Veneer Mishap? What to Do If Your Veneer Falls Off

If you picked dental veneers to transform your smile, you may be well aware of their benefits. In fact, many people don’t regret undergoing this cosmetic treatment as it gives them an attractive grin that lasts for years to come. It’s good to keep in mind that they aren’t designed to last forever, so that any wear and tear can be replaced.

That being said, you may be left shocked if a veneer has fallen off a tooth. While it’s a rare occurrence, it’s good to know what to do in this situation! If you’ve lost a veneer, this simple guide is here to help!

What Do I Do If My Veneer Falls Off?

You should try to find the fallen veneer first! If it’s in one piece or it breaks into several, place them into a clean, airtight container. This will keep the porcelain shell safe until you can visit your dentist, who may be able to simply reattach it if it’s still in good condition.

Next, call your dental office. You’ll want to get an appointment as early as possible to minimize any discomfort and ensure the safety of your exposed tooth. During the call, your dentist can give you some advice on caring for your tooth until the upcoming visit.

What Should I Do While I Wait for My Appointment?

A fallen veneer isn’t considered an urgent dental emergency, but your dental office will try to get you in right away. You may experience increased tooth sensitivity while waiting for the visit. To make your veneers sit flush with the rest of your pearly whites, a thin layer of enamel was removed. Your tooth has sensitive parts underneath the enamel, which were being protected by the porcelain shell. As they are now exposed, they are vulnerable to sensitivity and damage.

To help lessen the discomfort, limit eating and drinking overly hot, cold, sugary, and acidic foods and beverages. If the sensitivity is bothering you too much, you can mold dental wax over your tooth to provide relief. This is an effective temporary solution to mitigate the symptoms until your appointment with your dentist.

Can My Dentist Fix My Fallen Veneer?

When it’s time for your visit, be sure to let your dentist know what caused your veneer to fall off and show them the state of the cosmetic. After hearing what happened and examining your mouth, they can determine why the porcelain shell came off. In many cases, it’s just an old veneer that needs to be replaced! If not, other common causes are teeth grinding, bad chewing habits, tooth decay, and physical accidents.

No matter the reason, it’s time to protect your tooth once again! If the veneer is still in good condition and fits properly, your dentist will disinfect and reattach it. For very small cracks or chips in the shell, they can be filled with composite resin. However, replacing the entire veneer can help ensure that it lasts as long as it should. Your dentist will be able to tell you what they think would be best!

A fallen veneer isn’t an urgent dental emergency, but it may leave you quite alarmed. Follow these steps when calling your dentist, so you can feel more confident in the situation and get back to a perfect smile.

About the Author

Dr. David Rosenfeld earned his dental doctorate from the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in New York City. He continued his education by completing advanced training in cosmetic dentistry to give his patients teeth that they feel confident showing off.

To help Dr. Rosenfeld achieve this, he offers a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments, like veneers! By ensuring each porcelain shell is custom-made with your smile in mind, you’ll leave with a brighter set of pearly whites. If you had a veneer come off, schedule an appointment or call us at (908) 668-7838.