Veneer chip at back of front tooth. I am extremely hesitant in having the whole veneer replaced. What are my options?

Question

I have a veneered front tooth that has a small chip where the veneer meets my original tooth at the back. I would like to have that chip filled in, but my dentist wants to take off my original veneer and replace it, which I am very reluctant to do. As I am not having any problems with that tooth (except for the chip) I am extremely hesitant in having the whole veneer replaced. He has not done an x-ray on that tooth and I don't have any visual signs of decay. What are my options?

Parsa T. Zadeh, DDS · Answer

Repairing of veneers is difficult, but if it is in the back, it can probably be given a patched or bonding repair. If the veneer itself; however, has suffered any structural damage, it may need to be replaced. If you feel like your dentist is pushing too hard to replace a veneer that might otherwise be capable of repair with some bonding, I'd seek a second opinion with another dentist. It always pays to see what your options so you can save yourself trouble and money.

David Hornbrook, DDS, FAACD · Answer

If the chip is on the inside of the tooth, or lingual as we call it in our
dental world, often times this can roughened up a little bit and then a bonding
resin can be placed to fill in the chip.  If the chip is actually a
fracture in the porcelain and your dentist feels that this crack is
compromising the entire veneer or that it might break off completely, they may
want to replace it.  My goal is always to try and be as conservative as
possible at first.  If the repair fails, the veneer can still be replaced
with no consequences.  If the repair is successful, this is a great
service for you.

Veneer chip at back of front tooth. I am extremely hesitant in having the whole veneer replaced. What are my options?

Answers (2)

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Veneer chip at back of front tooth. I am extremely hesitant in having the whole veneer replaced. What are my options?

Answers (2)

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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.