Why did my dentist drill down my two front teeth into little squares? I broke one of my front teeth in half.

Question

I broke my front tooth pretty much the bottom half. I tried to do bonding three months ago but then it broke off. My dentist offered the option of Veneer and possibly crown. I know that veneers are thin fingernail like material but much to my surprise when I looked in the mirror my teeth were filed down to much smaller squares. How is the veneer going to work now? Is this normal? My temp. is bothering me and my front two teeth or not even.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hi Anon,I know it looks like you have little to no tooth structure left, but this is pretty common for patients that have previously broken their tooth.  Just because the prep looks small, this doesn't mean that your dentist is not able to place a secure crown over that tooth that may out last your other healthy teeth.  Veneers usually require only a slight preparation of the tooth, but crowns require a full preparation.  For this reason, it sounds like you have crowns.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDReal Self 100

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

Porcelain Veneers are irreversible procedure, and require preparation of teeth ! I am sure your cosmetic dentist reviewed the pros and cons of having porcelain veneers for your front teeth.Dental veneers require minimal removal of tooth structure so it can be substituted with porcelain, to change to your desired color and shape, as far as how much tooth structure is removed from your teeth, I can not see a photo of your front teeth preparation by your dentist, hopefully not much is taken off your front teeth, since then it would be called possibly a 3/4 or 7/8 dental crown.The more discolored your teeth are the more removal of tooth structure is necessary to alter to a whiter color tooth. Also be informed that if the angulation of your teeth are not ideal, more tooth structure is required to be removed to place them in ideal angle.The more conservative the dentistry, the longer your restorations will last you.As far as temporaries, if they do not look even, or you have sensitivity, it is best to call your dentist so he can attend to those concerns, sooner than later.Best of luck to you.

Nirav Patel, MDS, PhD · Answer

my advice is go for crown. u have half crown. so almost whole tooth need preparation for veneers,  full front and little back side [means it will cover whole tooth except sides]. so better to go with crown , where little more preparation is required but by that [crown] u can overcome all cons of veneers.

Why did my dentist drill down my two front teeth into little squares? I broke one of my front teeth in half.

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Why did my dentist drill down my two front teeth into little squares? I broke one of my front teeth in half.

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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