I had veneers placed two months ago and I noticed a crack going up inside the veneer. Should veneer be replaced? (photo)

Question

My dentist said it is a craze line in the porcelain and has not effect on the bonding of the veneer. She said they can last for many years and margins and tooth is sealed. I went to another dentist for second opinion he said the same thing, it is cosmetic and had no effect on the bonding of the veneer. You cannot see the crack, feel it, and it can only be seen if you shine a bright light on it. Do you agree?

Thomas Dey, BDS, MSc · Answer

The strength of the veneer comes from it combining with the tooth structure underneath. If you took the original veneer and pressured it before it was fitted it would break easily. So in strength terms it does not make much difference. Natural teeth have crazing like this too, so you could argue that it makes it look like a really natural restoration.The real question is whether it troubles you and how you feel about this feature. You need to have a talk to your dentist about that and hopefully you will come to a healthy compromise. Good luck and kind regardsThomas Dey, BDS, MSc

Victoria Veytsman, DDS · Answer

If this is very superficial, it should be fine in terms of strength. However if this bothers you aesthetically, you should speak to your dentist about the possibility of replacing. Veneers are intended to be cosmetic, afterall.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:From the photo it appears that the crack may be superficial and should not effect the bonding tot he tooth.  However, make sure it is notated in your chart that there is a crack and you reported it to the dentist right away.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Emery Cole, DMD, FAGD · Answer

Yes, it is most likely a craze line, or white line as we see in natural teeth and could happen over years no matter what.  Since this was performed recently and if it is noticeable cosmetically, it probably should be replaced.  Veneers are not placed for strength but for cosmetics.  If it is not serving it's intended purpose cosmetically, it should be replaced soon since it is new.
It may never change OR it will simply get more noticeable OR it will break off.  I make my own ceramic crowns and veneers with CEREC in one visit and warranty my workmanship/materials.  This would be replace Free of charge at my office as many  other dentists would as well with or without CEREC.  
Ask your dentist to replace the veneer, it's nobody's fault but a dentist interested in patient satisfaction and wanting to do the best work possible would eagerly replace. Maybe they will warranty the veneer for 5 years if it ever breaks or gets worse since it is not easy to see now?
You are that dentists' walking advertisement with your smile and veneers and I would want you to brag about being my patient!

Neal Nealis, DDS (retired) · Answer

You have a good eye to find that crack. Twice I have had veneers crack when delivering which caused me significant concern. I left them in place and they were fine ten years later. I wouldn't worry about it and wouldn't recommend redoing the process unless the crack stains. Dr. Neal

I had veneers placed two months ago and I noticed a crack going up inside the veneer. Should veneer be replaced? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Crazy Veneer

Answer: Crazy Veneer

Answer: Crack in a veneer

Answer: Crack in a veneer

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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I had veneers placed two months ago and I noticed a crack going up inside the veneer. Should veneer be replaced? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Crazy Veneer

Answer: Crazy Veneer

Answer: Crack in a veneer

Answer: Crack in a veneer

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.