Can a stain be removed from a composite resin veneer without damaging the tooth and enamel underneath? (Photo)

Question

I got composite resin veneers over 3 months ago, within the first 2 weeks I had gotten a tiny black stain the size of a tiny dot on my veneer. I didn't think much of it since it was tiny and thought with vigorous brushing it might go away. However not only has it not gone away but now I have another black stain above it and a tiny pin size hole next to it. Can these be fixed without tooth & enamel damage or loss? Are they a concern? How is it done? Can it be fixed without changing the veneer?

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

The only way to really remove a permanent on a resin veneer is to redo the resin veneer.  This should not damage the underlying tooth or neighboring teeth.  Unfortunately, resin veneers are prone to staining, so this is why I recommend porcelain veneers because they are so permanently white, like your toilet bowl. I hope this helps,Dr. Sarah Thompson

Anthony Mobasser, DDS, DMD · Answer

The stain in your dental bonding, needs to be repaired! Your good dentist can remove the stain by polishing and if it is deep, or there was a porosity, your dentist can easily add to your composite material with new composite. This will not cause any damage to your enamel. The composite bonding can be repaired.

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

This should not be that difficult to correct.  Call and schedule with your dentist to correct this when you are able to.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

It is possible the discoloration is from "bubbles" or pockets of air within the composite material itself, and only total replacement will fix this.  Minimal to zero damage to the tooth is possible, but the minor discoloration is just that.  Minor.  The veneer is not weaker or compromised, and only you and your dentist can even see this spot.

Thomas Dey, BDS, MSc · Answer

Composite veneers as on your teeth are the same material that white composite fillings are made from. 
This means they come out of a syringe or cartridge, but they inherently have tiny air bubbles whilst they are in their container. When they are applied to the tooth the air bubbles can appear solid but are really quite weak. After the slightest impact the bubbles burst and let staining settle in them.
If they are small areas, a repair after cutting back some of the matter is quite straightforward. If the areas are larger, the same technique can effectively mean that the veneer is redone.
It is your dentist's responsibility to correct this so simply speak to him or her and it will be corrected for you.
Kind regards
Thomas Dey, BDS, MSc

Can a stain be removed from a composite resin veneer without damaging the tooth and enamel underneath? (Photo)

Answers (5)