Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve appearance. While designed for long-term use, veneers can come off. Although a well-placed veneer should remain securely attached for many years, the bond’s integrity can fail, leading to loosening or complete detachment. Understanding why this failure occurs and knowing the correct steps to take is important.
The Primary Reasons Veneers Detach
The most common reason for detachment is the failure of the bonding agent used to adhere the shell to the natural tooth structure. This specialized dental cement can degrade over time, or the initial bond may have been compromised during application, perhaps by moisture contamination. The bond’s strength also relies on the prepared tooth surface; if the tooth was over-prepared or lacked sufficient enamel, the adhesive may not hold securely.
Underlying issues with the natural tooth can also undermine the veneer’s stability. If tooth decay develops beneath the margin of the veneer, the compromised tooth structure can no longer provide a solid foundation. This decay dissolves the chemical bond, causing the veneer to loosen and fall off. Poor oral hygiene is a significant contributor, as bacteria infiltrate the tooth-veneer interface.
Excessive physical force applied to the teeth is another frequent cause of detachment. Biting down on extremely hard objects, such as ice or hard candies, or using teeth to open packages, creates mechanical stress that exceeds the bond’s strength. Chronic teeth grinding, known as bruxism, places constant pressure on the veneers, which can lead to micro-fractures or failure of the adhesive bond.
Immediate Steps When a Veneer Comes Off
The first action upon noticing a detached veneer is to remain calm and immediately locate the restoration, which is often intact and potentially reusable. Retrieve the veneer gently and store it safely in a clean container. Avoid attempting to re-glue it yourself with non-dental adhesives, as household glues can harm the tooth and interfere with the dentist’s ability to professionally re-bond the veneer.
The exposed tooth underneath the veneer may feel rough or sensitive to temperature changes, since enamel was removed during preparation. Avoid chewing on the affected side and limit consuming hot or cold foods to minimize discomfort until you see a dentist. If the exposed tooth has sharp edges, apply a small piece of dental wax as a temporary barrier to protect the tongue and cheek.
Contact your dental office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment, explaining the detachment. Prompt action is necessary because the prepared tooth is vulnerable to damage or decay without the protective covering. Your dentist will assess both the veneer and the underlying tooth to determine if re-bonding is possible or if a new custom restoration must be fabricated.
Long-Term Care to Prevent Detachment
Maintaining meticulous oral hygiene is necessary to ensure the longevity of your veneers and prevent detachment caused by decay. Brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste and flossing once a day cleans the margins where the veneer meets the natural tooth. This consistent routine prevents plaque accumulation, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay that undermine the bonding material.
Modifying certain dietary habits reduces the risk of mechanical failure. Avoid chewing on hard items like ice, hard candy, or nuts, as the concentrated force can crack the veneer or shock the adhesive bond. Similarly, extremely sticky or chewy foods, such as caramels, should be consumed with caution, as they can exert a pulling force on the restoration.
If a person clenches or grinds their teeth, particularly at night (bruxism), a custom-fitted nightguard is a recommended preventive measure. The guard acts as a cushion, distributing the intense pressure evenly across the dental arches, protecting the veneers from fracturing or loosening. Regular dental check-ups allow the dentist to inspect the bonding integrity and the health of the underlying tooth structure, catching potential problems before detachment.