Is it a ideal to place veneers inside the back of your front teeth because enamel has been gone due to grinding and bite issues?

Question

Is it a good idea to place plastic or porcelain veneers inside the back of your front teeth (6 to 7) because the natural enamel has been completely gone due to grinding and bite issues. I had the bite issue corrected with braces already. Are there any other alternatives? Veneers seem to wear out in a few years and somewhat cost prohibitive. Is it even necessary? What are your thoughts? Thank you.

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

If loss of enamel, due to acid erosion or other factors.. causing eroded teeth , especially on the back side of teeth, the dentist can TRY to restore the lingual (back side of front teeth) with dental bond, possibly lingual composite veneer, or lingual porcelain veneer. The longevity is questionable since all the enamel is gone! and the dentist is relying on dental bond to bond to dentin!In my opinion it is worth it to the least invasive method to restore the teeth conservatively with lingual veneers, only if financial is not an issue. Lingual veneers  is the least invasive method, vs placing a porcelain crown, in which it is a more aggressive approach!

Edward A. Alvarez, DDS - Account Suspened · Answer

Hi, and thank you for your question. If you have damaged the back of your front teeth from bite issues, you have done the proper first step, which is using orthodontics (braces or Invisalign) to correct the occlusion (bite). Veneers done on the back of teeth can be difficult due to the amount of space necessary for proper thickness of the material to prevent fracture of the veneer. Your best bet is to use cerec veneers made from a nano-ceramic such a cerasmart. If you put porcelain on the back of your front teeth first, the bond will not be that great since much of the enamel is gone and they can come off, second, porcelain is harder than enamel, and you will end up wearing away your front teeth. A nano-ceramic will be kinder to your opposing (lower) teeth. The bond can also be stronger than regular porcelain. You should also stay away from any type of zirconia veneers because they are extremely hard and will damage you lower teeth even faster than porcelain. 
No matter what choice of material you choose to have placed by your dentist, you MUST have an occlusal guard (night guard) made to protect your teeth. Prevention is much cheaper than having to redo the veneers a few years later. 
Best, of luck... Dr. Alvarez

Emery Cole, DMD, FAGD · Answer

I would suggest using bonded composite filling material to build up the back sides of the teeth.  If more strength and canine guidance support is needed, I would find a CEREC dentist to custom mill you lingual veneers using GC CeraSmart material if that level of durability is required.....but first, composite filling material.These lingual veneer composites may need occasional polish or addition if needed to support your bite but that varies greatly on your final occlusal result post ortho.

Is it a ideal to place veneers inside the back of your front teeth because enamel has been gone due to grinding and bite issues?

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Is it a ideal to place veneers inside the back of your front teeth because enamel has been gone due to grinding and bite issues?

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

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