If you’re unhappy with your smile and want a change, veneers are a fantastic cosmetic option. These thin shells of porcelain are fully customized to fit over the front of your teeth, hiding any number of cosmetic flaws. Many patients enjoy years of bright, uniform smiles after veneer treatment, but what happens when one decides to fall off? Continue reading to learn why your enhancement may have come off and what you should do about it.
Why Did My Veneer Fall Off?
Veneers don’t typically just pop off on their own. Usually, there’s some circumstance that causes the shell to detach from the tooth. Here are some of the more common causes:
Excessive Alcohol
The chemicals in alcoholic beverages are notorious for their ability to dissolve the bonding cement behind veneers. If you indulge often, it could explain why your enhancements became loose.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Veneers will shield the front of your tooth from bacteria, stains, and acid. However, this does not apply to the back and sides! If you often skip dental hygiene, a buildup of plaque can cause tooth decay, weakening the base of your veneers and potentially causing them to come off.
The Veneer Is Old
If you’ve had your veneers for over 15 years or so, it may simply be time to replace your enhancements. Veneers are made of durable materials and attached with a potent dental cement, but they can’t last forever!
What Should I Do if My Veneer Falls Off?
First and foremost, don’t panic! Veneers can and do come off for many reasons. Until you see your dentist, there’s no need to jump to conclusions.
Next, recover the veneer if you can and call your dentist. Once you have an appointment, you can begin treating the affected tooth. If you’re in pain, you can take some over-the-counter pain medication to help you manage.
Don’t try to put the veneer back on yourself! If you do it incorrectly, it could damage your tooth or the veneer, making it harder to fix. If your tooth feels sensitive, you can coat it with a bit of dental wax.
Once you go to your appointment, your dentist will assess your tooth and see if the veneer can be reattached. If not, you may need to have another one made or undergo specific treatment to repair your smile.
Having a veneer fall off your tooth can be distressing, but the important thing is to stay calm and take action! The best way to avoid this situation is to ensure that you’re properly brushing and flossing each day. Even with veneers, your teeth need the TLC! If your enhancements do become loose, reach out to your dentist. They can diagnose your issue and get your smile back together again!
About the Author
Dr. Shabnam Tehrani is a talented and passionate dental expert who loves helping her patients achieve dazzling smiles they can be proud of. After earning her dental doctorate from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, she continued expanding her skills to utilize the latest dental technology and techniques. Call (813) 906-0866 to schedule a cosmetic consultation at Allure Dental Boutique or visit our website to see a full menu of services we offer.