Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Dental veneers can enhance your smile even if your teeth have had prior dental work. The key lies in how well your existing fillings support the veneer process.
In this blog you will learn what patients with dental fillings should understand before getting porcelain veneers. It covers how existing dental work influences veneer placement and whether a filling needs to be replaced.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
You can get veneers over fillings, but the type, size, and condition of each restoration must be evaluated by a dentist to ensure a safe and lasting result.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that bond to the front surface of your natural teeth.
At Power Road Dental Care, we offer high-quality porcelain veneers designed to:
- Restore chipped or worn enamel
- Cover deeply stained teeth that whitening cannot fix
- Reshape uneven or misshapen teeth
- Conceal minor misalignment or gaps
Porcelain veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and custom-shaded to blend with your smile. They offer a long-lasting way to enhance your appearance with minimal impact to your natural tooth structure.
Does Having Fillings Disqualify You From Getting Veneers?
You can still be a good candidate for veneers even with fillings. However, your cosmetic dentist will evaluate several factors to determine your candidacy for veneers. Here at Power Road Dental Care, we look for the following factors:
1. Location of the filling
- Front-facing fillings: If the dental filling is on the visible tooth surface where the veneer would be placed, your dentist may need to modify or replace it before bonding a veneer.
- Back or hidden fillings: These usually do not interfere with veneer placement.
2. Condition of the tooth
A filling that compromises the tooth structure may not support a veneer. If the tooth is weak or has extensive tooth decay, a dental crown may be a better long-term solution.
3. Filling material compatibility
We want to make sure the bonding adhesive for the veneer will work properly with the existing material. Some older materials may require replacement with a modern composite for better compatibility and proper care.
When a Filling Needs to Be Replaced Before Veneers
Your filling may need to be replaced if:
- It is cracked, loose, or leaking
- It is too large and affects veneer stability
- It causes color mismatches under the veneer
Veneers vs. Crowns for Teeth with Fillings
If your tooth has a large filling, a dental crown might be more appropriate.
A dental crown is a full-coverage restoration that encases the entire tooth. It is typically used when a tooth is too weak, damaged, or heavily filled to support a veneer. Crowns provide strength and protection, especially when much of the natural tooth structure is missing.
If the majority of the tooth has been treated with a filling or is structurally compromised, a crown may be a better option than a veneer. Veneers only cover the front surface and require a solid foundation of healthy enamel to bond effectively.
We will assess the condition of the tooth to determine whether a veneer can be placed or if a crown is needed for long-term function and aesthetics.
Benefits of Dental Veneers
Veneers are a great way to improve the look of your smile. Here are just a few reasons why so many patients choose veneers:
- Whiter and brighter smile
- Improved symmetry and shape
- Minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry treatment
- Stronger confidence in your smile
Our experienced dentists ensure every veneer fits precisely and matches your surrounding teeth for a natural look.
Schedule a Consultation in Mesa, AZ
If you are considering dental veneers but have fillings and are wondering if you are a candidate, we can help. Book an appointment for a consultation today!If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.