Hairline crack on new veneers, is this normal? (photos)

Question

Hi, Just received veneers recently, and found that when light is shined on a couple of veneers, you can see what seems to be a hairline fracture/crack. However, under normal circumstances, it is invisible. Is this normal? Will there be complications a couple years down the line? I just want to make sure that structural integrity of the veneers aren't compromised. Thanks.

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

Cracks on your veneers is a concern, so is fracture and cracks on porcelain crowns. Check with your dentist asap. Some of the causes of hairline fracture are but not limited to the following:If the porcelain veneer was bonded well, then rarely it will get to a full blown fracture at middle third of the tooth! Usually the dentist:1-check the occlusion and the bite, which causes shear and flexural stress2- possible microscopic void in the porcelain3-Bonding protocol with the composite resin.Your hairline fracture, does not look like craze lines which the ceramist usually incorporate to mimick natural tooth, and is not on the edge of the tooth, meaning it might not get to full blown fracture, just visit your cosmetic dentist for a check, and advise.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Depending on the material used and bonding process, these veneers may last a very long time despite some minor cracks.  Cracks do NOT mean fracture, but it does "tell a story".  If these were done last week, I would likely replace.  If it has been a while, it may not change at all.  If you can feel the crack with your fingernail, then the crack may stain over time.

Ryan M Clancy, DMD, MAGD, LVIF · Answer

I would pay a visit to your dentist to have the veneer checked out and replaced if necessary. A small crack may become worse over time, so it's better to have it looked at sooner rather than later.

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:Sometime there are lines out into the veneers to make it look natural by the lab. It is important to make sure it is a line or a fracture line. It’s best to go back to your dentist right away and share your concern.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Gary Braunstein, DDS · Answer

It is not normal to have cracks in new veneers, although they may function normally for many years without issue. I would bring it to the attention of your dentist and make sure he notes it on your records. He should give you a guarantee to replace them if they should fail  in the future  due to the cracks.   Or he may prefer to replace them now so that he can get the lab to take responsibility and not incur an  additional charge for replacing them.  He might have to pat an additional lab fee if he waits for several years and then they fail. I would discuss these issues with him and come to an understanding.

Hairline crack on new veneers, is this normal? (photos)

Answers (5)