Veneers are one of the most popular and effective cosmetic treatment options available! These awesome little sheets of porcelain can completely revamp and restore your compromised smile—but despite that, they aren’t invincible! Sometimes your veneers can fall off without warning, even while you’re eating, talking, or sleeping! But when this happens, there’s no need to panic! Keep reading to learn more about why your veneers can sometimes fall off and what you can do to handle it.
What Causes Veneers to Fall Off?
Under normal and ideal circumstances, your veneers can stay bonded to your teeth for up to 10 – 20 years. But sometimes they can fail early and fall off, for a variety of reasons:
- Old age and wear – Despite their inherent durability, your veneers can become worn down over time, weakening and eventually popping off.
- They weren’t bonded properly – If your veneer was relatively new before it fell off, it might not have been properly bonded to the tooth. Your dentist can address this issue.
- Tooth decay – If your tooth is afflicted with decay, it might not be healthy enough to stay connected to the veneer. An insufficient amount of enamel can also cause your veneer to come off.
- Negligence – Your veneers need to be taken care of just like your natural teeth! Not brushing them or abusing them by biting into hard objects or grinding your teeth can cause damage to your veneers as well as your natural teeth.
- Trauma – Sometimes simply getting hit in the mouth will dislodge and/or break your veneer. If this happens, be sure to collect the pieces.
What Should I Do If My Veneer Falls Off?
Knowing the reason for your veneer falling off can help inform you and your dentist about how to approach the problem. For example, if your veneer was old, it isn’t surprising that it broke, and it will need to simply be replaced. However, if your brand-new veneer fell off, it likely wasn’t bonded correctly the first time!
That said, replacing your veneer yourself is not a smart idea. The glue or adhesives you have at home are not safe or suitable for dental bonding! Your dentist will be able to identify the reason for your displaced veneer before replacing or reattaching it; furthermore, they will use a safe approach and gentle equipment. You can also apply dental wax to the tooth as a temporary solution while you’re waiting to see your dentist.
Your veneers are meant to enhance your smile—but they can’t if they fall off! If it happens, contact your dentist promptly to ensure that it’s correctly replaced.
About the Author
A Fort Worth native, Dr. R. David Brumbaugh has been practicing dentistry for over 25 years! Dr. Brumbaugh received his dental doctorate from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and holds membership in several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and more. His practice is proud to offer a wide range of available services including cosmetic options like veneers! To schedule a visit, please reach out through Dr. Brumbaugh’s website or give him a call: (214) 369-5159.
