Does the application of porcelain veneers ever require filing down of whole teeth?

Question

In May 2015, I had 8 porcelain veneers bonded to my top teeth, which were small due to grinding. Two nights ago the front left veneer snapped. The dentist applied a temporary today, but this has also fallen off. It's the first time I've seen a bare tooth since beginning treatment, & I'm shocked how much he's removed. I thought only enamel was chipped away during preparation, but my whole tooth has been filed down at least .5cm. I'd like to know if this is normal? Many thanks.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Without a photo, I can't really say if what you have is good or bad.  However, it should be noted that teeth are somewhat "tulip shaped" and while the margin (the edge near the gums) may only show 1/2 mm removed, the part that flared out from the gums may be more than that (depends on the tooth and its shape).  If the teeth were not in PERFECT alignment before treatment, then the dentist must be a bit more aggressive with enamel shaping for the best result.Depending on the bonding process and the materials used, it shouldn't really matter.  As long as the material is bonded well, the result is actually STRONGER than the tooth was originally.  It isn't bullet proof (or beer bottle cap resistant) so take care like normal.The main issue MAY be your bite.  You state the teeth were worn short, so the bite forces may still be in play.  If you are still grinding, the veneers may not last.  Many grinders benefit from more than simply 8 veneers and should have a bite analysis performed (I suggest using computer instrumentation like a tek-scan or a K-7 from Myotronics).  This data will tell us what the best next step would be.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello there,The amount of "filing" really depends on the starting condition of your teeth.  If your teeth are aligned very well, just need to be whiter or more uniform in size, then minimal filing is usually required.  However, if your teeth were misaligned (crowded to close together, huge spaces between them, protruding, or anything else), then more filing is desirable.  It is impossible to really determine whether your teeth were appropriately filed without photos and xrays of your before and after teeth.  More important than the filing is whether you love your teeth or not and whether the work done will lasts 20-30 years.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MO area (O'Fallon, IL)Real Self 100

Does the application of porcelain veneers ever require filing down of whole teeth?

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Does the application of porcelain veneers ever require filing down of whole teeth?

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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.