If you’re frustrated by aesthetic flaws in your smile, like stubborn stains, chips, cracks, or mild misalignments, you’re not alone. An estimated 600,000 Americans get veneers every year to mask imperfections in their teeth that detract from their appearance.
These thin, porcelain shells are customized to look like your natural teeth, then are bonded to their front surfaces to hide blemishes. They’re incredibly resilient and can last 25+ years with the right care, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. If one of your restorations fell off, continue reading to learn why this can happen and what to do about it!
Why Did My Veneer Fall Off?
Veneers are made from a special ceramic that’s intended to withstand the daily force of biting and chewing, and are coated with a glaze durable enough to resist chipping and cracking. However, these covers can become damaged or dislodged for several reasons, including:
- Age. On average, most of these shells last at least 10 years, but as time goes by the bond keeping them in place weakens causing them to fall off.
- Improper bonding. If you only recently received your restorations and they won’t stay on, they may not have been cemented properly.
- Cavities. Ceramic can’t develop decay, but the underlying tooth anchoring your veneers can. If it’s too damaged, there may not be enough healthy material for it to hold onto.
- Negligence. If you frequently bite hard objects, eat overly tough or sticky foods, and neglect your twice-daily dental hygiene routine, your prosthetics are more likely to become destabilized or lost altogether.
What Do I Do if a Veneer Falls Off?
It’s understandably frustrating to realize a veneer has gone missing, but acting quickly can help you protect and preserve both your restorations and your smile. First, try to find the missing shell, keeping in mind that it might have broken into pieces or could still be in your mouth. If they’re in decent condition, there’s a chance your dentist can repurpose them.
Then, give your provider a call. Dislodged veneers might not require a same-day emergency appointment, but your dental team will book an appropriate time to see you based on your circumstances. They might also provide special care instructions for you to follow in the meantime. For instance, you might want to avoid overly hot or cold foods and drinks that can trigger sensitivity in your now-unprotected tooth.
Thankfully, you can keep your cosmetics in excellent condition relatively easily. Brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup can keep them looking and feeling great for years!
About the Practice
At Jacksonville Dental Specialists, patients benefit from two experts who provide various specialty services to improve their oral health. Dr. Nawrocki has received a Specialist Certificate in Prosthodontics, and Dr. Aguila obtained a Certificate in Periodontics, making them experts at designing and placing restorations to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality, including veneers. They combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology and specialty training to improve patient comfort while delivering accurate treatment results intended to last. You can request a consultation on the website or call (904) 683-4781.