Dental veneers are a popular, versatile way to address a variety of imperfections that can detract from your appearance, including chips, cracks, stubborn stains, and even mild gaps or overcrowding. They’re made from resilient porcelain that’s customized to look lifelike, then are cemented over the fronts of your teeth to hide flaws.
Although they’re incredibly durable, they’re not impervious to harm. For instance, you might accidentally dislodge one if you eat something too hard or sticky. Continue reading to learn about 3 steps to take if you’ve just lost a veneer!
Step #1: Find the Veneer
Veneers are made from ceramic that’s less porous than enamel and are coated with a glaze that helps them resist damage and discoloration. That means there’s a chance that your prosthetic is still in decent condition even if it’s been pushed out of place. Your dentist may be able to cement it back over your enamel, but only if you take the time to locate your missing restoration.
Once you’ve found it, rinse it under gently running water to remove any dirt and debris, then place it in a container or baggie where you’ll remember to bring it to your dental appointment when it’s time to leave home.
Step #2: Address Discomfort
These lifelike covers are known for remaining in place for 20+ years with proper care, but if you bit into something too hard, sticky, or crunchy, you might accidentally push or yank one out of place. Veneers might also be damaged or dislodged if you participate in team sports or other high-contact activities and sustain an injury.
If the shell popped off because you were hurt, there are a few ways you might alleviate any associated aches or inflammation. For example, you can hold an ice pack to the tender side of your face or hold ice water in your mouth for a few minutes for a temporary numbing reprieve. You can also rinse with salt water or take over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce soreness or swelling.
Step #3: Contact Your Dentist
If you haven’t already done so, it’s time to contact your dentist to make an appointment. Let them know what happened, and they’ll schedule an appropriate time to see you, which might be right away if your provider offers same-day emergency visits. They might also provide additional self-care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive, such as avoiding biting down on or eating anything with the exposed tooth.
Once you arrive at the office at the scheduled time, your dentist can examine your condition and veneer to either cement it back in place or replace it with a new one.
Meet the Author
Dr. Viet “Vince” Tran is passionate about improving his patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. He graduated from the LECOM School of Dental Medicine, and has remained committed to continuing education to advance his surgery, implant placement, and full mouth rehabilitation skills. Today, he utilizes advanced technology to offer a complete menu of services, including veneers, to meet your unique needs under one roof. You can request an appointment online or call the office at (281) 493-0061.