Veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment in modern times. They are both durable and stain-resistant, so people enjoy their benefits for years to come. However, they’re not designed to last forever! They can fall off and leave you in a bit of a shock. This is a rare occurrence, but it’s essential to know what to do if you find yourself in this situation. Whether you’ve just lost a veneer or want to be prepared, this guide will walk you through the steps to take if your veneer falls off.
What To Do If Your Veneer Falls Off
First and foremost, try to find the fallen veneer. Whether it’s in one piece or broken into several, place them in a clean, hard container to keep them safe and secure. Depending on the condition of the veneer, your dentist may be able to reattach them easily.
Once your veneer is protected, call your dental office! Booking an appointment as early as possible can help stop any discomfort you may feel and keep your exposed tooth safe. As you call to make your appointment, your dentist also can give you advice on how to care for your tooth while you wait until then.
What To Do as You Wait for Treatment
While a fallen veneer isn’t an urgent dental emergency, your dentist will still likely try to see you right away. In the meantime, you may have increased tooth sensitivity where your veneer used to be. A thin layer of enamel was removed when you first got the porcelain shell to ensure it sits flush against the rest of your pearly whites.
With the veneer now gone, the sensitive parts of the tooth that were underneath are now exposed, vulnerable to both sensitivity and damage. When eating and drinking, try to limit overly sugary, tough, acidic, or carbonated options to help prevent further damage.
If you are bothered by the sensitivity, you can use dental wax to cover your tooth. This is only a temporary solution, but this handy wax can help mitigate these symptoms until you visit your dentist.
How Can Your Dentist Fix Your Fallen Veneer?
When it’s time for your appointment, tell your dentist what happened that caused your veneer to fall off and show them the state of it. As they gain a better understanding of what happened and take a moment to examine your mouth, they can determine the reason why it failed. Some common culprits are tooth decay, bad chewing habits, teeth grinding, or physical accidents. However, the most likely cause is that it was just an old veneer that needed to be replaced.
If the porcelain shell is in good condition and still fits properly, your dentist can simply disinfect it and reattach it! In some cases, very small cracks or chips in the veneer can be repaired with composite resin, but replacing the veneer fully might be your best option. Your dentist can advise you on what they think will be best for your smile!
While a fallen veneer can give you a shock, learning what to do can help you feel more confident if the situation arises. Don’t hesitate to call your dentist right away if your veneer falls off
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, you are in the hands of a team of skilled dentists. We understand how an aesthetic smile can make you feel, so we combine art and science to give you results that last years and leave you glowing. If you want to enhance your smile or have had a veneer fall off, schedule an appointment or call our Simpsonville location at (864) 962-6671.