Are Your Veneers, Dental Crowns or Fillings Trying to Tell You Something?

Restorations like veneers, crowns and fillings are great at protecting your teeth and keeping your smile looking its best, but they don’t last forever. Over time, everyday things like chewing, clenching, and natural changes in your teeth and gums can take their toll. The tricky part is that these changes often happen quietly, without pain, so it’s easy not to notice there’s a problem. Many people are surprised to find that a restoration fitted years ago may no longer be doing its job as well as it should.

In this blog, we take a closer look at how long dental restorations usually last, the small warning signs that suggest they might need attention, and what steps to take next. We also explain how we check and replace restorations at M Dental Greenwich, so you know exactly what to expect and can feel confident about your care.

What Are Veneers, Dental Crowns and Fillings (and Why They Don’t Last Forever)

Veneers, crowns and fillings are all commonly used to fix or improve teeth, but each one does a slightly different job.

Fillings are used to repair small to medium areas of decay or damage. These days they’re usually made from tooth-coloured composite material, so they blend in naturally with your tooth.

Crowns act like a protective cover. They sit over the whole tooth when it’s been weakened by decay, large fillings, cracks or after root canal treatment, helping to restore strength and function.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells, often porcelain, that are bonded to the front of the teeth to improve their shape, colour or overall appearance.

Although these restorations are designed to be strong and long-lasting, they’re still man-made materials attached to natural teeth. With time, they can wear, loosen, chip or allow bacteria to creep in around the edges. Changes in the gums can also expose areas that were previously hidden.

Even when everything looks fine on the surface, issues can sometimes develop underneath which is why regular dental check-ups are so important.

Early Warning Signs Your Restoration May Need Replacing

Some signs are easy to spot, while others can be much more subtle. To help you know what to look out for, here are a few common changes that may be worth getting checked:

• Chips, cracks or rough edges on a veneer, crown or filling

• Dark lines appearing around the edge of a filling or crown

• Discolouration that doesn’t improve with polishing

• A visible gap where the restoration meets the gum

• Sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods

• Discomfort or pain when biting or chewing

• A bite that feels different or slightly uneven

• Receding gums around a restored tooth

• Decay developing beneath an older filling or crown

One important thing to keep in mind is that pain isn’t always a warning sign. Many restorations can start to fail without causing discomfort at first, and by the time pain appears, the tooth underneath may already be quite damaged. That’s why regular dental check-ups and hygienist visits are so important, spotting issues early can help avoid unnecessary pain, reduce costs, and prevent bigger problems later on.

Who Replacement Treatment Is Suitable For

Replacement of veneers, dental crowns or fillings is suitable for a wide range of patients. Age doesn’t matter, it is more about your overall health. If you’ve had dental work 8-15 years ago it is a good idea to get it checked.

If you experience any changes such as sensitivity, discomfort, tooth appearance, changes in your bite it’s a good idea to book a dental check-up.

If you are unhappy with the appearance or ageing of your restorations or there has been a need for repeated fillings in the same tooth. These are all areas which could mean replacement is suitable.

If you’ve invested in your smile in the past, replacing a restoration isn’t a step backwards. In many cases, it’s an upgrade using better materials, improved techniques and more natural aesthetics than were available years ago.

Benefits of Replacing Old Veneers, Crowns or Fillings

Many people delay replacing a restoration because they assume it will be uncomfortable or involve a long, complicated process. The good news is that modern dentistry has made replacement far simpler, and far more comfortable, than most expect.

Replacing an old restoration can offer several benefits, including:

• Improved comfort and a more balanced bite

• Reduced sensitivity and ongoing discomfort

• Better protection for the tooth underneath

• A more natural look, with improved colour, shape and translucency

• Healthier gum tissue around the restoration

• Reliable, long-lasting results you can feel confident about

Many patients are surprised by how much better a replaced restoration feels, not just how it looks.

Our Step-by-Step Process at M Dental

We believe patients should understand exactly what’s happening and why. Here’s how we approach replacement treatment at M Dental Greenwich.

1. Thorough assessment

We start with a detailed examination, including digital X-rays and photographs. This allows us to check the restoration itself and the health of the tooth underneath. It is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions and for us to gain an understanding of your needs.

2. Clear explanation and options

We’ll talk you through what we’ve found, whether replacement is recommended now and the different material options available.

3. Careful removal of the old restoration

The existing veneer, crown or filling is gently removed, preserving as much natural tooth as possible.

4. Tooth preparation and impressions

The tooth is cleaned and prepared, and precise digital or traditional impressions are taken to ensure a perfect fit.

5. Temporary protection

If needed, a temporary crown or veneer is fitted to protect the tooth and maintain appearance while your final restoration is made.

6. Final fitting and fine-tuning

Your new restoration is bonded in place, the bite is checked, and any small adjustments are made for comfort and longevity.

What Results Can You Expect at M Dental Greenwich?

Most replacement treatments are completed within one to two visits, depending on the complexity. Your M Dental expert will be able to discuss timelines as your initial consultation.

After treatment, patients typically notice:

• Immediate improvement in comfort

• Reduced or eliminated sensitivity

• A more natural look that blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth

Modern materials are stronger, more lifelike and kinder to gums than older alternatives. With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, replacements can last many years.

Pricing and Finance Options

Costs vary depending on the type of restoration and material used, but as a general guide:

• Composite filling replacement: from £150–£250

• Porcelain veneer replacement: from £750–£1,200

• Crown replacement: from £850–£1,400

For an exact price, based on your needs, we provide this information during our consultation process. Finance options are also available, with information available here.

A Real Patient Story

“I assumed my crown was fine because it didn’t hurt, but it looked a bit dark at the edge. M Dental found decay underneath that I had no idea about. The replacement was quick, comfortable and looks far better than the original. I’m so glad I didn’t leave it any longer.”

Janine, London

When to Take the Next Step

If you’re not sure whether an older veneer, crown or filling is still doing what it should, a routine check-up can give you clear answers and real peace of mind. You can book a consultation easily through our website, and we’ll be happy to talk you through your options and help keep your teeth healthy for the long term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do veneers, crowns and fillings usually last? Fillings typically last around 5–10 years, while crowns and veneers often last 10–15 years. This can vary depending on how well they’re looked after, your bite, and everyday wear.

Do all older restorations need replacing? Not necessarily. If a restoration is well sealed and the tooth underneath is healthy, it may last longer. Regular check-ups help us keep an eye on things and catch any issues early.

Is replacing a restoration painful? Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. Local anaesthetic is used, and modern techniques keep discomfort to a minimum.

Can you replace just one veneer or crown? Yes, absolutely. We take great care to colour-match and shape it so it blends naturally with your surrounding teeth.

What happens if I leave a failing restoration? Problems can gradually worsen over time. Decay or cracks may develop underneath, which could lead to more complex treatment such as root canal therapy or even tooth loss.

Are newer materials better than older ones? In most cases, yes. Today’s materials are stronger, look more natural, and are kinder to the gums.

Will my bite feel different afterwards? It might feel slightly different at first, but we carefully check and adjust your bite to make sure it feels comfortable and balanced.

Can I spread the cost of treatment? Yes, M Dental offer interest-free finance options to help make treatment more manageable.