Porcelain veneers have allowed millions of people to transform their smiles into more ideal states. You’ve probably seen people wearing them many times without even realizing it. In fact, they are the open secret behind the flawless smiles of many Hollywood stars and television personalities. While veneers are made of incredibly durable materials, they can still fall off in some cases. Here’s why that can happen and what to do if this happens to you.
Why Did My Veneer Fall Off?
Veneers require the alteration of the treated teeth in order to be placed. Once these teeth have been altered, they will need to wear veneers for the rest of their lives, so the veneers will need to be replaced as they wear out over the years. Accordingly, the cement used to fix veneers in place is not designed to be completely permanent, and veneers can fall off when exposed to excessive pressure.
While dental veneers cannot develop tooth decay, they still require the teeth supporting them to be kept clean and cavity-free. If a tooth develops tooth decay, the veneer may have to be removed so the tooth can be treated and replaced afterward. However, in some cases, advanced tooth decay can lead to the loss of a veneer. Any decayed tissue will have to be removed from the tooth before a new veneer can be placed.
What Should I Do When My Veneer Falls Off?
The first thing you’ll want to do is secure the lost veneer if possible, as it can sometimes be reattached. Keep it in a clean container if you can find it and bring it to your appointment. Call your dentist to explain the situation and schedule an appointment to repair your veneer. You will probably receive instructions for caring for your tooth over the phone. While waiting for your appointment, take care not to chew with the exposed tooth and be careful about drinking hot or cold beverages as it may be sensitive.
Do not attempt to reattach the veneer on your own unless your dentist tells you otherwise. If your teeth are too sensitive for you to ignore, try placing dental wax over them as a temporary solution. When you get to your appointment within the coming days, your dentist will identify what made your veneer fall off and repair the tooth. You’ll also receive instructions for preventing the future loss of veneers.
Veneers are high-quality cosmetic appliances and do not usually fall off or break. Knowing what to do when it happens can save you a lot of stress and frustration.
About the Author
Dr. Richard Carlson earned his dental doctorate at the University of Florida College of Dentistry before continuing his studies with a General Practice Residency Program at the University of Texas. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Florida Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. His practice in Jacksonville, FL offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. If your veneer has fallen off, dial (904) 262-8409 or contact the office online.