Cosmetic Dentistry Q&A
Cosmetic Dentistrybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

196 people and 100 doctors are talking about Cosmetic Dentistry

Get Free Email Updates

Veneer Process Preparation Question

asked 4 months ago by wk in Concord, MA
Latest answer by Tracy Shaw, DMD
Question viewed 63 times
Tags: filling, restoration

I'm looking improve my smile. My top front teeth are different sizes, shades and have different angles. My dentist has recommended porcelin veneers. A nice before/after picture was produced. I am motivated to move forwards.  My dentist is strongly recommending that I have ALL my metal fillings removed, and replaced with appropriately white shaded material. The claim is that if I don't do this, the longevity of my porcelin veneers will be compromised quite a bit. I don't understand why this would be. Could anyone give me a good explanation on the structural issues involved (I do understand the purely cosmetic reason since the fillings are dark) ?? The cost of replacing all the fillings with this new type of material is quoted at several thousand dollars. Before I spend the money, I want to make sure it is of real structural benefit to the high priced veneers. thanks 

4 answers to Veneer Process Preparation Question

+1

Amalgam (metal) is a great filling material, but not for veneers

If the metal fillings (amalgam) that you're speaking of are on teeth that are treatment planned to have veneers on them, then the answer is yes, you should have the amalgam fillings removed and replaced with a tooth colored material, or incorporated into the prep design of the veneer. The reason for this is two fold, aiming to achieve the best result in the long run. #1: shade match. The metal will show through the veneer and even the tooth (if the filling is behind the... more
Tracy Shaw, DMD

Miami Beach Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Making Smiles from Within......

WK, A beautiful new smile is a great thing...!! Something your enjoy and wear everyday, as I have over the past 25 years! But, the foundation of the bite and the function of the entire bite is of monument importance! If your bite has a normal vertical demension, or the opposite, if your teeth have been worn down or there are missing teeth is a key factor as to the life of your new smile. I am guessing that this is the reason your dentist might be asking you... more
Douglas J. Hauck, DDS

Newport Beach Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Instant orthodontics

We call porcelain veneers for teeth that aren't aligned properly instant orthodontics. It can look great. Before and after simulations are just that, simulations. Make sure your dentist feels that the simulated result is "doable" in your mouth. I wouldn't want silver fillings in my mouth. They are half mercury and weaken your teeth by as much as 85%. So for the health of the teeth and for your health, it would be great to get them out of there... more
Sue Wendling, DMD

Portland Cosmetic Dentist
+1

Veneer Process Question

If you are getting veneers done for cosmetic reasons (and sometimes for correcting bite issues when teeth are crooked), there is no real reason to replace silver fillings in the back teeth that are not getting veneers. Sometimes veneers are placed on premolars, the teeth behind the canines. And if there are fillings in these teeth already, then I usually remove them and incorporate them into the veneer to replace the missing area. If your dentist wants to replace fillings... more
Andrew Soulimiotis, DMD

Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist

Ask a question