A dental veneer can transform your smile, giving you confidence with a bright, uniform look. But what happens if one of these custom-made shells gets chipped, cracked, or falls off? While it can be alarming, a damaged veneer is a fixable problem. At Harris Dental, our experts, Dr. Brian Harris and Dr. Scott Harris, are here to guide you through the right steps to take.
How Do Veneers Get Damaged?
Porcelain veneers are crafted from strong, durable material, but they aren’t indestructible. They are bonded to your natural teeth, so anything that could harm a tooth can also harm a veneer.
Common causes of damage include:
- Impact or Trauma: A direct blow to the mouth from a sports injury or an accident can easily chip or dislodge a veneer.
- Biting Hard Objects: Chewing on ice, hard candy, pens, or using your teeth to open packages can create enough force to crack the porcelain.
- Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): The constant pressure from grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at night, can wear down or fracture veneers over time.
- Tooth Decay: Although the veneer itself doesn’t decay, the natural tooth underneath it can. If a cavity forms along the edge of the veneer, it can weaken the bond and cause it to fail.
Are Porcelain Veneers Easy to Damage?
Fortunately, damaging a porcelain veneer isn’t a common occurrence. They are designed to withstand the normal forces of chewing and speaking for many years. When properly bonded by an experienced cosmetic dentist, veneers become a resilient part of your smile. However, they require the same mindful care as your natural teeth to ensure their longevity.
Your First Steps After Damaging a Veneer
If your veneer chips, cracks, or comes off completely, don’t panic. The first thing you should do is call your dentist. At Harris Dental, we prioritize dental emergencies and will schedule you for an appointment as soon as possible.
If the veneer has come off in one piece, save it. Place it in a small, hard container to protect it from further damage. In some cases, Dr. Brian Harris or Dr. Scott Harris may be able to re-bond the original veneer, saving you time and money. Do not attempt to reattach it yourself with household glues, as this can damage both the veneer and your tooth.
While you wait for your appointment, your exposed tooth might feel sensitive. Avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks. If the edge of a chipped veneer feels sharp, you can cover it with a small piece of dental wax.
How to Protect Your Veneers
Preventing damage is always the best approach. You can extend the life of your veneers with these simple habits:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss daily to keep the underlying teeth and gums healthy.
- Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Don’t chew on non-food items like pens, fingernails, or ice.
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play contact sports, a custom-fit mouthguard is essential protection.
- Use a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a nightguard to protect your veneers from excessive pressure.
If you’re in the Phoenix or Gilbert area and have a damaged veneer or want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, contact Harris Dental today. Dr. Brian Harris and Dr. Scott Harris have the expertise to restore your smile and help you keep it beautiful for years to come.
CONTACT HARRIS DENTAL:
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
4444 N 32 St Ste 208 Phoenix, Arizona 85018
