Are Veneers Replaceable? What to Expect

Veneers can provide a significant improvement in the appearance of a smile, but they are not considered a permanent restoration. Even high quality veneers can eventually need to be replaced because of normal wear, damage, changes in the underlying tooth, or simply because a patient wants to update their smile. The good news is that veneer replacement is a routine part of cosmetic dentistry when it is properly planned.

Why Might Veneers Need to Be Replaced?

Porcelain veneers are durable, but everyday chewing forces eventually take their toll. A veneer can chip or crack, particularly if a patient clenches or grinds their teeth. Veneers may also become damaged if someone regularly bites hard objects or uses their teeth as tools.

Changes in the gums or underlying tooth can also affect an existing veneer. Gum recession, decay, or changes in the bite should be evaluated before a replacement is considered.

Your Scottsdale dentist will typically examine both the veneer and the tooth underneath it to determine why replacement is needed and whether additional treatment should be completed first.

What Happens During the Evaluation?

The process begins with a thorough examination. Your dentist will look at the condition of the existing veneers, surrounding teeth, gums, and bite. Digital photographs or scans may be used to help evaluate the smile and plan the replacement.

Your exam and appointment is also an opportunity to discuss what you liked or disliked about your original veneers. Some patients want to maintain the same appearance, while others want changes to the shade, shape, length, or overall design.

Removing the Existing Veneers

Removing veneers requires care and precision. Depending on the circumstances, your dentist may need to remove the existing restoration and prepare the tooth for the new veneer. The amount of preparation needed depends on the original treatment and the condition of the tooth.

If decay, cracks, or other problems are discovered underneath the old veneer, those issues will need to be addressed before the new restoration is placed.

Designing Your Replacement Veneers

Modern digital technology allows the dentist and laboratory to plan replacements with considerable detail. The new veneers can be designed to complement the patient’s facial features, smile line, and surrounding teeth.

Temporary restorations may be used while the permanent veneers are being fabricated. This gives patients a chance to see how the planned changes look and feel before the final veneers are bonded.

Keeping Replacement Veneers Looking Their Best

Once the new veneers are placed, maintaining them is much like caring for natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and routine dental examinations are important.

A dentist in Scottsdale can also monitor the veneers over time and identify small concerns before they develop into larger problems. With appropriate care, replacement veneers can provide many years of attractive and functional results.