Thanks to porcelain veneers, you have a gorgeous, new smile that you proudly show off any chance you get. Your self-confidence is better than ever! Then, you look in the mirror one morning and realize one is gone. Oh no! Your first instinct may be to panic, but rest assured – these things happen! You’re not the first person, nor will you be the last, to find themselves in this predicament. While it’s not as urgent as a dental emergency, it can still be an unsettling situation. Read on to learn what to do if a veneer fell off and how to protect your smile.
Why Did My Veneer Fall Off?
Veneers are a popular method of cosmetic dentistry used to transform smiles. Using high-quality, custom-made materials, they’re sculpted to effectively mask any flaw or imperfection on a tooth’s surface. Sure, they’re a durable solution – but not permanent.
Most patients will need to have their veneers replaced every few years, meaning the cement used to attach them to the teeth is not permanently binding. When veneers encounter an excessive amount of pressure, it can cause them to fall off. Other reasons might be because they’re old, tooth decay, or pure negligence.
What Do I Do If My Veneer Fell Off?
Did your veneer fall off? Here’s a step-by-step on what to do:
- Put your veneer in a sealable container. You want to keep it somewhere clean as your dentist may be able to put it back. If it’s broken, collect as many pieces as you can and place them in a container.
- Contact your dentist. Make an appointment with your dentist right away to protect the newly exposed tooth.
- Ask your dentist for a temporary solution. Always wait for instructions from your dentist before attempting to solve the situation on your own. While a veneer that’s fallen off isn’t a dental emergency, you may experience increased tooth sensitivity or enamel roughness. Dental wax is a temporary solution that acts as a barrier for your tooth.
- Have your veneers repaired or replaced right away. Depending on the state of your dental veneer, your dentist may be able to reattach it. If it’s chipped, cracked, or splintered, it could be repaired with a composite resin. However, this material isn’t as durable as porcelain. Thus, it may simply warrant a replacement.
How to Prevent a Veneer from Falling Off
During your appointment, your dentist will determine what caused your veneer to fall off. Common culprits include teeth grinding, poor chewing habits, damage, decay, or improper bonding. Whatever the case, it’s best to address these issues to prevent future incidents.
It’s rare for a veneer to fall off or break. But in the instance that it does, don’t panic! A visit to your dentist is all it takes to restore your smile as soon as possible. Above all, proper dental care can help you avoid these situations and enjoy a flawless smile for years to come.
About the Practice
Our dental team at Plush Dentistry makes quality and precision our top priority. We listen to every patient’s unique needs and offer personalized treatment to get your oral health in its best shape – and then keep it that way! Porcelain veneers are a great solution to transform smiles, but we understand they can fall off unexpectedly. If this happens to you, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or call (469) 850-0786.