I have eight veneers on my upper front teeth. I switched dentists after relocation from the West Coast. My new dental hygienist has a heavy hand. During my last hygiene appointment, I was concerned that she might chip a porcelain veneer if her hand slipped. I appreciate her thoroughness, but can a hygienist’s tools loosen or chip a veneer? – Thank you. Norris from KY
Norris,
Although a hygienist cannot pull off or break a porcelain veneer, some dental tools can chip it or damage its surface.
What Dental Tools Can Harm Porcelain Veneers?
Some dental tools and materials that can harm porcelain veneers include acidulated fluoride, coarse polishing pastes, heavy-duty manual scalers, power polishing equipment, and ultrasonic scalers. Consider when these tools and chemicals can affect veneers.
- Acidulated fluoride – If a dentist or hygienist recommends fluoride treatment, acidulated fluoride will etch and remove the glaze from a porcelain veneer’s surface. A hygienist trained in caring for veneers will use a neutral fluoride gel.
- Coarse polishing pastes – Polishing pastes that contain coarse pumice can scratch the surface of porcelain veneers a little and significantly scratch composite at the veneer’s margin. Ultra-fine polishing pastes without pumice are safe to use.
- Heavy-duty manual scalers—The margin of a porcelain veneer can chip without careful attention to detail when using a heavy-duty manual scaler. Skilled hygienists use the scaler gently around the margins to avoid damaging porcelain veneers.
- Power polishing equipment – A prophy jet or other power polishing units spray sodium bicarbonate and water to quickly clean teeth. The instrument is safe for natural teeth but can destroy the glaze on porcelain veneers, causing them to stain.
- Ultrasonic scaler – If used near the margins of porcelain veneers, an ultrasonic scaler can make small chips on veneers’ edges where stains and plaque can accumulate.
Ask your dentist whether your hygienist is trained in handling porcelain veneers. If not, ask for a trained hygienist. If necessary, switch to an experienced cosmetic dentist whose staff is trained to clean and protect cosmetic dentistry work.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley and his team do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
