Can I Get Veneers if I Have Fillings?
Many people wonder if they can get dental veneers if they already have fillings in their teeth. The good news is that in most cases, having existing fillings does not disqualify you from being a candidate for porcelain veneers.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers, sometimes called porcelain veneers, are thin shells made of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. Veneers are custom-made to match the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are misshapen, badly stained, or have gaps between them.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
There are many benefits to dental veneers. Some of the main reasons people choose to get porcelain veneers include:
- Mask stains that cannot be removed by whitening treatments
- Correct chips, cracks, and uneven surfaces
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Improve the shade color of teeth
- Enhance teeth that have been worn down
- Boost confidence in your smile
Considerations with Existing Fillings
Dentists need to take a couple things into account when placing veneers over existing fillings:
- The location and extent of the fillings
- Whether there is enough natural tooth structure left
- If the teeth and fillings are healthy enough to properly bond veneers
Can You Get Porcelain Veneers if You Have Fillings on Your Front Teeth?
It is often possible to get porcelain veneers on your front teeth even if you have existing composite resin or amalgam fillings. However, dentists usually prefer not to place veneers directly over large fillings.
Small Tooth-Colored Fillings
Small composite resin fillings that blend with your natural tooth color generally do not cause problems when placing veneers. In some cases, these fillings may even remain intact underneath the new veneer.
One limitation is the small fillings must not extend too far under the gumline, which could create an uneven foundation for the veneer.
Large Amalgam or Discolored Fillings
Silver amalgam fillings or larger old fillings are usually replaced before applying porcelain veneers. The dentist will remove the old filling and underlying decay, then replace it with a natural-looking composite resin.
This provides an even surface to adhere the veneer and prevents the filling outline from showing through the thin porcelain shell.
Crowns as an Alternative
If you have a front tooth with an exceptionally large filling, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to fully cover it instead of attempting a veneer. While more invasive than veneers, the thicker crown can more easily mask existing fillings.
Can I Get Porcelain Veneers on My Back Teeth with Fillings?
Dental veneers are rarely placed on the lower back teeth since these are not visible when you smile. But you might consider veneers on your upper back teeth to improve their appearance.
This is possible even if you have old fillings on those teeth, provided there is enough solid tooth structure under the filling to properly bond the porcelain veneer.
When Old Fillings Must Be Replaced
In some cases, your dentist will want to replace existing back tooth fillings before placing new veneers:
- Large amalgam fillings that take up most of the tooth surface
- Brittle enamel surrounding an old filling
- Old composite fillings showing decay at the edges
- Fillings with recurrent decay underneath
By eliminating defects in the foundation underneath, longer-lasting veneers with a better fit can be achieved.
Veneers Can Improve Your Smile Despite Previous Fillings
While existing fillings can pose some challenges, they rarely make you ineligible for porcelain veneers altogether. With careful planning by your dentist, veneers can hide imperfections, correct flaws, and dramatically improve smiles, whether or not a person has old fillings.
The location and extent of previous fillings impact options more than anything. Large defective fillings often need replacement for the best veneer results. But small tooth-colored fillings can frequently remain intact under new veneers.
Talk to your dentist about whether you might benefit from dental veneers. Schedule an evaluation to discuss your options based on the current condition of your teeth and any existing restorations.
FAQs
Can I get porcelain veneers if I have amalgam fillings on my front teeth?
Yes, but your dentist will likely want to replace large silver amalgam fillings with tooth-colored composite resin fillings before placing new veneers. The composite fillings provide an even foundation and prevent the dark filling material from showing through.
What if my old fillings extend far under the gumline?
Fillings that go deep under the gumline can weaken bonding for the veneer. Your dentist may need to address any deep decay or defects first to ensure the veneer margins will be in healthy tooth structure.
Can veneers go over all old fillings?
It depends on the size and location. Small tooth-colored fillings that don't extend too far under gum tissues often don't require replacement. But large, defective fillings likely need removal and replacement with new restorative material.
Do I have to replace my back tooth fillings before getting veneers?
Back tooth veneers usually don't require filling replacement as long as they are small and the surrounding tooth is strong enough. But veneers can't mask large silver fillings or correct serious structural defects from extensive decay.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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