My Veneer Fell Off – What Should I Do?

Veneers are awesome when it comes to giving patients the smile makeover they’ve always dreamed of. They have all sort of benefits, including the fact that they are long-lasting and durable. However, it isn’t unheard of for them to fall off in unlikely circumstances. Fortunately, this isn’t a reason to panic. Continue reading to learn why veneers fall off and what you should do if you find yourself in this situation.

Reasons Why Veneers Fall Off

There are several underlying issues that can cause your veneer to fail. Here are some of the most common causes:

• The Veneer Is Old: Veneers usually last at least ten years. As time goes by, the bonding that keeps the veneers attached to the teeth can weaken and cause it to dislodge.
• Improper Placement: if you have newer veneers that are coming off, they probably weren’t bonded properly.
• Tooth Decay: Your tooth might not be healthy enough to stay connected to the veneer. If you’ve lost too much enamel, the support will diminish.
• Negligence: If you aren’t caring for your veneers properly, this can cause them to fail. While they are durable, you shouldn’t be chewing on hard things like ice and hard candies or grinding your teeth.

What to Do If Your Veneer Falls Off

The first thing you should do is collect the veneer. Keep it in a hard, clean container instead of your mouth so you don’t accidentally swallow it. Give your dentist a call to let them know what happened. This way, you can make an appointment as soon as possible to have the issue resolved. As you wait for your appointment, you need to be careful. While you aren’t in any immediate danger, you are likely to notice increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods as well as a rough sensation against your lips and tongue. Use extra caution when eating and drinking. If needed, use some dental wax to cover the area.

During your dental appointment, your dentist will determine what caused your veneer to fail to ensure that it does happen again. If your veneer is in good condition, your dentist may be able to disinfect and reattach it. If it cannot be reattached, it must be replaced.

While it is very uncommon for a veneer to fall off, it can happen from time to time. By using the steps listed above, you’ll be smiling again in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Aaron Springhetti earned his dental doctorate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry and has an extensive amount of advanced training, particularly in oral surgery. He’s attended state-of-the-art courses in dental implants, bone grafting, extractions, and sinus lifts. Currently, he is pursuing accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Carmel, visit his website or call (317) 875-7645.