACD accredited. It would be worth a drive if you could only find one in the next city.

It sounds like your dentist is more of a general dentist than a cosmetic dentist. In dental school we’re taught that we know better than the patient. However, those who study cosmetic dentistry, post graduate know it is all about how the patient feels about their smile.

This blog is brought to you by Salem, MA Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.

Porcelain Veneers

Stain on the edge of my porcelain veneer

I go to a very respectable cosmetic dentist. His staff is highly trained in the care of porcelain veneers, so what I’m about to tell you is not a result of them using some kind of power polishing equipment. I am aware of those dangers and so is my dentist.  I do want to know other possibility is.  I’m out of the country and can’t reach my dentist right now.

One, only one, of my eight porcelain veneers has a small gray stain at the top of it at the margin. What could be the problem?

Stanley W. – Boca Raton, FL

Stanley,

If you’ve eliminated power polishing equipment, then I would be leaning toward micro leakage.  You have to take into account that I can’t see what you’re describing, so this is just my best idea based on what you’ve written.

Let’s assume that these are older veneers, meaning they’ve been on maybe ten or twenty years. Let’s also assume the stain starts right at the edge of the porcelain veneers and involves the first millimeter or two of the veneer. These type of stains often confine themselves to the edge of the veneer.

It’s likely leakage, meaning the margin of the porcelain veneer has broken down and microscopic particles are getting between the veneer and the tooth. It starts being just a stain, but if not addressed and repaired, it can grow into decay.

You will not be able to have this stain polished out. The veneer will have to be removed and replaced.

I recommend you see your dentist and let him look it over.

This blog is brought to you by Salem, MA Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Randall Burba.