Questions about porcelain veneers

I used to brush my teeth too vigorously, and as a result I have quite a bit of erosion and abrasions along the line where my teeth and gums meet. I’ve changed my brushing habits, but the damage has been done. I am thinking about getting porcelain veneers to cover the damage, but I have some questions first.

If I decide to go with porcelain veneers, will the abrasions make the treated teeth prone to cavities and stains along the gumline?

Are your teeth underneath the veneers extra vulnerable to decay, because the enamel layer has been shaved off to place them?

How long do porcelain veneers go before they start to stain and discolor?

How much does it cost annually to maintain porcelain veneers, and are there any special procedures that are necessary?

Are there any foods or beverages that I won’t be able to have anymore if I get porcelain veneers?

I know these are a lot of questions, but I want to make sure I am making a smart choice.

Thanks,

Chloe in Elverta, CA

Dear Chloe,

The first thing we should discuss is what really may have caused the damage to your teeth along the gumline. For many years, many dental professionals thought it was overly aggressive brushing, but recent research has shown that the type of damage you describe is caused by biting stress (also known as bruxism). The teeth flex at the neck (where the tooth meets the gum) because of the pressure of the clenching and grinding, and that is what causes the “notches”.

Porcelain veneers would cover the damage, but your dentist should address any bruxism issue before placing them, or the lifespan of the veneers will be reduced. If the damage is not too severe, a really skilled cosmetic dentist may also be able to cover the damage with dental bonding.

Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than your natural teeth, so you should not have to restrict your diet. If the porcelain veneers are well made, they should also serve to protect the underlying tooth from further decay or erosion. There are no special annual procedures necessary to maintain porcelain veneers, but you must always make sure your hygienist is aware that you have veneers so she does not use any abrasive toothpaste.

This blog post sponsored by the dental office of Lafayette Louisiana cosmetic dentist Dr. Mike Malone.