You’ll feel as if you have a whole new smile once your new porcelain veneers are firmly fastened to the front of your teeth. They are not infallible and have a median lifespan of 10-15 years. But what would you do if your porcelain veneer suddenly fell off?
You are not the first patient with this problem, and you will not be the last. Even though this is not a dental emergency, you can still take some steps. Read on to find out what to do.
Why do veneers fall off?
A dental veneer is applied to the front of your tooth with specific cement. However, the glue is not permanently bound because it is meant to be updated every few years. As a result, even though veneers are strong, they might break if subjected to high pressure.
Other reasons your veneer may have come off include the following:
- A worn-out veneer. The adhesive that holds your veneer to the tooth degrades with time, causing it to break off.
- It wasn’t adequately bonded. If your veneer keeps peeling, it could be because it wasn’t correctly glued. If the problem persists, consider seeing a different dentist.
- The deterioration of teeth. Because veneers are attached to natural teeth, each underlying tooth must be healthy; otherwise, oral health issues such as decay might cause a veneer to break off.
- Negligence. Chewing on hard objects, such as ice or candy, increases the likelihood of a veneer shattering or sliding off.
Step 1: Collect the pieces
To avoid choking, keep your cracked or detached porcelain veneer in a hard, clean container rather than in your mouth. If it’s mostly intact, your dentist may be able to easily replace it, so keep it somewhere clean.
Step 2: Call your dentist
The next step is to contact your dentist as soon as possible. It is crucial to see your dentist as soon as possible to protect the freshly exposed tooth. When you call your dentist to schedule an appointment, they can advise you on how to keep your teeth safe.
Step 3: Take precautions while waiting for your dental visit
A porcelain veneer that has fallen out is not a dental emergency. Your tooth is not in imminent or significant danger because only a thin layer of enamel was removed to place the veneer. Use caution when eating or drinking since you may have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods and beverages, as well as a scratchy sensation against your lips and tongue.
Step 4: Use a temporary solution if needed
Do not attempt to reconnect the veneer on your own unless instructed to do so by your dentist since you risk damaging the porcelain or your tooth. However, if you are experiencing temperature sensitivity or enamel roughness, you can use dental wax as a temporary treatment. As a barrier, try squishing a tiny coating flat onto the surface of your teeth.
Step 5: Your dentist will identify the cause
During your dental appointment, your dentist will first ensure that you are comfortable and not irritated by any remaining shards of your veneer. They’ll then figure out what caused your veneer to fail. Teeth grinding, improper chewing habits, incorrect positioning, injury, or deterioration under the veneer are all common factors. Before proceeding with your porcelain veneer, these fundamental concerns must be addressed.
Step 6: Have your veneers repaired or replaced
Your dentist may be able to clean and reconnect the veneer if it is in good condition and still fits properly. Porcelain veneers that have chipped, cracked, or splintered can occasionally be repaired using a composite resin, but this material isn’t as lifelike or durable as dental porcelain and will most likely produce difficulties in the future. A porcelain veneer that cannot be reattached must usually be replaced.
Fortunately, porcelain veneers seldom fall out or break. You may expect to enjoy your flawless smile for more than a decade if you maintain them clean and reduce any needless wear and tear.
