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Children’s DentistVeneers are strong and durable, built to last for many years. With proper care, they can even last a lifetime. But sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can happen, and veneers can fall out or get damaged.
If you’ve had dental veneers installed, it’s important to know what to do if they become damaged. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a few tips on how to care for your veneers, what could possibly damage them, and what to do if they need repair.
What Is A Dental Veneer?
A dental veneer is a thin shell of tooth-coloured porcelain or composite resin that covers the front surface of a tooth. They are custom-made to fit your tooth, are an ideal solution for covering dental imperfections such as chips and cracks and can help address cosmetic issues such as:
- Misshapen Teeth
- Stained or Discoloured Teeth
- Fractured Tooth
- Broken Tooth
- Uneven-Spaced Teeth
- Smaller-than-Average Teeth
- Crooked Teeth
- Gaps Between Teeth
- Damaged Teeth
This dental procedure is relatively simple and can be completed in just two dental visits. First, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory where the veneers will be made. Then, during your second dental visit, the dentist will bond the veneers to the front surfaces of your teeth.
While dental veneers are more expensive than alternative treatment options such as composite bonding or teeth whitening, they offer several benefits. Veneers are stain-resistant and do not require special care as natural teeth do. They can give you a beautiful smile that you’ll surely enjoy for many years because of the materials used to make them.
What Are Dental Veneers Made of?
Dental veneers are either made of porcelain or composite resin.
Porcelain Dental Veneers
These are made of medical-grade ceramic that is shaded to match your existing teeth’s shade and colour. Traditional porcelain veneers resist stains better than composite resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth.
Composite Resin Veneers
These are made of a tooth-coloured mixture of glass and plastic. They are less expensive than porcelain veneers but may not be as durable and stain-resistant. Additionally, they are thinner than porcelain dental veneers and require less removal of tooth structure.
Dental veneers are typically made of strong and durable materials. However, they are not indestructible and are still prone to damage and breakage.
What to Do When Dental Veneers Are Damaged
While veneers are generally very durable, they can be damaged if they are not cared for properly. If you have dental veneers, it’s essential to know what to do if they become damaged.
First, don’t panic. Damaged veneers can usually be repaired, provided that the tooth supporting it is not fractured.
If you have a chipped veneer, try to find the piece that broke off and bring it to your dentist. In some cases, the piece can be reattached. If the break is severe, you may need to have a new veneer made.
If your veneer is cracked, it is important to see a dentist immediately, as cracks can lead to further damage. Cracks can sometimes be repaired, but in other cases, you may need to have a new veneer made.
If your veneer is loose, try to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and book an appointment with your dentist right away. In some cases, the dental adhesive can be reapplied, but in other cases, you may need to have a new veneer made.
If the damage is severe, you may need to have the veneer replaced. Often, minor damage such as a chip or crack can usually be repaired quickly and easily in the dentist’s office without any major concerns.
Is It Possible to Restore a Damaged Dental Veneer?
Damaged dental veneers can be restored. However, it’s important to note that not all damage can be repaired. It depends on the severity of the damage.
If your veneer is severely cracked or chipped, it will likely need to be replaced. But if the damage is minor, a dentist may be able to buff it out or repair it with a bonding material. The veneer material will also matter as composite is easier to restore, while damaged porcelain veneers usually require replacement.
To avoid future damage, it’s important to know the root cause of the damage so you can avoid doing it the next time.
What Are the Underlying Causes of Dental Veneers Damage?
Dental veneers can give you a beautiful, natural-looking smile, but they can also be prone to damage. Chipping and cracking are the most common problems associated with veneers.
There are several underlying causes of dental veneer damage, including:
- Acidic foods and drinks:
Acidic foods and drinks can wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to veneer damage. Try to avoid these if you can. - Clenching or grinding your teeth:
This can put excessive force on your veneers, causing them to crack or chip. If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), you must seek treatment from a dentist to protect your veneers. They might recommend using a night guard to protect your veneers and teeth. - Eating hard foods:
Biting into hard candy or crusty bread can put stress on your veneers and cause them to crack or chip. It’s best to avoid hard and chewy foods if you have veneers. - Imbalanced bite:
If your teeth are not aligned properly, it can put extra stress on your veneers and cause them to crack or chip.Improper bonding: If your veneers are not bonded properly, they may come loose and fall off. This is why it’s important to have veneers placed by a qualified dentist.
- Poor oral hygiene:
Having poor oral hygiene can eventually lead to gum disease, which can cause your veneers to become loose and fall off. Be sure to brush, floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups. - Tooth Decay:
If you have tooth decay, it can cause your veneers to become loose and fall off because the decay will eat away at the original tooth underneath the veneer, weakening the support. Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. - Trauma:
An accidental fall or other types of trauma can cause your veneers to crack or chip. Be sure to wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
If your veneers become damaged, regardless of the severity, it’s important to see your dentist immediately. They will know what course of action to take.
What Will My Dentist Do to My Damaged Dental Veneer?
If you have a damaged dental veneer, your dentist will first assess the extent of the damage. If the veneer is merely chipped, they may be able to buff it out and make it less noticeable. However, if the veneer is cracked or broken, they will likely need to replace it.
The dentist will remove the old veneer and clean the tooth of the bonding or cement residue. Then an impression will be taken to be used for the creation of the new veneer that will be bonded to your tooth’s surface.
In some cases, the dentist may be able to repair the old veneer instead of replacing it. If this is possible, they will do so and then bond it back into place.
Whether they repair or replace your veneer, you can be confident that your dentist will restore your smile. But it would be best if you took extra care not to damage your veneers in the first place.
How Can I Prevent Damaging My Dental Veneers?
While veneers are generally very durable, you can still do some things to prevent damaging them. Here are some helpful tips that you can follow:
- Avoid using your teeth as tools.
Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles, bite your nails, or chew on ice or hard candy. This can put unnecessary stress on your teeth and damage your veneers. - Brush and floss regularly.
Good oral hygiene habits are essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, including your veneers. Be sure to brush twice daily and floss once daily to remove plaque and bacteria from your teeth and prevent gum disease. However, avoid overzealous tooth brushing! - Cut down on acidic foods and drinks.
Acidic substances can wear away at the enamel, leading to sensitivity and eventually damaging the veneers. - Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
This will help to ensure that your veneers are in good condition and that any potential problems are caught early. - Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
If you play contact sports, wear a mouthguard. It is important to protect your teeth from damage.
These simple tips will help you keep your veneers looking their best for many years.
Final Thoughts
When dental veneers are damaged, it’s important to consult with your dentist right away. While veneers are designed to be durable, they can still be susceptible to chips and cracks.
In most cases, dental veneers can be repaired or replaced relatively easily. However, if the damage is severe, it may require more extensive dental work.
Damage to dental veneers can be a cause for concern, but it’s important not to panic. Have a dental professional assess the situation as soon as possible to ensure that your veneers are properly cared for.
If you’re concerned about the state of your dental veneers or you have other dental concerns, don’t hesitate to book an appointment for a dental consultation through our website or call Karrinyup Dental Centre at (08) 9341 6233, and we would be happy to help you get your bright smile back on track!
