Sat - By Appointment
August 24, 2016
Most porcelain veneer emergencies are related to:
- Fracture – Breaking, cracking, crazing, chipping, etc…
- Debonding – The veneer has come off, generally intact.
So, if you’ve notice that something is different about your tooth the first thing to do is determine which of the two has occurred.
1) Check to see if your veneer is still intact.
Carefully remove whatever parts of your restoration are in your mouth without damaging them further.
- If you only find one piece and it’s fairly sizable, then your laminate may not have broken but instead debonded (come off whole without breaking). If it has, your dentist may possibly be able to reattach it.
- If it’s broken, your dentist’s only option will be to make you a new one.
[See below for more information about both scenarios.]
a) What to look for.
To get an idea if it’s whole or not, take a look at your veneer’s overall shape.
- Intact veneers usually have an outline form that’s rounded and fairly symmetrical.
- When you look down on it’s convex (shiniest) surface, it should look exactly like a tooth.
You can also evaluate the tooth it came off. You may see broken segments still attached. (If you do, be careful. Shards of porcelain like these can be rough or sharp to your tongue and/or lips.)
b) Store it carefully.
If you do have the whole thing as one piece, and if you can get it to your dentist’s office safely, having it may save you the cost of a new one. So, wrap it up in some bathroom tissue and then place it in a hard protective container, like a medicine bottle.
If it’s broken, you can save the parts to show to your dentist, but most likely they’ll only be a curiosity to them.
2) Let your dentist know you have a problem.
You will, of course, need to contact your dentist’s office and report to them what has occurred. And they’ll need to arrange an appointment for you so they can evaluate exactly what has happened.
3) What to expect in the mean time.
a) Your tooth will probably be just fine.
In most cases, when your veneer was originally placed only a minimal amount of your tooth’s front surface was trimmed away. If that’s the case, then it’s unlikely that your tooth will experience any significant problems between now and when you get in to see your dentist.
If you need more reassuring –
With many veneer cases, no temporaries are placed. The patient’s teeth are left uncovered (like your tooth that’s lost its veneer is now) for the entire one to two weeks while their laminates are being made.
b) What you’re likely to notice.
Since your tooth has lost some or all of its front covering …
- It may have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages.
- You may find that it’s rough or irritating to your lips and tongue. (Especially in the case that a part of a broken veneer is still attached to your tooth.)
… So be careful.
c) Temporary solutions for these problems.
If you do experience trouble with thermal sensitivity, or especially surface roughness, placing a protective layer of wax over your tooth can help to provide relief.
- Most drugstores sell white dental wax. (It’s frequently needed by orthodontic patients to cover over sharp brackets and wires.)
- Just squish a small, flattened piece of it over your tooth. Letting it work its way in between your teeth somewhat will help to hold it in place.
4) Your dental appointment.
When you do get in to see your dentist, if there are any sharp or irritating parts of your veneer still remaining on your tooth, they can trim them off or buff them down. Doing so should be painless and just take a few moments.
a) Can your porcelain veneer be reattached?
If your laminate has debonded (has come off your tooth but is still in one piece), your dentist may be able to reattach it.
The success of the repair will be influenced by:
- The type of debonding that took place. Possible scenarios: a) The veneer + cement (together as a unit) separated from the tooth. b) The veneer debonded alone (the cement remained attached to the tooth).
- How successfully the dentist can prepare the tooth, and especially the veneer’s internal surface, for the re-bonding process.
Success may be limited.
From a practical and cost standpoint, reattachment is worth a try. But it’s likely that perfectly ideal conditions won’t be met and the bond created will be subpar. (The more predictable, although more expensive and time consuming, solution is to make plans to have the veneer remade.)
b) Can a broken porcelain veneer be repaired?
If just a very small portion of your veneer has come off, it may be possible for your dentist to create a patch. However, this is not a first choice but simply one that’s used as a practical solution.
Generally, there are two main problems that tend to come into play with this type of plan.
- Your laminate is made out of porcelain but the only material your dentist has to make a repair with is plastic (dental bonding/dental composite).
That means that even if the repair looks satisfactory initially (which it very well may), over the long haul (months and years) the less durable bonding will deteriorate (pick up stain, fleck off at the junction with the porcelain) and a distinction between it and the veneer will become obvious.
- With repairs located in areas where substantial forces are involved (like the biting edges of teeth), the bond between the veneer’s porcelain and the dental composite patch may (likely will) prove to be troublesome.
Managing minor chips.
If only a small bit of porcelain has flecked off, one solution is for your dentist to trim and buff your veneer until the chip’s divot has been polished out.
This makes a very lasting solution. However, neighboring teeth may need to be recontoured in a similar fashion so the symmetry of your smile is maintained.
Cracks in veneers.
You may have encountered the situation where you’ve discovered a crack or craze lines in your veneer but otherwise it remains whole and in place on your tooth.
In this type of situation, it’s impossible for your dentist to know how firmly the fractured parts are still bonded to your tooth. Additionally, over time the crack will tend to accumulate stain, ultimately spoiling the veneer’s appearance.
There really isn’t any type of repair that can be made in this type of situation. There’s no way for your dentist to fill in the crack or bond the two pieces of porcelain back together. You’ll simply need to make plans with your dentist to have your veneer remade.
5) What if your porcelain veneer can’t be replaced?
Sometimes replacing a veneer either isn’t possible or doesn’t make a reasonable choice.
Proper case selection is a very important part of being able to create a successful veneering outcome. And it may be that now that problems have occurred (possibly more than once) that it’s obvious that your situation really wasn’t (or no longer is) a suitable application for this technique.
Misdiagnosing veneers.
That scenario isn’t terribly uncommon. As we discuss here, a recent trend in dentistry has been one where dentists and manufacturers have pushed the use of veneers to remedy conditions that far exceed the original applications for this procedure. This includes: a) “Instant” orthodontics for severely misaligned teeth, b) Lightening very dark teeth.
If replacement isn’t possible or prudent, then having a dental crown made is the next step for your tooth.
6) Learn from past events.
For future reference, it makes sense to take note of what activity broke, or immediately preceded the breaking of, your veneer. And then, obviously, do your best to minimize or eliminate it (stop biting your finger nails, clenching your teeth, etc…).
Discuss your circumstances with your dentist. They may be able to suggest some solutions.
Underlying causes of veneer fracture and debonding.
The type of veneer emergency that you’ve experienced can give your dentist a hint about what type of underlying problem lies at hand.
a) Debonding.
A porcelain veneer is a sandwiched affair, consisting of tooth, cement and ceramic. When one debonds (comes off its tooth, primarily in one piece), the separation may have taken place either at the ceramic/cement junction or else the tooth/cement one.
What usually happens.
- Assuming that the original placement conditions were ideal, the most common failure point lies at the tooth and cement interface.
- The most likely cause for this is that the tooth surface to which the veneer has been bonded involves a high percentage of dentin (the tooth layer underneath dental enamel).
Explanation.
Dental materials will create a bond with dentin. But the strength of this bond is far weaker than the one possible with dental enamel (use the link above for more details).
If a high percentage of the tooth’s surface is exposed dentin, the strength of the tooth-to-cement interface will be comparatively weak.
Solutions.
As explained above, a dentist can attempt to re-bond the veneer. Unfortunately, the same underlying condition will still persist (not enough tooth enamel is present to create a secure bond) and therefore further episodes of debonding may be likely.
Especially in the case of repeated failure, making a dental crown for the tooth instead may be the only lasting solution.
b) Fracture.
Considering the thin, fragile nature of porcelain veneers, it may be surprising to most people that breakage or fracturing happens as seldom as it does.
These restorations work because when they’re bonded onto enamel, it’s the more rigid of the two and therefore tends to absorb most of the forces directed to the tooth.
Cracking.
When a veneer cracks, it suggests that the opposite is the case. The forces applied have been directed to it instead of tooth structure.
As an example, when a veneer is bonded to primarily tooth dentin (the problem discussed above) the laminate is the stiffer of the two. This tends to focus forces applied to the tooth to the veneer, thus leading to fracture.
RELATED Food You Can and Cannot Eat if You Have Dental Veneers
Chipping.
In some cases, just a small chip may have broken off a porcelain veneer (like off of its biting edge).
This would simply be testament to the fact that the tooth/veneer complex has been able to successfully withstand the pressures applied to it. However, the forces applied exceeded the internal strength of the ceramic itself.
The activity that caused the chipping might be a one-time event, like unexpectedly biting into something hard. But often it’s a parafunctional habit that is the problem and must be curtailed (clenching teeth, biting fingernails).
animated-teeth.com
Share With Your Friends:
Testimonials
Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist whose main priority is making sure his patients are comfortable and get the best dentistry he can offer. He provides an attentive service, and...
Natallia Harbacheuskaya (Hollywood, FL)
The receptionist goes above and be on for the customers. Excellent service the doctor treats you with all his attention feels like I’m right at home and explain everything detailed....
Sophie Garcia (Royal Palm Beach, FL)
What a great experience at the dentist!! I wish I had found these guys years ago, maybe I wouldn't be so afraid of the dentist. Thought I needed a root...
Craig Balsam (Wellington, FL)
Fast service and the best staff! I highly recommend this Dentist. I've been going to this Dentist for 2 years and I travel far now just to come here. They...
Christine (Orlando, FL)
I always have a great experience when I come here, the staff is wonderful and I would not change my dental office for anything in the world.. Jessica is amazing...
Shiloh Robinson (Wellington, FL)
Very professional office. Good dentist.Clean dental office
Anna K. (Hollywood, FL)
For me, dental work always came with the presumption of pain and discomfort. That's why it was always very difficult to get any recommended work done, because all I'd have...
Iry T. (Hallandale Beach, FL)
I went to the office to get teeth cleaning! The receptionist was overwhelmed with something, but she was the sweetest. My dental hygienist did great job, made sure I feel...
Elizaveta C. (Miami, FL)
I recommend this place to anyone that needs any type of dental work done , I always feel welcome from the moment i sign in untill my visit is over...
Lyn F (Wellington, FL)
Benjamin R. (West Pam Beach, FL)
Entire office & staff is very accommodating and attentive to all your needs. The dentist was very nice and professional and really took the time to explain to me everything...
Tiffany D. (Hollywood, FL)
I have been going to this office now for the past 3 years. From Jessica working the front, to having my teeth cleaned, and both Drs. working on my teeth,...
Joanne Purdy (Wellington, FL)
Great staff I was nervous but they made me feel at ease. I am confident that they will give me the smile that I airways wanted. The receptionist personality is...
Uuggh uggh (West Palm Beach, FL)
Very helpful and amazing response time! Found them on Instagram and I'm happy I did!
Cece Esk (Hollywood, FL)
I finally found a great dentist who does its all, root canals, caps, and implants. I needed major work on my mouth all at once, although it was expensive because...
Diane O’Brocki (Loxahatchee, FL)
Loved coming here, very nice Doctor and wonderful experience with a great cleaning. Receptionist is awesome too.
Lina Lobo (Greenacres, FL)
Absolutely amazing. Jess and Jessica at the front made me feel so comfortable and helped me conquer my fear of the dentist. The office is clean and welcoming I completely...
Hayley Kaplan (Wellington, FL)
A Center for Dental Excellence is fantastic. They’re understanding and extremely competent. Not only is the dental care itself excellent, but their quality of caring about their patients is unparalleled....
Haylee J (Aberdeen, FL)
Dr. Gorbatov is an outstanding dental surgeon and professional in every sense of the word. He and his entire staff are wonderful--- by far the most knowledgeable and compassionate of...
Salt&Light (West Palm Beach, FL)
Wonderful facility and staff, very professional.
(Sunny Isles, FL)
Incredible how I was just taking my mother to her dentist appointment to me ending up becoming a patient, Jessica greeted me with such warmth and compassion and immediately noticed...
Aracelis Figueroa (Wellington, FL)
I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly...
ML GG (Aventura, FL)
Dr. Gorbatov was very thorough and went over all concerns I had (I'm not really a fan of the dentist). He is definitely the nicest Dentist I have ever been...
Sofia Rodriguez (Hallandale Beach, FL)
This is the Best Dental Office I ever was. Great personality, gentle touch and perfectionism in all aspects of cosmetic dentistry. Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for creating Smile I always...
Yuriy Gorobets (Hallandale Beach, FL)
Thank you Dr. Gorbatov for the great experience, your gentle touch and quality work you have done on my teeth. I have been very pleased with your professional, yet personable...
Irina D. (Port Orange, FL)
I take my 90yr great grandmother to this office and they are so kind and she feels so loved here. Every visit she receives excellent service and quality work. Thank...
Farron Ann (Wellington, FL)
Jessica at the front has helped me tremendously and the Dr has made the large amount of work that I have had done painless
Celeste Clossin (Wellington, FL)
I are retired dentist and visit dr Gorbatov,s office like a patien for dental works. We graduate the same school New York university and l can tell you the dr...
Shmuil Aronovich (Hallandale Beach, FL)
Had an amazing experience. Staff was very caring and nice. They are very honest
Billie Selinsky (Wellington, FL)
The atmosphere in this office is beyond believe, I instantly felt comfortable with Dr Dimitiri and his assistant Yuri. They work great together. I had 6 veneers put in and...
Ruslan Gahramanov (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Thank you personally and from the bottom of my heart for the kindness and consideration you showed my mom, Catherine the other day! ?
Patrizia Rondelli (Hollywood, FL)
S u p e r b ...Immaculate dentistry! I was impressed with a GREAT attention to details! His work is truly an ART and priceless! Everyone in the office is...
Gordana Skracic (Aventura, FL)
Wonderful service
Noel Reyes (Lake Worth, FL)
I've been looking for a good dentist since So. FL lacks them. Not anymore, great professional services, and best of all, you will find a personal touch. You will truly...
ML GG (Hollywood, FL)
Thank you doctor for my beautiful smile!
V V (Hollywood, FL)
I have been having a lot of issues with my teeth for quiet some time, including broken molars and bad procedures at other dental facilities. I came to Dr. Gorbatov...
Felix Spengler (Miami, FL)
First time here the staff and Dr were so informative and professional thank you for making my experience run so smooth ?
Evelyn Garcia (Greenacres, FL)
Been going here forever and they do an excellent job with all your dental needs and even with cosmetic dentistry as well!
Lauren Harris (Lake Worth, FL)
Love the staff and great service!!
Rebeca Saravia (Dania Beach, FL)
My experience was great.Doctor is very professional.I really recommend.The best place to go for your dental.
Olga Meverden (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
I had been looking for a dentist for a few months and I was referred to Dr. Gorbatov and I can certainly see why. I've always been a little skeptical...
Jazlyne Jimenez (Hallandale Beach, FL)
I feel I have the best care possible under Dr. Gorbatov and his team. His work is top quality and because of him I know my teeth and the health...
Alex P. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
The dentist fit me in last minute when my normal dentist was unavailable I tried them on the recommendation of a friend after I broke a veneer and had 3...
Mark Krawiec (Hollywood, FL)
I have been with the dentist for a few years now and love the care I receive. You are taken care of from the front desk person, through your visit!...
Juan Rodriguez (Greenacres, FL)
High-level professionals. Thank you, Dr. Gorbatov. I'm going to recommend your clinic to my friends. With best regards!
Vlad Shishko (Sunny Isles, FL)
From the minute I walked in the dr Gorbatov office till the and of my treatment I was pleasantly surprised with professionalism and care of Dr and his staff. I...
Anna (Hollywood, FL)
Hello, Dr.Gorbatov is truly THE BEST ,so please just forget about all the rest! I truly witnessed MIRACLE IN MAKING!!! My sister now have a MOVIE STAR SMILE! Thank you...
Valnea Del Bianco (Hallandale Beach, FL)
I have been going to Dr Gorbatov at A Center For Dental Excellence for many years now and their use of "Excellence" isn't just a marketing ploy and they definitely...
Lawrence F. (Lake Worth, FL)
No teeth fell out mid cleaning. 10/10
Erik Purdy (West Palm Beach, FL)
Excellent service , friendly & professional !!!
Mauricio Bonifacio (Sunny Isles, FL)
Very impressed with Dr. Gorbatov's ethics. He truly cared about my situation, the fact that I was from another city and had limited time off of work to address my...
Tatiana Safonova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
I would like say that this office is at the TOP of my list. The staff is awesome, it is very clean and you made at home as soon as...
Jazlyne Jimenez (Lake Worth, FL)
When I first found this office I was terrified of the dentist and I had constant anxiety when seeing dentists. Now I look forward to cleanings and my anxiety is...
Hayley Kaplan (Wellington, FL)
I know Dr. Gorbatov and use his service already for 15 years since we moved to Florida. He is an amazing doctor capable to do all types of dental and...
Eugenia Aulov-Volchek (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
I’ve been coming here for almost 10 years now and can surely say that the customer service provided is one of the best in town. Make sure to be nice...
Hype Kay (Royal Palm Beach, FL)
I want to say that I never write reviews. However I have to say that this dentist center is amazing! From the moment you enter you feel like family. Everyone...
Lisa Jerkins (Wellington, FL)
Had a great experience with Dr.Gorbatov, he is really professional and doing great his job always with a smile)) Definitely recommending him
Tanya Kusiumova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Everyone in the office is super amazingly fantastic! They're informative and understanding. Dr. Gorbatov has done great work on my teeth! The dental hygienist has been a charm, makes every...
John Kern (Hollywood, FL)
Painless, professional and efficient. Dr Gorbatov is great!
Suzanne Wilt (West Palm Beach, FL)
Awesome service. Highly recommended
Iliana Gonzalez (Royal Palm Beach, FL)
I had a great experience with Dr. Dmitry Gorbatov. He was able to save my tooth from getting a root canal. All the staff was really nice, and attentive. I...
Arthur R. (North Miami Beach, FL)
Excellent Service! Friendly, Clean and Prompt!
Deidre Reid-Thomas (West Palm Beach, FL)
This is IT!!!! As good as it gets!!! If you want a celebrity smile call his number.
Jacob F. (Miami)
I had a procedure done by Dr. Gorbatov, it was amazing, I didn't feel anything, he has very gentle hands and techniques and I didn't even feel the shot! I...
Jessica Y Montero (West Palm Beach, FL)
I have been Dr. Gorbatov's patient for over 8 years and have always received excellent service. The facility and staff are wonderful. I would highly recommend A Center for Dental...
Teresita Camacho (Lake Worth, FL)
This is the best dentist in the world who really cares about each and every patient and makes your smile look perfect! After visiting the new office you will be...
Kseniia Dursinova (Sunny Isles, FL)
Love Dr. Gorbatov! He is skilled, professional, thorough, nice, and always keeps me comfortable. The assistants and office staff are great too. I highly recommend Dr. Gorbatov!
fannabl (Hallandale Beach, FL)
Very high professionalism, excellent atmosphere and responsiveness of employees have made this business one of the best. A well-functioning team led by one of the best professionals of the US...
Lili Ivanova (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Good quality office, and dental work.
Igor Gonchar (Hallandale Beach, FL)
I was very fortunate to find Dr. Gorbatov right when I had a major issue with an old crown that fell off and led to a major infection just a...
Octavian Miron (Aventura, FL)
You are the best guys! You definitely make me smile more :) Thank you sooooo much! Olga Aksenova ❤️
Olga Axenova (Hallandale Beach, FL)
I switched my dentist because i was dissatisfied with their service and decided to go to Dr.Gorbotov's office for my wisdom tooth extraction. I never thought I would see the...
Oleg Solovey (Sunny Isles, FL)
Since me and my wife moved to Florida from Nj several years ago, we were looking for good dentist, the one we can trust. We tried a few but were...
Tatiana Lapushchik (Hollywood, FL)
Great service Knowledgeable doctor Friendly staff 5+ stars!! Someone hacked into my account and gave false review. Not me!!! Outstanding service @ Dr Gorbatov Dentistry!!!!
Ellen Zlobinskiy (Hallandale Beach, FL)
Very happy with quick service, suggestions & prices. Will be a repeat customer
Jaclyn Franceschini (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
The dentist is very friendly and gentle during procedures.
Sofie M (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Dr. Gorbatov placed an implant for me, I am extremely happy with the result, I had absolutely no pain during the procedure after few month doctor put a crown, looks...
Sergey Kasatkin (Sunny Isles Beach, FL)
Well I’ve been going to Dr. Gorbatov since 1996.... Yes ! I’m a loyal. With all the dental issues I’ve had, he’s been able to resolve them and been keeping...
Burke Crump (Wellington, FL)
Very good cleaning
Riley Purdy (West Palm Beach, FL)
I have lived and worked all over North America. One of the greatest challenges of relocating is finding the best dental practice. "Center For Dental Excellence" was recommended to me...
Gregory Sutton (Wellington, FL)
Very professional nice staff great service.
(Aventura, FL)
Dr. Gorbatov is an excellent dentist. I went to several other dentist and they all wanted to do a root canal, but Dr. Gorbatov was able to save my tooth....