When a Veneer Fails

Understanding Veneer Limitations

A veneer is a thin covering over the enamel of a tooth. In order for the veneer to bond correctly, it needs to be bonded to the enamel of the tooth rather the dentin. They are fabricated from a composite resin, or, in ideal circumstances, from porcelain. Veneers are an excellent option for correcting discoloration, gaps, and minor shape imperfections, and they require minimal tooth preparation.

However, veneers do have limitations. If the underlying color of the tooth becomes darker, the veneer can no longer be used, because it cannot mask that color. This commonly happens when a tooth has undergone root canal treatment or when staining occurs beneath the veneer. Once this happens, the veneer has to be replaced with a full coverage crown that blocks the dark coloration and allows the incorporation of the right amount of translucency and internal coloration to match to the adjacent tooth. This is a very difficult process when restoring the maxillary central incisor, because it is on the midline of the jaw and face, where every subtle detail affects the overall aesthetic result.

Restoring Veneers with Custom Crowns

The replacement crown was fabricated on a tooth colored zirconia coping, which was milled to fit tooth abutments with the crown anatomy then being custom fabricated by our in-house technician. This provided the natural aesthetics presented here. Rather than simply replacing a veneer with another veneer, this case required a comprehensive restoration that could provide full coverage and complete control over color and light transmission.

The natural colored substructure zirconia coping was used to make it blend better with the adjacent maxillary central incisor and create a more natural looking crown. This attention to detail, combined with our in-house laboratory capabilities, ensures that when a veneer fails, the replacement restoration is not just a fix, but an enhancement. If you have a failing veneer or are concerned about your existing veneers, contact our office for a consultation to discuss the best options for your unique situation.