Veneers are designed to be attached to your teeth to transform your smile. They’re highly durable and can last over a decade with the right maintenance, but sooner or later, they might fall off. You might be alarmed if this happens, but don’t panic; as long as you follow the right steps, you can keep your teeth safe and restore your dazzling grin. Here’s what to do if you lose a veneer.
First Step: Locate the Veneer
The first thing you’ll want to do is find the veneer so that you can bring it with you to your appointment. If it’s broken into multiple pieces, gather as many as you can. Do not put a detached veneer back into your mouth; keep it in a sealed container instead.
Second Step: Call Your Dentist
You need to get in touch with your dentist as soon as possible to let them know that a veneer fell off. It’s best to make an appointment to have the veneer reattached or replaced quickly so that the tooth isn’t left exposed for too long.
Third Step: Protect Your Sensitive Tooth Until Your Appointment
A thin layer of enamel needs to be removed from the tooth before a veneer can be placed. If the veneer falls off, the tooth won’t be in any immediate danger, but it will be more sensitive than your other teeth. As such, while you’re waiting for your appointment, you’ll want to avoid hot or cold foods and beverages; if they touch the exposed tooth, they could cause significant discomfort.
Fourth Step: Cover the Tooth with Dental Wax If You Need To
You should never try to reattach a veneer by yourself, but if the exposed tooth feels too rough against the soft tissues in your mouth, you can cover it with a thin layer of dental wax. This is only a temporary solution, of course, but it should help you stay comfortable until you can see your dentist.
Fifth Step: Let Your Dentist Examine Your Smile
Your dentist will check to make sure there aren’t any pieces of the veneer still in your mouth, then try to figure out what caused it to fall out in the first place. Sometimes it’s just a matter of the bonding material weakening over time, but it could also be a consequence of more serious issues such as teeth grinding or decay. If there are any underlying problems, your dentist will let you know what treatment options are available.
Final Step: Have the Veneer Repaired or Replaced
If the veneer is still in overall good shape and still fits on the tooth, it can sometimes be reattached after any minor damage has been fixed. In many cases, though, the restoration will have to be replaced altogether.
A lost veneer isn’t an urgent issue, but you’ll still want to have it taken care of as soon as you can. Make sure you have your dentist’s number on your phone so that you can call them right away if there’s a problem.
About the Author
Dr. Carole Emanuel has been helping her patients smile for over 25 years. She has completed over 500 hours of continuing education in a variety of topics, including esthetic dentistry. Her Lakewood practice offers a variety of cosmetic treatments, including lifelike, long-lasting veneers. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Emanuel, visit her website or call (303) 986-0090.