Bad Veneers vs Good Veneers

The best dental veneers are the ones that go unnoticed, so that your smile is the star of the show. When cheap materials are used or the veneers are improperly placed, the veneers draw attention to themselves?and not in a good way. If you’re thinking about getting veneers or if you need your veneers replaced, read this first.

Bad veneers vs. good veneers

There are a number of reasons veneers fail (and we’ll get to that in a minute), but sometimes they just don’t look right, and there are a few reasons for that, too. Here are the main differences between bad veneers and good veneers:

There is an artistry to good dental veneers that requires not only precision, skill, and experience, but also an eye for aesthetic detail.  Even if quality materials are used and the veneers are placed correctly, if they’re the wrong size or the wrong color, or if the overall facial aesthetics are not considered, the veneers will detract from the beauty of the smile rather than enhancing it. 

Reasons porcelain veneers may fail

High-quality porcelain veneers can last as long as 20 years with proper care and maintenance. The causes of veneer failure tend to fall into three main categories:  inexperienced dentist, improper care, or accidents. And of course, once the veneers are 20 years old, they will become more susceptible to failure due to wear and tear and weakened bonding. But typically, as long as you choose a skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist, and you practice good oral hygiene, your porcelain veneers can last upwards of 20 years. Here are some of the more specific reasons porcelain veneers may fail. 

• Misaligned bite

Porcelain veneers can be used to correct the appearance of very minor misalignment, but if the bite is off even slightly, the veneers are more likely to be chipped or cracked by the uneven force of teeth that are out of alignment. 

• Improper bonding

A highly skilled dentist with experience in veneers treatment will know how to bond veneers properly so they last for a decade or more.  Veneers that are placed by an unqualified dentist could fail because they are not bonded correctly. 

• Poor adhesive

Your veneers could fall off or shift out of place if your dentist is cutting corners by using a poor quality adhesive.  

• Teeth clenching or bruxism

Although porcelain veneers are very durable, the pressure of teeth clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism) can cause them to crack or chip. 

• Accident, collision, or other trauma

For those who play contact sports, a mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth (and your veneers) from damage. Accidents and physical trauma to the mouth and teeth can dislodge veneers or cause them to crack. 

• Tooth decay

The porcelain in your veneers is not vulnerable to tooth decay, but your teeth can still get cavities if you do not practice proper oral hygiene. When your porcelain veneers are improperly fitted by an inexperienced dentist, it can increase the risk of tooth decay by creating difficult-to-clean, uneven edges where bacteria can grow. 

• Bad habits 

Your natural teeth and your veneers are at risk of chipping, cracking, or breaking when you chew ice or hard candy, or when you use your teeth to open packages.  Avoiding these habits is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy and your veneers in tip-top shape.

What are the biggest risks with veneers?

In the hands of an experienced dentist using high-quality materials, dental veneers are perfectly safe, but there are some risks involved, especially if they are placed by an inexperienced dentist. The biggest risks with veneers include increased tooth sensitivity from enamel removal during tooth preparation, and damage to the veneers (as described above). The best way to ensure the most successful outcome is to work with a dentist who has extensive practice and training in restoring smiles with veneers.  

Have your porcelain veneers gone wrong? We can help. 

Whether you are unhappy with your porcelain veneers because they’re unnatural-looking and unattractive or because they have been placed improperly, we can help.  At Smile Designers in San Diego, Dr. Hage will correct your veneers gone wrong by replacing them with top top-of-the-line porcelain veneers to enhance your smile and boost your confidence. Or if you’re getting veneers for the first time, we can help with that, too. Dr. Hage is known for his extensive experience, impeccable dental work, and compassionate demeanor. For more information on porcelain veneers in San Diego or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hage, give us a call at (619) 222-6000 today.