My Veneer Fell Off; What Do I Do Now?

Veneers are the open secret behind countless Hollywood smiles. These discreet prosthetic devices are designed to be permanently placed over troubled teeth to conceal or address issues like chips, cracks, stains, and misshapenness, and they can last for up to fifteen years before needing replacement. However, a veneer can fall off in some cases, and it’s important to have your dentist address the issue soon afterward to preserve your oral health. Here’s a brief guide to what you should do if you lose a veneer.

How Are Veneers Placed?

Veneers are placed through a specialized procedure that typically takes place over as few as two appointments. After you are approved for the procedure, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic and possibly a sedation treatment to ensure your comfort before removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated. They will then take bite impressions and place a temporary set of veneers upon your teeth so you can get used to wearing them.

About two weeks later, you’ll come back to the office after your permanent veneers are manufactured at a trusted dental lab. Your temporary appliances will be removed, and your permanent veneers will be cemented in place. After any final adjustments, you’ll be ready to show your transformed smile off to the world.

Why Would a Veneer Fall Off?

There are many reasons why a veneer may fall off of your tooth. A few of these are:

• Age: Veneers typically last about fifteen years at most. If your appliance is old or if the cement holding it in place is eroding, it may be time to get a new veneer.
• Damage: Chewing on ice or hard candy and using your teeth to open packages or bottles are excellent ways to damage your veneers and natural dental structure alike. Avoid these habits to ensure that your appliances stay in great shape.
• Decay: If the tooth supporting a veneer becomes infected, the enamel the cement is attached to may degrade and eventually disappear, which can cause the appliance to loosen. Practice excellent oral hygiene to avoid this situation.

What Should I Do if My Veneer Falls Off?

Contact your dentist as soon as possible after your veneer falls off. They will schedule you for an appointment so your appliance can be fixed back upon the tooth or replaced altogether. If you can, bring the lost veneer with you to the appointment. If the tooth wearing the veneer has suffered any decay, the infection will have to be treated and resolved before the appliance can be cemented back into place.

Veneers have allowed millions of people to completely transform their smiles into beautiful new states. By taking care of your teeth at home and seeing your dentist regularly, you can keep your appliances in excellent condition for up to fifteen years.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen earned his dental degree at the OU College of Dentistry and regularly receives further training through continuing education courses. He is proud to be a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and has served on the board of the Oklahoma County Dental Society for over twenty years. His office in Oklahoma City offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To learn more about keeping your veneers in great shape, contact his office online or dial (405) 621-2100.