Can You Get Veneers With Fillings? Your Complete, Easy Guide to a Better Smile

Wondering if you can still get those dream veneers even if you have fillings? You’re not alone! This article explains, in simple words, what you need to know about mixing veneers and fillings—with real examples, tips, and advice from top dental labs. We’ll cover what works, what doesn’t, and how you can get the smile you want. If you want healthy, strong, and beautiful teeth, keep reading!

Table of Contents

What Are Veneers and What Are Fillings?

Let’s start easy.

Dental veneers are like thin covers for your teeth. Made from either porcelain or composite resin, they go right over your real teeth. People use veneers to fix teeth that are stained, chipped, crooked, or just don’t look their best.

• Porcelain veneers: Very strong, look real, and last a long time.
• Composite veneers: Cost less, can be done in one visit, but might not last as long as porcelain.

Now, about fillings. When you get a cavity (that’s when your tooth gets a hole from decay), a dentist cleans it out and fills the space with a material to keep the tooth together. Fillings can be:

• Composite fillings (same color as teeth, made of resin)
• Amalgam fillings (silver-colored)
• Gold fillings
• Inlays or onlays (special types for bigger fixes)

Fillings fix your teeth so you can bite and chew without pain.

Can You Get Veneers If You Have Fillings? (The Main Question)

Here’s the big question. You want a bright, smooth smile with veneers, but you already have one or more dental fillings. Is that even possible?

The short answer: Yes, you can get veneers if you have fillings—but it depends.

• Veneers work best when your teeth still have a lot of healthy, natural enamel.
• If you only have small, solid fillings, especially composite (tooth-colored) ones, you’re probably a good fit!
• If you have big or old fillings, especially metal (amalgam/silver), you might need extra steps—or veneers might not be the best pick.

Why does this matter? Because veneers stick best and last longer when they hold on to strong tooth enamel—not just on top of a filling.

Do the Type and Size of Fillings Matter for Veneers?

Definitely. Here’s why your fillings are important:

Filling Type

• Composite (white) fillings: These usually work well with veneers. Dentists can put veneers right over them if the filling is in good shape.
• Amalgam (silver) fillings: Not so great for veneers. Metal doesn’t stick well. Your dentist might need to switch the metal filling for a composite before putting on veneers.
• Gold/inlays/onlays: If a big part of your tooth is missing and fixed with these, a veneer might not stick well or could come off.

Filling Size and Where It Is

• Small, front-tooth fillings? Usually fine. Dentists just check they’re not old or falling apart.
• Big fillings (covering half the tooth)? Veneers might not have enough tooth to hold on to. In these cases, a dental crown (covers the whole tooth) is often better.

Let me give you a simple example. When I got my front teeth fixed, my dentist looked at my old composite fillings. They were small and healthy, so I could get porcelain veneers for a smooth, strong finish. But my friend, who had a big silver filling in his front tooth, needed to change the filling first, or the veneer wouldn’t last.

What Happens During the Dental Check-Up and Assessment?

Before getting veneers, your dentist needs to make sure your mouth is healthy and your fillings are good enough for veneers. Here’s what usually happens:

A good dental team, like the folks at a veneer lab, plans every step carefully.

What Are Your Options If You Have Fillings?

Let’s talk about what you can do. If you have fillings and want veneers, here’s what might happen:

1. Veneers Go Right On (Small, Solid Fillings)

If your fillings are small and strong, especially tooth-colored composites, the dentist can get your tooth ready and put the veneer right on top.

2. Fillings Changed First

If you have an old, broken, or metal filling, you may need a new, good composite filling first. Dentists do this to:

• Let the veneer stick better
• Make your teeth last longer
• Keep your smile looking even

3. Crowns or Onlays If the Filling Is Too Big

Sometimes, a tooth just can’t handle a veneer because there isn’t enough good tooth left. In those cases, a full dental crown or an onlay is better.

You might wonder, “Which one is best for me?” Your dentist will help you decide after seeing your teeth.

Are There Risks or Does It Affect How Long Veneers Last?

Great question! Getting veneers on teeth with fillings can work well, but there are a few more risks than with perfect, untouched teeth:

• Slightly shorter life: Veneers on filled teeth might last a little less time—often 8 to 15 years (about 5% less than on teeth without fillings).
• Falling off or breaking: If your filling isn’t solid, the veneer might come off or break.
• Sensitivity: Sometimes, teeth feel sensitive after getting veneers, especially if a lot of tooth is missing.
• Repairs: Old or weak fillings under veneers might need fixing later.

But don’t let this stop you. With the right dentist, your veneers can still look and work great!

How Much Does It Cost to Get Veneers with Fillings?

You might want to know, “Will I pay more if I have fillings?” Here’s what counts:

• Cost of veneers: Most cost from $800 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on where you live and which veneer you pick.
• Filling replacement: If you need a new filling, add $100–$300 per tooth.
• Extra checks or planning: Sometimes, extra digital pictures or X-rays add to the cost.

Example Table: Veneer Costs with Fillings

Note: These are guesses. Always ask your dentist for an exact price before you agree to anything.

To save money and get a good result, some people use a trusted china dental lab that works with local dentists.

What Happens If You Can’t Get Veneers? (Alternatives)

Sometimes, veneers just aren’t the right answer. Here’s why:

• Tooth is weak or filled too much: You might need a full crown instead. Crowns cover and protect the whole tooth.
• Too many or too big fillings: A veneer may not stick well.
• Root canal treated tooth: If there’s a post inside, a dentist may suggest a crown to keep it safe.

Other Options:

• Dental bonding: Fast and cheap fix for chips or gaps (but not as strong or shiny as veneers).
• Crowns or onlays: For strength and a nice look when a veneer won’t work.

Still dreaming of a new smile? A good crown and bridge lab can help you get strong, lasting teeth.

Is It Safe and Will Insurance Help Pay?

Yes—getting veneers over healthy fillings is safe when done right. But there are a few things to remember:

• Your dentist needs to check old fillings for any decay.
• All the tooth around the filling must be strong and healthy.
• Keep up on your cleaning—brush, floss, and see your dentist often.

Will insurance help?

Most dental insurance does not pay for veneers, because they call them “cosmetic.” But, if you need a new filling or crown before a veneer, insurance might help with that!

For more ideas, see the guide to dental implant insurance.

How to Find the Right Dentist or Dental Lab?

Not every dentist has the same skills or uses the best labs. To get the best result with veneers on filled teeth:

• Pick a dentist who knows both cosmetic and restorative dentistry.
• Ask if they use a good lab, like a top veneer lab, for making custom veneers.
• Look at before-and-after pictures from real patients.
• Ask for a clear plan with costs, steps, and timing.

It also helps if your dentist uses a digital dental lab for more exact and pretty smiles.

FAQs

Q: Can veneers go over silver (amalgam) fillings?

A: Not right away. Amalgam doesn’t bond well. Your dentist will probably suggest you change the metal to a composite filling first.

Q: Do all old fillings need to be removed before veneers?

A: Not always. If the fillings are small, solid, and composite, they might stay. Old or bad fillings need to come out.

Q: Will veneers last as long on filled teeth?

A: Most of the time, yes, if the filling and tooth are healthy. Veneers might last 8–15 years, maybe a bit less than on teeth without fillings, but good care keeps them strong.

Q: What about a tooth that had a root canal?

A: Veneers can go on root-canal teeth if there’s still enough good tooth left. But often, a crown is stronger and safer.

Q: Can veneers hide the color from fillings?

A: Yes—porcelain veneers do a good job hiding stains or color from old fillings, but your dentist has to make sure the base is strong.

Bullet-Point Summary: The Most Important Things to Remember

• Having fillings does NOT mean you can’t get veneers! But you need a dentist to check if they are small, healthy, and tight.
• Composite fillings can usually stay. Amalgam fillings often need to be changed first.
• Healthy, strong tooth is the key to good, long-lasting veneers.
• Big or old fillings may need to be redone before veneers—or you might need a crown.
• Costs can be a bit higher if you need old fillings changed, but it’s worth it for a smile that lasts.
• Work with a dentist and dental lab you trust for the best results—always ask questions!
• Insurance rarely covers veneers, but might help with a filling or crown.
• Good dental care keeps veneers and fillings healthy for many years.

Ready for your new smile? Your dentist can help you plan the best, safest way—fillings or not! Stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to go after that amazing smile you want!