Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help improve the appearance of your smile by covering up imperfections such as chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. However, despite their strength, veneers are not invincible and can potentially chip under certain circumstances.
Why would a dental veneer chip? Here are the factors that can lead to veneer chipping and what you can do to prevent it.
You Grind Your Teeth
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is one of the top causes of chipped dental veneers. People who grind their teeth are more likely to experience problems with their veneers than those who don’t [1].
Although porcelain veneers are durable and can last for years, the pressure exerted during teeth grinding can cause the veneer to chip. This can impact the aesthetics and structural integrity of the veneers, especially if there are multiple chips.
The Veneer Was Not Properly Placed or Bonded
In order to provide the most natural-looking and functional restoration, veneers must be properly bonded to your natural teeth [2]. If a strong bond is not created, the veneers are more likely to chip because they may shift out of alignment with your natural bite and, therefore, be more vulnerable to damage.
You Misuse Your Teeth
Dental veneers can chip from excessive force or trauma to the teeth, including biting down on hard objects like ice, pens, nut shells, or fingernails. These actions can put undue pressure on the veneers, causing them to crack or chip, especially with repeated habits over time [3].
You Have Tooth Decay
Another common reason for veneer chipping is poor oral hygiene. While veneers themselves are not susceptible to tooth decay, the natural teeth underneath them are still vulnerable to cavities and gum disease if proper oral hygiene practices are not followed.
If the tooth structure supporting the veneer becomes compromised due to decay or gum issues, it can weaken the bond between the veneer and the tooth, leading to chipping or detachment.
It is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene habits, including regular brushing, flossing, and visits to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings, to keep your veneers and your natural teeth strong.
What to Do If You Have a Chipped Veneer
If you notice your dental veneers chipping, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. They will evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment. In some cases, if the chip is minor, dental bonding can be used to repair the veneer [4].
However, being able to repair the veneer depends on the cause of the damage in the first place. If the veneer needs to be properly bonded or repositioned, a replacement may be in order. A replacement may also be necessary if the damage is extensive.
Are Your Dental Veneers Chipped?
Dental veneers are meant to enhance your smile and even cover chips, so chipped veneers are never ideal. If you have chipped veneers, don’t wait to see a dentist experienced in restoring or replacing veneers. Taking the best care of your veneers can help you maintain a flawless, even smile!
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4192563/#
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022391300800098
3. https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)65062-5/fulltext
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7345289/
