My cosmetic dentist said he could buff out scratches on two of my porcelain veneers. Now both veneers look matte because the glossiness is gone. My dentist said he used cups and some polishing tool. Are my veneers going to stain now? Is there a way to reverse the damage? Thank you. Natalia M. from NJ
Natalia,
Thank you for your question.
Dr. Cha would need to examine your veneers before recommending treatment. Although a dentist may claim to be a cosmetic dentist, it takes post-graduate training and artistic inclination to practice cosmetic dentistry well. A trained cosmetic dentist understands how to polish veneers after specific training on how to do it.
Will Veneers with a Matte Finish Stain?
Porcelain veneer
A matte finish makes porcelain more susceptible to stain. It takes experience to polish a porcelain veneer and achieve a luster that is almost as good as the original glaze. Although polishing veneers does not require as much skill as creating a smile design, a dentist must know the process and stock specialized tools and materials in the office.
Polishing porcelain requires a cosmetic dentist to use these items:
- Diamond polishing instruments
- Polishing paste
- Ultra-fine diamond polishing paste for finishing
If you trust your dentist’s skill, you can tell him that you want more shine on your veneers. Some cosmetic dentists use Brasseler’s Dialite porcelain polishing system to remove the matte finish and restore the gloss. Depending on the extent of the issue, the system may work for your veneers.
Alternatively, you can look for a cosmetic dentist with advanced training and get a second opinion. The dentist will examine your veneers and explain your options for restoring them to a natural-looking gloss.
Dr. Jerome Cha, a Tulsa, Oklahoma, accredited cosmetic dentist, sponsors this post.