Extra Costs to Maintain Porcelain Veneers?

Many dentists are not up to date with materials, techniques and other modern practice.  The fee to maintain is usually NOT in addition to normal routine maintenance, but the offices with experience may be higher in fee than the managed care clinics.  Expectations should be low in an office that does cleanings for $19.

The dental office that placed the veneers likely knows how to maintain them, so they should be the first consideration.  We often have patients come to us simply for the veneers and return to their "regular" dentist for future recare.  Sometimes the "regular" office is inexperienced and damage the veneers.

Porcelain veneers are like porcelain crowns, so if they are damaged, they must be replaced.  Minor chips may be polished or repaired, but veneers are very strong (if done properly) and don't get damaged easily.

Every office will probably have its own protocol for veneer maintenance.  In my office we have a limited warranty that lasts five years and is dependent on the patient keeping all scheduled maintenance appointments.  If a veneer breaks or cracks within that time frame it is replaced according to the warranty.  Offices that are up to date with techniques and materials will also use specific cleaning agents that are less abrasive on porcelain to help with longevity.

The cost to maintain your veneers is the same as natural teeth. Most of the patients in my office are seen 4 times per year by my hygienist for routine maintenance. If a veneer were to break it would need replacement just as a porcelain inlay, or crown. In my office I stand behind all my work for at least 3 years as long as a patient is in for regular hygiene maintenance. Meaning I will replace it at no cost regardless of why it broke.