Will I Need a Crown to Replace a Porcelain Veneer?

Can a dentist fix a cavity on a porcelain veneer tooth without me needing a new veneer or a crown? My dentist wants to remove the cavity but says I might need a crown instead. Why? I would have three veneers and one crown on my front teeth. How would that look? I am worried that a crown would be noticeable beside three veneers. Thank you. Isaac from Oak Park, IL

Isaac,

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Goebel would need to x-ray your tooth and examine it and your veneer for an accurate diagnosis. Still, we will provide general information.

Matching crowns and veneers

If you need a crown, it will be challenging for a dentist to match it with your other veneers. A dentist must have advanced cosmetic dentistry training to achieve a match.

Do You Need a Veneer Replaced with a Crown?

Whether your dentist must replace your veneer with a crown depends on the tooth’s condition and the cavity size.

Removing the cavity might require losing much tooth structure. When little tooth structure remains, it may be challenging to bond a veneer to it. Even with a crown, a dentist may need to build up the tooth before it can support a crown.

If you want to keep your porcelain veneer, please understand that although family dentists are skilled at keeping your teeth healthy, they have limited cosmetic dentistry skills without advanced training. The results depend on the dentist’s training and experience. It is unreasonable to expect your family to achieve beautiful results.

We recommend scheduling a second opinion with a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training to examine your tooth and veneer to explain your options.

Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.

Can a Dentist Make My Too Big Veneers Smaller?

My four front teeth have been crooked from an accident 12 years ago. Last year, at age 32, I decided to improve my smile with porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, I did not research dentists well enough or get enough information about what it takes to get quality veneers. Last December, I allowed my dentist to place veneers, but they are too big. The veneers are wider and longer than my teeth in general. I am embarrassed to smile. My crooked teeth looked better! Now I have a better idea of how to find a cosmetic dentist, but what can I expect? Is there a way to make my veneers smaller, or will I need new ones? If I need new veneers, I want to know how to get a refund. Gia T. from Brooklyn

Gia,

Thank you for contacting our office. It is good to know that you will research cosmetic dentists before choosing a new one to correct your smile.

Look for a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. And schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists to discuss your options.

Can a Dentist Make Too Large Veneers Smaller?

In some cases, a skilled cosmetic dentist can shorten porcelain veneers. Depending on the extent of the changes required, altering the veneers might damage them or crack the glass. Also, drastic changes make it difficult to adjust the veneers and keep a natural-looking shape.

The best approach is to have an experienced cosmetic dentist examine your veneers. They will explain if and how much they can alter your veneers without damaging them. You mentioned that your veneers are too wide and long, so a cosmetic dentist will most likely recommend replacing them.

Moline, Illinois, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thomas Goebel sponsors this post.

My Replacement Porcelain Veneer Does Match the Others

I relocated in May of last year. I was due for a six-month cleaning in July, but I did not find a dentist due to the pandemic. I have eight porcelain veneers, and one of them broke last month. Unfortunately, I had to find a dentist quickly to replace the veneer. Now that I think about it, I should have called my former dentist for advice. When this new dentist got the veneer back from the lab, it was too light. He returned the veneer, and the lab tech baked a glazed on it to make it darker. The dentist removed some glaze to match the shade of my shade other veneers. We both thought it was okay, but now I see that the veneer is still a little too dark. And the veneer is not as shiny as the others. This experience is making me nervous because I do not know this dentist well. I just found him online because my veneer broke. Is it too late to lighten the veneer? Thank you. – Trevor

Trevor,

Thank you for your inquiry.

We understand that you chose a dentist because your porcelain veneer broke. And a broken veneer is a good reason to see a dentist right away. Unfortunately, it sounds like you found a dentist with limited training in dental aesthetics.

Replacing one veneer, manipulating the color, and matching it to existing veneers is tricky and requires special training. If the dentist you chose lacks experience in cosmetic dentistry, it may be challenging for him to match the shade.

How to Match a Veneer to Other Teeth

Although it is possible to polish off some tint to try to match other veneers, your new dentist’s technique was risky. Many advanced cosmetic dentists would send a photograph of your teeth to the lab tech to see the discrepancy in color, along with a detailed description of what needs to change. Sometimes it takes two or three try-ins to get the color right, but a skilled dentist will not bond the veneer unless it is a perfect match. And if a cosmetic dentist needs to manipulate veneer tint, they adjust tints beneath the veneer, not tint on the surface.

It sounds like your dentist is not familiar with the tinting process or does not stock tints to apply beneath a veneer. If your dentist continues to repeat the process, it could disturb the tint and further change the color.

Returning the Gloss to Your Porcelain Veneer

Your dentist can use diamond polishing wheels and polishing pastes to return the gloss to the porcelain. Expert cosmetic dentists usually have these items. If your current dentist must order the supplies, he may not have experience using them.

Improving the Shade of Your Veneer

A dentist achieves color match with proper lighting. Although your veneer might have appeared to match under artificial light in the dental office, you can see the color difference when you go outdoors in the sunlight. Expert cosmetic dentists check shade next to a window or use color-correct lighting in their office.

You can give this dentist another chance to color match the veneer, or you can find a dentist with post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training and years of experience. We recommend that you at least get a second opinion from a skilled cosmetic dentist.

 

Dr. Thomas Goebel, a Moline, Illinois dentist, sponsors this post.

 

My Implant Crown Is Still the Wrong Color

After two tries, my dentist could not get the color right on my implant crown. He had me visit the lab to check the crown color. Both times, when the crown was ready, my dentist was hasty in attaching it. I cannot see well in his office. And in retrospect, I should have gone outside to look at my crown. It is still the wrong color. My current peak hurts, too. My dentist had difficulty getting it onto the implant, so I avoid chewing on the left side of my mouth. Although my dentist thinks I need time to adjust to the crown, I’m done with him. Still, I am a little nervous about finding another dentist and getting a new implant crown. Can I ask for a refund? Thanks. Dmitriy

Dmitriy,

We are sorry that you have a frustrating experience with your implant crown. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant should give you natural-looking results so that you cannot tell the difference between the implant and your natural teeth. That is one reason people choose implants.

When a Dentist Cannot Match Your Implant Crown to Your Teeth

When your dentist cannot get your implant crown color right after several tries, they lack experience and training in cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist seems to have little interest in your comfort and how your implant looks. A dentist who takes pride in the work gets your opinion before cementing a crown. It is unusual to send a patient to the dental lab for color-matching, which implies that your dentist does not have confidence in his work.

Get a Second Opinion

You are wise to get a second opinion for replacing your implant crown. This time, look for a dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and restoring dental implants. You can expect the following:

• Achieve a perfect color match for your crown
• Replace the crown without damaging your implant
• Ensure the implant crown fits well and is in harmony with your bite

 

You can begin by scheduling consultations with at least two implant dentists with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. After the consultation, you can choose a dentist. And yes, ask your dentist for a refund because he did not give you a functioning crown that matches your natural teeth. Your new dentist may be willing to help you request a refund.

Cosmetic dentist, Thomas J. Goebel, DDS of Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post.

My dental crowns and bonding don’t match

I needed two old crowns replaced and some repairs for chips on three front teeth. My dentist placed CEREC crowns are on my left first and second molars. I’ve had this dentist for four years, but he never did any major work on my teeth. The crowns look great. But he placed the dental bonding three weeks ago, and it is the wrong color. And I am not sure how it happened, but my left front tooth is longer than the right one now, and the color on my incisors and canine teeth do not match the crowns.

I complained to my dentist about the color and the long tooth. At first, he told me to give it a week. When I went back to the office, he said that he would see what he can do. I scheduled an appointment for last week, but I canceled it because I am afraid that he will make my teeth look worse.

I chose this dentist because he is calm, and I have dental anxiety. But I can tell you that I am getting anxious about my teeth. My dentist does not sound confident that he can correct the bonding. If he can’t get the bonding right on the next try, will it hurt my teeth for another dentist to remove and replace the bonding? Thank you. Tiera from KS

Tiera,

Thank you for your question.

Dentists complete dental bonding by hand. Bonding is an artistic procedure with each tooth as the canvas. As an artist, a dentist must select and manipulate dental composite for the right color, texture, and translucence to match your surrounding teeth. A small number of dentists have artistic talent and advanced training to produces results that look like a natural tooth. Unfortunately, your description sounds like your dentist lacks the experience, creative talent, and training to achieve your desired results.

Cosmetic Dentists Are Persistent

Artistic cosmetic dentists take their art personally. They will not settle on a smile that looks okay. They listen to you and will not complete your case until you are happy with the results. Your dentist’s comments reflect that you can adjust to the way your teeth look or he will try again. But what if you do not like the results?

Can a Dentist Remove and Replace Dental Bonding?

An advanced cosmetic dentist can remove and replace dental bonding on your teeth. And a cosmetic dentist has the required tools to remove the bonding only without damaging your teeth. But if you think you might need to have another dentist redo the bonding, why not schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist? The dentist will examine your teeth and bonding and explain what they will do to ensure a perfect match with your CEREC crowns and surrounding teeth.

Thomas J. Goebel, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Moline, IL sponsors this post.

Brown spots on my teeth and whitening makes them worse

Since childhood, I’ve had brown spots on six front teeth. I was told that the discoloration came from illness and frequent fever as a child. My dentist has tried whitening my teeth with different products. Although my teeth are whiter, the discoloration looks darker than ever. My dentist says that he may be able to grind away the discoloration and put composite over it. The process sounds painful. And my dentist doesn’t sound as if he knows that it will work. I am 33 years old and finally stable enough to get this done right without being my dentist’s guinea pig. Is grinding off the stains the only option? – Thank you. Ksenia from Chicago

Ksenia,

You are wise to be cautious about letting your dentist try to remove or reduce the brown spots on your teeth. Your dentist’s attempt to improve your teeth with bleaching shows that he does not understand how to predict the results of whatever treatment he uses.

What Causes Brown Spots on Teeth?

Brown spots on teeth can result from a variety of conditions—some medical and some external. Some causes of brown tooth stains include:

• Excessive intake of fluoride (fluorosis stains)
• High fever during childhood while teeth are developing
• Taking the antibiotic tetracycline while teeth are developing
• Tobacco products
• Tooth decay
• Trauma
• Untreated decalcification around braces

Will Teeth Whitening Remove Brown Spots?

Teeth whitening will not remove embedded brown spots caused by fluorosis, tetracycline, fever during childhood, and other factors.

Microabrasion for Brown Spots on Teeth

Microabrasion is a process that uses hydrochloric acid and pumice to gently remove a small about of tooth enamel. If the brown spots on your teeth are not deeply embedded, microabrasion might work.

Severe Brown Spots on Teeth

When brown spots on your teeth are severe, a cosmetic dentist can conceal them with dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Dental Bonding for Brown Spots on Teeth

Dental bonding can conceal brown spots if a skilled cosmetic dentist does it. The dentist will take these steps:

• Clean and dry your teeth
• Roughen the surface
• Lightly etch your teeth
• Blend dental composite to perfectly match your natural tooth shade
• Apply and sculpt the composite
• Harden and polish it

Porcelain Veneers for Brown Spots on Teeth

Porcelain veneers will conceal brown spots on teeth. Although they are more expensive than dental bonding, they last longer. Veneers can last up to 20 years, but bonding must be renewed every three to five years—if not sooner.

A cosmetic dentist takes these steps for veneers:

• Talks to you about your preferences for tooth shape, size, and color
• Prepares your teeth by removing less than one millimeter of tooth enamel
• Takes impressions of your teeth
• Give you temporary veneers to wear before you approve the look and feel
• Sends your case to a ceramist to make your porcelain veneers
• Bonds the veneers on after you approve the look and feel

A dentist must have advanced cosmetic dentistry training to achieve natural-looking results with composite or veneers. Your cosmetic dentist must:

• Conceal the brown spots
• Maintain translucence in the bonding or porcelain veneers
• Perfectly match the bonding or veneers with the surrounding teeth

We recommend looking for a cosmetic dentist and scheduling a consultation to examine your teeth and explain your treatment options. Verify the dentist’s credentials before agreeing to treatment. Read our post, Her porcelain veneers keep falling off, but are they really veneers?, to understand why you must be cautious.

 

Dr. Thomas J. Goebel, a cosmetic dentist in Moline, IL, sponsors this post. Visit his smile gallery to see before-and-after patient photos.

New crown fell off 4 times, and my dentist charged me for it

My dentist removed a large silver filling from a top left molar and put a crown over the tooth. My temporary crown came off three times within the almost three weeks that I wore it. Of course, my dentist reattached it each time. I received the permanent crown in mid-January, and I have returned to the dentist four times to bond it back on.

The color of the crown is off too, but my dentist said that it would cost $385 to correct it. I decided not to argue with him about the color. But I wonder if he is treating me fairly. Isn’t he responsible for the crown color?

Two weeks ago, the crown came off, and my dentist said he would order a new crown. The lady in the billing department said they would try to return the crown as defective so that I will not be charged for it. I politely but firmly told her that I am not paying for a crown that does not fit and is the wrong color.

Last Thursday was my appointment for a new crown, my dentist drilled on the tooth and said he was reshaping it, inserting posts, and making new molds, so there was no new crown for that appointment, and I have to wait. When I was checking out, the billing rep told me that I owed money because my insurance would not cover the crown. The cost is $385, which my dentist initially said he would charge to correct the crown color.

I paid for the crown with a credit card because I hope there is a way to cancel the whole thing and get my money back. They tricked me, and I feel that I allowed it to happen. But I have no plans to return to the dentist. Can I stop this process and somehow get a refund? – Micah from Indiana

 

Micah,

What an experience you’ve had with your dentist! It’s among the worst we have heard this year. Your dentist’s policy to charge you so that he can correct his mistakes is unethical.

When Your Dental Crown Is the Wrong Color

If your dental crown is the wrong color, your dentist has not met his or her service agreement. You expect a crown that fits well, is in harmony with your bite, and matches your natural teeth. And it is your right as a consumer to receive what you paid for. It is the same with any major purchase. If you bought a new refrigerator with an ice maker, you expect all components to work. If the ice maker is defective, the seller will not charge you an extra fee for a new refrigerator with an ice maker that works. Please do not settle on faulty dental work.

When Your Dental Crown Keeps Falling Off

When your dental crown keeps falling off, either your dentist prepared it so aggressively that it will not stay on, or your dentist did not build up the tooth enough to retain the crown. It seems that your dentist used posts to help stabilize your crown and build up the tooth with composite. If your dentist cannot secure your crown, it is time to get a second opinion.

How to Deal with a Dishonest Dentist

If your dentist is dishonest and you already paid for the service, there are several things you can do:

• Dispute credit card payment – If you paid with a credit card, contact your credit card company and dispute the charge.
• Find another dentist – Look for a cosmetic dentist. Although cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty, look at dentists’ websites and check their bios for post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. Your new cosmetic dentist might be willing to help you get a refund.
• If your dentist does not refund you – Explain to your dentist that you agreed to a crown that fits well and matches your tooth. It is the standard of care that every dentist must meet. Also, tell your dentist that you are ready to report the issue to the state dental board. And complain to your dental insurance company and let them know your dentist is overcharging and submitting claims to them. You can also feel free to submit negative online reviews on your dentist’s Yelp, Google My Business, or Facebook pages.

 

We hope your dentist will cooperate and that you can quickly find a cosmetic dentist who restores your teeth with crowns that fit well and match your natural teeth. You may find a dentist with in-office, CAD/CAM technology to restore your teeth in one visit.

Best wishes.

 

Timothy J. Goebel, DDS, a cosmetic dentist in Moline, IL, sponsors this post.