Won't zirconium veneer damage my opposing tooth since it's so hard?

Question

i got porcelain veneers 3 years back on my lateral incisors. 2 days back the veneer broke.(and other veneer has also broken before,and dentist replaced it with the same material, porcelain)..now my dentist is suggesting to get a zirconium veneer instead as it is even harder than natural tooth,so less chance of breaking

Steven Davidowitz, DDS · Answer

The porcelain material of a veneer or crown is a harder material and stronger than natural enamel.  Therefore, it could wear down the natural tooth structure of the apposing arch if the bite is not observed and adjusted accordingly. However, a porcelain veneer on a lateral incisor (as apposed to a crown) is usually designed to just fit over the chewing edge of the tooth and will therefore not be in contact with the apposing tooth's enamel.

Mojgan Fajiram, DDS · Answer

If these veneers are only on your laterals, then it shouldn't affect the enamel of lower teeth.  However, veneers shouldn't break so easily on the laterals , unless your bite is wrong , or you are grinding.  In that case, night guard would be highly suggested.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:To some degree all porcelain materials wear down natural opposing teeth.  It's best to wear a night guard to make sure there is no clenching or grinding that would speed up the wear.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Edward L. Loev, DMD · Answer

it is true that porcelain is harder than enamel and could wear down the natural tooth structure if the bite is not balanced. However, a porcelain veneer usually is designed to just fit over the incisal edge of the tooth to be treated and in most cases the porcelain will not touch the enamel

Won't zirconium veneer damage my opposing tooth since it's so hard?

Answers (4)

Answer: Wear concerns of Zirconium vs. enamel

Answer: Wear concerns of Zirconium vs. enamel

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Won't zirconium veneer damage my opposing tooth since it's so hard?

Answers (4)

Answer: Wear concerns of Zirconium vs. enamel

Answer: Wear concerns of Zirconium vs. enamel

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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.