What to Do If a Dental Veneer Comes Off

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. These thin shells of porcelain or resin composite are bonded to the front of your teeth, providing a natural and aesthetically pleasing look.

Veneers are extremely durable, but like natural teeth and dental restorations, they can experience damage [1]. There may be instances when a dental veneer can come loose or fall off, especially if the veneer is old or damaged.

In such cases, it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to restore your smile. Here’s what to do if a dental veneer comes off.

Immediate Steps to Take

If you discover that your dental veneer has come off, it’s crucial to stay calm. Here’s what you should do:

1. Find the veneer. First, find the actual veneer if it has fallen off, if possible. Handle it carefully to prevent damage.
2. Protect your smile. If the veneer comes off your tooth, you might experience sensitivity or discomfort. Avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods and beverages until you see your dentist.
3. Rinse your mouth. Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris and maintain oral hygiene.
4. Check your tooth. Look for any signs of damage to the tooth underneath. If you notice chips, cracks, or sensitivity, it’s important information for your dentist.
5. Reattach temporarily (if possible). If you have the veneer and it appears intact, you can temporarily reattach it using dental adhesive or fluoride toothpaste to help maintain the space until you can visit your dentist.

You should consider a fallen-off dental veneer a dental emergency if you have severe pain, swelling, or bleeding along with the damaged veneer [2].

Avoiding Home Remedies

While it may be tempting to find a quick fix at home, avoid any DIY methods that could potentially worsen the situation. For instance, supergluing or using other household adhesives is never a good idea, as these can lead to complications and additional damage to both the veneer and your tooth (not to mention your overall health!).

Contact Your Dentist

Regardless of whether you’ve managed to temporarily reattach the veneer or not, contacting your dentist should be your next move. Explain the situation clearly, mentioning how long the veneer has been off and any symptoms you’ve experienced. Your dentist will schedule an appointment to assess the situation and determine the best course of action, which may involve re-bonding the veneer or, in some cases, replacing it.

Prevention Tips

To avoid the chance of a veneer coming off in the future, consider following these preventive measures:

• Take excellent care of your smile. Regular brushing and flossing can help preserve the condition of your veneers and overall oral health.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods. Foods that are excessively hard or sticky can place undue pressure on your veneers and lead to damage [3].
• Wear a mouthguard. If you grind your teeth at night or engage in contact sports, a mouthguard can protect your veneers from damage.

Don’t Wait to Get Your Dental Veneer Fixed

While it can be alarming to discover that a dental veneer has come off, keeping calm and following the above steps can help you restore your smile as quickly as possible. Contact your dentist to protect your teeth and prevent further complications—your smile is worth it!

Sources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11122289/
2. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-practice-resources/ada_covid19_dental_emergency_dds.pdf
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers