Porcelain Veneer Liability Period?

Question

I had 4 veneers installed 16 months ago. One has come off 8 times. It was lost and a replaced free of charge the fourth time it came off. It just came off again this weekend. Is the original dentist still responsible to recement the veneer and replace it if it is lost? If so, how long is he responsible? Even if his agreement says one year, shouldn't he still be responsible due to the ongoing issues? It came off the first time less than a month after the initial treatment. The other 3 are fine.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Dentists are not obligated to warranty work, but it makes good business sense to do so to a certain degree.  We all have our opinions on what should be done and when.

	 

	When a veneer comes off, and it is NOT normal, it is often due to 3 things.  First is the bite.  If you grind your teeth, veneers are prone to fracture or come off.  Second is prep design.  Some preps are more retentive or have more surface area to hold onto.  Prep-less style would be more likely to come off.  And finally bonding technique/materials.  Some materials work better than others, and ALL materials have specific instructions that must be followed perfectly.

	 

	Once it came off the second time, I would have moved toward a 3/4 or full crown.  Whether I did it for free would depend on discussions at the start, as in were your teeth worn flat and we added length?  Then the odds of coming off were good and I would have warned you, etc....

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

A porcelain veneer that has come off eight times in 16 months has an inherent problem. A porcelain veneer that comes off is usually either a bite problem and/or a bonding issue. Because it has come off eight times and hasn't broken it sounds like a bonding issue. Because the other three veneers are doing fine it must be something to do with the specific tooth. It could be the tooth was over prepared or it is being bonded to old restorations. Porcelain veneers work best when bonded to enamel. If a tooth is over prepared (usually because it is way out of alignment with adjacent teeth) then the enamel is removed and the veneer has to be bonded to the next layer of tooth structure called dentin. Porcelain veneers  do not bond well to dentin and if you combine a bite issue (biting too hard on that specific tooth) then the veneer will have retention problems. If porcelain veneers are bonded to old dental restorations then once again the bond strength is not strong and will have a tendency to fall off.

	This is a frustrating thing for both you and the doctor. If you were my patient the problem would be fixed FREE of charge until you were happy with the results. It might mean a different restoration is done to solve the problem and in my office I would not charge you for that new restoration. You have paid a lot of money to solve a dental problem but the problem has not been fully solved if the solution continues to fail.

	Good luck!

Pamela Marzban, DDS · Answer

Every dentist is different, i can imagine what you are going through with this particular veneer. Many facts could make a veneer to come off, but if you have signed a contract that explains clearly any replacing and cementation at no charge, you should go with it. You can always go for a second opinion to find out why that tooth is giving you so much trouble.

	According to insurance companies, a porcelain restoration should last between 5-7 years for them to give you coverage at all, dentists do not have such a policy. As a courtesy and loyalty to our patients, we offer a certain coverage in case anything happens. Every case is different and time lenght is determine with the patient at the moment. We like to make our patients happy and for them to feel comfortable we will make it happen. In  some cases, accidents happen and other decisions are taken, but always making our patients happy. Go to the dentist that fabricated the veneers for you and tell them your concerns.

Scott Greenhalgh, DDS · Answer

Everyone's teeth and their dental work are unique. Each dentist will also have their own policy about how they stand behind their work (and for how long).

	 

	You sound frustrated that you have had your veneer off eight times. That concerns me. In general veneers are very reliable. There may be an issue with the bonding/adhesion process.

	 

	If you want the least expensive route, consider seeing the same dentist. Hopefully he can recement it again.

	 

	If you want peace of mind and the longest lasting solution I would consider going to a cosmetic dentist and let him recement it. There could also be an issue with your bite. An experienced cosmetic dentist will get the problem solved for you.

George Koutsoukos, DDS · Answer

Obviously something is wrong with that particular tooth and veneer since the others the dentist placed are fine!  But to answer your questions you presented, the dentist has no repsonsibility to replace a veneer or even recement a veneer without charging you. If you have an agreement in place that says one year, that is what he will stand by. He might have a moral responsibility, but not a legal one. Why not go to another dentist for a consultation regarding the problem you are having with that veneer? Another professional opinion might be helpful. Also you have two choices here, continue to go back to the same dentist and have it fall out, or find another one who can do it correctly or tell you exactly what is going on with that particular tooth. Sometimes the frustration is not worth it! I am so sorry this has happened to you...veneers are expensive and you want to have them work and look beautiful and you have had nothing but aggravation.

Porcelain Veneer Liability Period?

Answers (8)

Answer: Porcelain Veneer Warranty Period?

Answer: Porcelain Veneer Warranty Period?

Answer: Veneer has come off 8 times in less than a year and a half!

Answer: Veneer has come off 8 times in less than a year and a half!

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Porcelain Veneer Liability Period?

Answers (8)

Answer: Porcelain Veneer Warranty Period?

Answer: Porcelain Veneer Warranty Period?

Answer: Veneer has come off 8 times in less than a year and a half!

Answer: Veneer has come off 8 times in less than a year and a half!

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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.