While eating lunch with friends, you take a bite out of your meal, when suddenly, you come to an unfortunate realization – your veneer fell off! Your first instinct may be to panic, but don’t worry – you’re certainly not the first (or last) person to find themselves in this predicament. If you’re unsure what to do, stay calm because we’ve got you covered. Read along as a cosmetic dentist in Williamstown shares a step-by-step guide on how to navigate the situation.
Put Your Veneer in a Closed Container
Locate your broken or detached veneer and store it in a clean, sealable container. The good news is if it’s mostly in one large piece, your cosmetic dentist may be able to save and reattach it! But what if it’s broken? Well, you should still collect as many pieces as possible and place them all in a container. You’ll want to keep everything that’s left of your veneer in a safe and clean place.
Contact Your Dentist
Once you have stored your veneer in a safe place, contact your cosmetic dentist in Williamstown as soon as possible. They’ll provide you with instructions on what to do in the meantime to protect your newly exposed underlying tooth. Make sure you follow their advice diligently! Do not attempt to resolve the situation on your own without consulting your dentist.
Be Careful While You Wait for Your Appointment
Although a veneer falling off is certainly an unsettling situation, it’s not dire and does not constitute a dental emergency. Because only a thin layer of enamel was removed in preparation for the veneer, your tooth is not in any immediate danger. If anything, you may experience increased sensitivity to foods and drinks at extreme temperatures. Some patients report feeling enamel roughness as well, so be careful while eating or drinking!
Use a Temporary Solution (If Needed)
Are you struggling with sensitivity or enamel roughness? Ask your cosmetic dentist for a temporary solution. They may suggest you use dental wax, which can alleviate your discomfort when applied to the surface of your exposed tooth. Unless directed by your dentist, do not attempt to reattach the veneer on your own! Otherwise, you risk damaging the porcelain or your tooth.
Identify the Underlying Cause
At your appointment, your dentist will make sure your mouth is not being irritated by residual pieces. Then, they’ll examine your mouth to identify what caused your veneer to fail. There are many reasons why veneers fall off, including teeth grinding, poor chewing habits, incorrect placement, damage or decay to the underlying tooth, and improper bonding.
Repair or Replace Your Veneer
After the underlying cause is identified, your cosmetic dentist will determine the best course of action moving forward. If your veneer is in good condition, they may be able to reattach it. If it’s slightly damaged, they could repair it with composite resin. However, that is not necessarily ideal because the material isn’t as durable as porcelain. Therefore, it may be best to order a replacement.
Did your veneer fall off? Take a deep breath, stay calm, and follow the steps outlined above. With the help of your cosmetic dentist in Williamstown, your smile will be back to normal in no time!
About the Practice
At iSmile Dental Arts, we offer exceptional, high-quality, compassionate dental care that’s guaranteed to exceed even your highest expectations. Our team will always go the extra mile to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. If your veneer fell off, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’ll fix your smile and in no time! Visit our website or call (856) 818-9998 to make an appointment.
