Veneers can completely transform your smile and help you feel much more confident about your appearance. However, while you can normally expect them to last about 10 to 15 years with the right maintenance, eventually they may fall off your teeth. If this happens, don’t panic. Instead, remember these 6 steps for managing this situation and keeping your smile safe.
Step 1: Locate and Save the Veneer
The first thing you need to do is find the lost veneer immediately. If it has broken into multiple pieces, gather as many as you can. Keep your veneer in a sealed container and bring it with you to your appointment; your dentist may be able to reattach it to your tooth if it hasn’t been damaged too badly.
Step 2: Make an Appointment with Your Dentist
Next, you need to call your dentist to let them know that your veneer fell off. A lost veneer isn’t an emergency, but you don’t want to leave the tooth exposed for too long. As such, your dentist will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. They’ll also give you tips for protecting your smile while you’re waiting for your appointment.
Step 3: Be Careful During Meals
Due to having a thin layer of enamel removed to make room for the veneer, your exposed tooth is likely to be very sensitive. Try to avoid any particularly hot or cold foods and beverages while you’re waiting for your appointment. You should also stay away from anything acidic or high in sugar.
Step 4: Cover Up Your Tooth If You Need To
You should never try to reattach your veneer on your own, but if you’re having problems with your exposed tooth – such as sensitivity or a rough sensation against the soft tissues in your mouth – you might want to try covering it with dental wax. Take a very thin layer of wax and gently squish it against your tooth as flat as possible.
Step 5: Have Your Dentist Figure Out the Problem
During your appointment, your dentist will try to narrow down exactly what caused your veneer to fall off. Possible causes include teeth grinding, damage, tooth decay, and bad chewing habits. It’s important to identify and address any existing problems before putting a veneer on your tooth again.
Step 6: Get Your Veneer Repaired or Replaced
It may be possible to put your veneer right back on your tooth if it’s still in good condition. However, if your veneer is too broken or worn down to use anymore, you will most likely need to get a new one.
Veneers don’t fall out very often, but if they ever do, you can use the tips above to keep the situation under control. Act quickly to have your tooth covered again so that you can continue to enjoy a flawless smile.
About the Practice
At Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, Dr. Albert, Dr. Stylski, and Dr. Snow combine their skill sets so that they can provide convenient, comprehensive care for all of their valued patients in New Lenox. They offer a variety of cosmetic treatments for creating dazzling new smiles, including full personalized veneers. To schedule a consultation at Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox, visit our website or call (815) 462-9990.