Porcelain Veneers: Q&A

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Completely Dissatisfied with my Porcelain Veneers! Can I Have Them Filed Down and Not Get New Ones?

I had 10 porcelain veneers done in 2008... And to this date I'm still not satisfied with my look as they just don't fit my mouth. I then found a dentist in another country (was relocated for a new job), and had him filed down the veneers. Is there a way I can just have my current veneers filed down instead of having to redo everything again? Will they crack? Can dentists tell how much more they can file down by having X-ray? Will it hurt my natural teeth? Sigh this is too costly and I regret...

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by angry_survivor

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (0)

Hmm that's a tough one: Yes and no

HYou can have them filed down (contoured) but the risks are they they will feel rough because you'll be removing the glaze on them AND you could induce micro-fracturing in the veneers. Additionally it might be hard to find a dentist to contour them because basically once they start contouring they "own" what happens to them (Fracture / break) and then would be afraid they'd be held liable for replacement.

Unhappy with venners, can I have them filed down

Sorry to hear you are unhappy with your veneers, In terms of filing down the veneers that can always be done but understand that when you adjust a lot you will ultimately change the color as well. They can crack easily and may crack after they are adjusted. In my opinion I would replace them. That would be your best option.

Can I Have my Porcelain Veneers Filed Down and Not Get New Ones?

Porcelain veneers can make amazing smile changes. One of the issues I am observing in cosmetic dentistry right now is that "everyone" is a cosmetic dentist. There are a lot of approaches to making veneers that tend to make them not look right. Do some research first. Find the most experienced, cosmetic dentist that produces that most consistent results. Don't let anyone else touch your veneers any more. If you keep having them filed, shortly they will look worse, then there... more

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You can "characterize" (reshape) porcelain veneers to a small extent but not without risk

Having placed porcelain laminate veneers since 1983, there are some patients who have had previous porcelain veneers and/or crowns that may be able to have some reshaping, or what we call "characterization," when there is a bulk of porcelain thickness and the changes do not affect the structural integrity of the restoration. With that said, this can also have risks associated as it is difficult at times to judge the thickness and margins of the porcelain. There is also an issue of... more

Gerry Curatola, DDS

4 reviews

Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist

You cannot file the veneers or any porcelain restoration too much.

I am sorry to say that the answer to your question almost always is NO. You cannot file the veneers or any porcelain restoration too much. It can crack, it loses its sheen , you may start to lisp or whistle while talking ! The cost is a lot, and the investment is high and that is why choosing the right Cosmetic Dentists almost always means more expensive veneers . Good luck to you. see video

Soheyla Marzvaan, DDS

6 reviews

Orange County Cosmetic Dentist

Can Veneers be Filed Down?

The more a veneer is filed down, the more it loses any color or translucency that it may have once had. Also, there is no way of knowing how thick the veneer is, even with X-rays, so it is very possible that you will reach actual tooth structure. Also, there is no way of knowing how much of your original enamel was removed when the veneers were originally made. If the veneers are totally removed, your underlying tooth may look worse than before, and it may be sensitive and more susceptible... more

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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

Porcelain Veneers: Q&A