Plano Cosmetic Dentists

Is Replacing Dental Veneers Expensive?

I'm considering dental veneers for my four or six front upper teeth. They are small, narrow, and have gaps between them. It's like I'm not even smiling when I smile. I want a wider smile. However I heard that when veneers need to be replaced, you have to get the whole thing done over again, and that's expensive! What if, 20 years later, I don't have the money to replace the veneers? What would happen? That's scary, but every doctor is dead-set against bonding (sigh), so what can I expect?

Thanks for explaining you current smile and its problems - but it is great that you have the easiest kind of smile to improve with porcelain veneers.  The result will be awesome.  You will be thrilled!

Back to your question - yes, after 20 years there are some veneer cases that need to be re-done.  This is due to the porcelain wearing out or other functional use problems.  But this isn't the case for all veneer patients.  I did several full veneer cases in the 80's that are still beautiful and don't require anything new or have need to be re-done.  You may be one of these cases.

Greg Lutke, DDS

Dallas Cosmetic Dentist

What is my Best Bet to Treat my Tetracycline Stained Teeth?

I have heard so many mixed reviews about veneers and lumineers that I'm not just confused. Could bonding even work? I'm afraid of lasting pain or sensitivity after a procedure and would just like a natural, lasting, painless smile. What would be the best option for me?

I do understand your concerns and it's natural to be kind of confused with the differing opinions that you will hear. 

I hope I can help you understand the differences and help give you the best advice for the goals you listed - natural, lasting & painless.  Porcelain veneers is your best option.  Saying that, not all porcelain veneers are the same.  If you chief concern is tetracycline stains and your teeth arrangement (orthodontic relationship) is already very good - then very thin porcelain veneers will be perfect for you.  With thin veneers, your dentist will make small and minor preparations to your existing teeth to support the new porcelain that will mask your tetracycline.  This will be the best of all worlds for you.  Very little discomfort (if any), a very strong and long lasting smile that is both beautiful and natural.  I wish you the best with your new smile!

Greg Lutke, DDS

Dallas Cosmetic Dentist

Porcelain Crown Vs Porcelain Veneers for Peg Laterals After Braces

I am getting my braces removed in 1 month. I have went to three cosmetic dentists for consults for treatment of my peg laterals. I received three different treatment plans. 1st - 2 veeners on teeth 7 and 10 2nd- Bonding on teeth 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 3rd- 2 three quater porcelain crowns on teeth 7 and 10. The all sound OK to me however I can not determine which treatment would be better. I am also getting my teeth whitening before any treatment. THANK for any help

Thanks for including pictures on your smile.  The docs recommending veneers or 3/4 crowns on your peg laterals are really saying the same thing - although the terms used make it sound different.

The good news is that the porcelain veneers need very little tooth preparation (not none, but a very small amount) and the results will look lifelike.  You will be really happy and have a long lasting result.

The doc recommending bonding on 6 teeth, must be seeing something not visable on the pictures you included.  If you whiten you teeth 1st, and really like the teeth surrounding your peg laterals, then restoring the pegs only is the correct choice for you.  Wish you the best!

Greg Lutke, DDS

Dallas Cosmetic Dentist