Veneers are a versatile cosmetic solution that your dentist can use to address one or several aesthetic concerns simultaneously. Whether your smile has stubborn stains, chips, cracks, minor gaps, or mild misalignments, these thin ceramic shells can hide problem areas to perfect your appearance.
However, it’s natural to feel flustered or worry about what to do next if you’ve just realized that one of your restorations has become dislodged. Continue reading to learn why this sometimes happens and how to handle it!
Why Did My Veneer Fall Off?
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are customized to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth, then bonded over their front surfaces to mask flaws. They can last for 25+ years if they’re carefully maintained, but that doesn’t make them invincible. Your veneer might fall off due to:
- Age. If you’ve had your prosthetics for many years, they may be worn down or the cement holding them in place may have eroded, causing them to become destabilized.
- Improper bonding. If they weren’t initially attached correctly, they’re more likely to have issues later.
- Cavities. Your restorations cannot develop decay, but if the underlying tooth does, there’s nothing for them to attach to.
- Negligence. If you don’t care for them by brushing and flossing twice daily and avoiding sticky or hard foods that can harm them, they’re more likely to be damaged.
What Should I Do If a Veneer Falls Off?
You might not think that losing a veneer near Jacksonville is an urgent matter, but the underlying tooth is more vulnerable to decay and injuries without the cover in place to shield it. That means it’s better to get help sooner rather than later.
The following steps can help you get the assistance you need if you’ve lost one or more of these porcelain shells:
- Step 1: Gather any pieces that may have broken off to take with you to the dentist when it’s time to leave. Keep in mind that some bits might still be in your mouth, so you don’t swallow them.
- Step 2: Contact your dentist to let them know what happened and they will schedule an appropriate time to see you. They might also provide care instructions over the phone for you to follow while you wait, like avoiding overly hot or cold foods and drinks that might trigger sensitivity.
- Step 3: Be cautious not to injure the uncovered tooth while you wait by biting into anything too hard, sticky, tough, or chewy.
- Step 4: If the roughened enamel of your tooth irritates the tender tissues in your mouth, you can place some dental wax over it to prevent sores.
- Step 5: Arrive on time for your dental appointment, and your dentist will examine your mouth to verify whether your veneer can be reattached or if it requires replacement.
Although a lost veneer might not be considered an emergency, you should contact your dentist right away to prevent potential damage!
About the Practice
Patients at Carlson Dental Group benefit from two dentists with decades of combined experience. Dr. Le and Dr. Murray work together to offer a full array of services to meet all of your needs at one convenient location, including veneers. They enjoy building relationships and getting to know your unique goals and concerns so they can quickly devise personalized treatments to meet them. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to improve your comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. If you want to enhance your smile, you can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (904) 262-8449.