Question:
Dr. Sam, how long should porcelain veneers last? I’ve had mine for 4 months and now the one has cracked. My dentist said this is normal and is prepared to replace it free of charge but said he would have to make it thicker to prevent the problem from happening again. I read Sama’s bad porcelain veneers story on your website and I am worried about my teeth becoming too bulky. Are there thin veneers that are stronger than others?
Answer:
Porcelain veneers can last for over 25 years without at chip or a crack. Your dentist is willing to replace it and that is an honorable gesture. I am not convinced that making it thicker will make it last longer because a well bonded porcelain veneer is very strong.
It would be better if the dentist could try it again with minimal grinding of your natural tooth. Perhaps this time, more attention to detail could keep the porcelain veneer from cracking rather than grinding down good tooth structure unnecessarily.
