porcelain veneers consultation Archives - Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics

Why Do Porcelain Veneers Darken?

Porcelain veneers will darken if damaged, or your teeth behind them are turning darker. Dental porcelain is more stain resistant than natural tooth enamel. Consider the factors:

Damaged porcelain veneers – A dental hygienist may mistakenly use power polishing equipment on porcelain veneers, which will destroy the glaze on the veneers. Damage glazed causes the veneers to attract stains and darken. Acidulated fluoride treatment or other potent dental chemicals can erode the glaze, causing porcelain veneers to stain and darken.

Darkening natural teeth – Tooth decay or other factors can cause natural teeth to darken. As natural teeth darken behind the veneers, the color may show through translucent porcelain veneers. If the bond between your veneers and teeth weakens, bacteria can seep between them, causing tooth decay. However, other factors, including medical conditions can cause teeth to darken.

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

We encourage you to schedule consultations with two advanced cosmetic dentists in your area to examine your teeth and veneers. The dentist will explain possible causes, but you may require an exam and X-rays to identify the source of the problem. Your treatment options may include:

Lightening your teeth beneath the veneers – Teeth bleaching may lighten your teeth.

Polishing the veneers – Diamond polishing instruments and paste may improve the veneers’ appearance.

Replacing the veneers – You may need new porcelain veneers.

Check cosmetic dentists’ credentials and reviews before scheduling consultations.

My upper front teeth are clearly uneven when I smile, and I have an almost ¼-inch gap between my teeth. Three left teeth look like strays because of their spacing and position. I have searched online for solutions, and it seems that porcelain veneers or braces are my best options. Is that correct? Also, I know that upper-level dental plans offer some orthodontic coverage, but what about coverage for veneers? Thanks for your response. – Darcie from San Diego

Darcie,

Thank you for your question. Dr. LeSage would need to examine and x-ray your teeth to determine treatment options, but we will compare veneers and braces and the type of insurance coverage you can expect.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers?

Dental insurance usually does not cover porcelain veneers because they are cosmetic treatment. Dental procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth rather than resolve oral health concerns are elective, and insurance will not cover them. Your dentist can give you a pretreatment estimate to submit to the insurance company and help you understand your out-of-pocket costs for porcelain veneers.

Will Dental Insurance Cover Braces?

Most higher-tiered or premier dental plans pay for a percentage of your treatment with traditional braces and clear aligners, like Invisalign. Still, dental insurance does not pay for all your treatment costs. Plans that offer orthodontic benefits have a lifetime maximum for payments toward your treatment. Ask a dentist for a pre-treatment estimate for braces, and your dental insurance company will explain how much the plan will pay and what you can expect for out-of-pocket costs.

How Do Porcelain Veneers and Braces Compare?

Porcelain veneers and braces can straighten your teeth, but how do they compare? Some cases of spacing and misalignment are so complex that they require braces. Still, dental technology offers options for braces with clear brackets and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, which makes braces less noticeable.