My Veneer Fell Off! What Should I Do?

Veneers are a great option when it comes to covering cosmetic imperfections and giving patients that smile makeover they’ve been dreaming of. While veneers are very strong and durable, and they are securely placed on the teeth, there is still a small possibility that one could fall off. But this isn’t a reason to panic. Continue reading to learn how veneers can fall off and what you should do if it happens to you.

4 Ways Veneers Can Come Off

There are a few different issues that can result in a failed veneer. Here are four of the most common causes:

• The veneer is old: Veneers generally last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or even longer. However, as time goes by, the bonding that keeps the veneers attached to the teeth can weaken and cause them to dislodge.
• Improper placement: If you have new veneers that are coming off, it could be that they weren’t bonded properly.
• Tooth decay: Your tooth may not be healthy enough to stay connected to the veneer. If you have lost too much enamel due to decay, the support will diminish.
• Negligence: If you aren’t caring for your veneers as you should, they can fail! Even though they are durable, you should still avoid chewing on hard things like ice and hard candies.

What Should You Do If Your Veneers Fall Off?

The first thing you should do if your veneer comes off is find it. Keep it in a hard, clean container. Don’t put it back in your mouth because you could accidentally swallow it. Give your dentist a call to let them know what happened. This way, you can be seen as soon as possible in order to have the issue resolved.

As you wait for your appointment, you need to be careful. While you aren’t in immediate danger, you are more likely to experience additional sensitivity to hot or cold foods as well as a rough sensation against your lips and tongue. Use extra caution when you are eating and drinking. If you need to, use dental wax to cover the area.

During your dental visit, your dentist will determine what caused your veneer to fail. This way, steps can be taken to minimize the possibility of this happening again. If your veneer is in good condition, your dentist may be able to disinfect and reattach it. If not, it will need to be replaced.

While it’s uncommon for a veneer to fall off, it isn’t unheard of. By using the steps listed above, your smile will be restored in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Marco Caballeros earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry. He completed his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry, which requires 500 hours of continuing education and passing a comprehensive exam complete with 400 questions. This has allowed him to stay up-to-date on the newest developments in dentistry. If your veneer has fallen off, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Frisco, visit his website or call (469) 476-4092.