Should a dentist replace a cracked veneer for free if I have only had it for 2 years?

Question

My veneer on my left front tooth just cracked and is extremely loose. I am holding it in with some dent over the counter bonding until Monday. I think my veener should last longer, I had 2 other veneers prior to this one that lasted close to ten years. Shouldn't the dentist replace my veneer without charge since it only lasted just under two years? Or have I exceeded the time limit?

Answer 1

Depends how you managed to crack it

He is likley to say that you must have hit it with something and damaged it

I think it's a case of you paying again

Answer 2

Yes, molars have deep developmental grooves - some people have really deep ones that are pretty much impossible to keep clean because toothbrush bristles are too thick to get into them. A common procedure for this, especially on children, is to apply a sealant. The dentist would clean out the stain and any decay, then etch it with a gel, rinse and dry, then apply the sealant - which is pretty much the same material as a white filling, only thinner so that it can flow into all the grooves. That way, food and debris and bacteria can't get into the grooves so there will be less chance of decay on the biting surface. Sealants, if applied properly, COULD last as long as a white filling, but because they are in a high impact area, they are more succeptible to wearing down. I wouldn't suggest "enlarging the gaps". And, if the sealants are still intact, I see no need to remove them and replace them; but if they fall out, then yes, replace them.

Answer 3

When a patient of mine breaks anything that I've done, the decision to replace it at no charge is multifactorial. If this is a porcelain veneer (done in about 2 appointments at a cost of $600-$1,000 per tooth), 5-10 years is how long you should expect it to last. If this is a composite veneer (AKA: "bonding" done start to finish all in one appointment at a cost of around $200 per tooth) 2 years is all you can expect to get out of it. Has the patient kept up with their end of the bargain by taking care of themselves? This includes coming in for exams and cleanings regularly. Does the patient engage in dangerous activities that predispose them to breaking dental work? Dangerous activities include construction work, playing hockey, etc. I ask the patient how it happened. Most are honest. Lastly, and certainly not least, is the patient a jaw clencher or a tooth grinder? This is one of the most common reasons for failure of dental work, next to patient neglect. Don't expect to get a free replacement if you are a grinder/clencher, the dentist treatment planned an occlusal guard (night guard), and you decided not to have one made. Most dentists will replace crown and bridge work, in the absence of fault on the part of the patient, within a period of 5 years. Believe me, dentists want everything they do to be permanent and for their patients to never have any problems with any work done. I hope you fine a peaceful resolution to the problem.

Answer 4

Almost all dentists would guarantee a veneer for 5 years unless there was provable neglect on the part of the patient. For example: have you come in twice a year to have your teeth checked? Many problems can be detected before they become serious.

Answer 5

Slapshot is right on the money. There is not enough information here to give you advice. Is it porcelain or composite? BTW, I have to laugh that someone has had a veneer for 30 years! - they haven't been around that long :)

Answer 6

I had one that lasted for 20 years. I just had it changed about 7 years ago because I tuned 30 that year and wanted a nicer smile. I'd tell him that you want him to fix it for free. Should last many years longer!

Answer 7

It depends on how it was cracked, if it was a poor job by your dentist they usually will redo their work. It also depends on your dentist and his/her policies, you may want to call around to other local dentists to see what they have to say, some may offer discounts.

Answer 8

You will be paying,... what dentist is going to admit to a poor job?

Answer 9

I'll agree with all the nice people about who answered, "Depends..."