Can porcelain veneers be placed over bridge work? i currently have a bridge and wondered if a veneer could be placed over it

If : If you would like to veneer the bridge to change the color and shape of it, sometimes you can. If you have a porcelain to metal bridge that shows a black line at the gumline, veneering it will not correct this. The best veneering over bridges or crowns is done when only porcelain is veneered on and the bond can be strong when bonded with correct porcelain bonding agents. It will be necessary to "prep" or cut back the bridge to make room for the porcelain veneers. I am however, curious as to why you have an interest in veneering over the bridge? All this being said, if the bridge is on the back or side teeth, it will work better than if it is on the front teeth. Hope this helps.

Broken : Broken bridge or bridges that need to be made to look more attractive to match new dental work can indeed be repaired of modified with veneers or modified porcelain fused to metal restorations. You would only want to take the time and trouble to have this done if the bridge is really good, with no leaking margins. We frequently replace bridges these days with implants because they save the bone where the tooth is missing. However, to answer your question, the porcelain on a bridge can be carved (although it may crack), and if carefully etched with hydrofluoric acid gel for eight minutes is is possible to bond a veneer to the porcelain below. These are not the strongest restorations, and they must be treated with care. It is also possible, and probably stronger, to carve all te porcelain off the place you want to "veneer" and take an impression and make a repairing overlay of porcelain bonded to metal. This is a technique which we have used successfully for repairing bridges for many years. I hope that helps! dr neil mcleod dds dentistry that lasts - quality that counts.

Yes but....: Dr. Mcleod gave you a very thorough and excellent answer. The bottom line is that it will probably never look as good nor be as strong and stand the test of time as well as having the bridge redone. If possible, consider individual implant supported crowns. Before doing any treatment, you should discuss all your options with your dentist who is most aware of your particular situation.

Maybe: There are conditions when this is possible, but not often. It is likely you are just buying time before replacing the bridge. Find an experienced dentist for this, as it is technique sensitive. Many dentists don't know how.

Yes, but: This technique is marketed and advertised. However I am unaware of lasting repairs like that. It may be somewhat of a compromise.

Often: I have done this many times. The key elements to allow this are- sufficient existing porcelain to prepare space for the veneer without penetrating to the metal; acceptable bite ;stable, non-flexing bridge ; sufficient surface area for successful bonding. Of course you need a Dentist who knows how and is willing to do this. Good luck.