What Happens If I Damage or Lose a Dental Veneer?
Posted on March 24, 2022
If you are like most people, you don’t like calling a dentist in Woodbridge, Vaughan for minor urgent problems. But dental emergencies should always be handled as soon as possible, especially if it is an injury or pain. It could be a broken dental veneer, chipped tooth or mouth pain, whatever the reason, calling a dentist in Woodbridge, Vaughan, sooner rather than later is the smart choice. If you live in the Vaughan and Woodbridge area, Mackenzie Dental Centre offers emergency dental care, 7 days a week.
What Is A Dental Veneers
A dental veneer is a thin, shell-like restoration placed over the front surface of a tooth. It's made of porcelain or composite material that's carefully bonded to the tooth. Dental veneers are semi-permanent in nature and can last from 5 to 15 years, depending on your oral hygiene habits. If properly cared for and maintained, dental veneers can stay in place for many years without losing their effectiveness in improving the appearance of your smile.
How Can Dental Veneers Get Damaged
The dental veneer is made from a thin layer of porcelain, which is bonded to the tooth's surface. It enhances and strengthens the tooth while it's also shaped to fit and look like a natural tooth. However, these restorations can be damaged or lost in an accident or through bad habits like grinding your teeth at night, chewing on ice or by force. A dentist in Woodbridge, Vaughan, may recommend tooth bonding as an alternative to veneers if the veneers are damaged. Or, if a patient damages his/her veneers or is unsatisfied with their appearance, a dentist may replace the veneers with new ones.
What To Do With A Broken Or Cracked Veneer
For a broken or cracked dental veneer, you should try to keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t get worse over time. A cracked veneer can lead to decay underneath it, which is a much bigger problem. Avoid biting into any tough foods such as apples until you can see a dentist in Vaughan to repair the damage. The best way to handle a broken veneer is to let us know what has happened as soon as possible so we can make a treatment plan for you.
Preventing Damage To Your Porcelain or Composite Veneers
Porcelain Veneers can be a wonderful treatment option for the right patient.
It is important to understand that your teeth will most likely be slightly but not dramatically different than before the veneers were applied. With proper care, daily maintenance and regular visits to the dentist, you can easily get 10-15 years out of your veneers, if not longer. Protecting these teeth requires the same diligence at home that it does with your natural teeth and includes:
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to keep your teeth polished and clean from debris.
- Regular visits to the dentist to check on your veneers and any dental work that is present in your mouth.
- Avoid contact sports or activities where there may be a chance for trauma to your mouth.
- Chew with care and avoid chewing on things such as pens and pencils that may wear down or damage your veneers.
- If you feel the need to use floss or any other dental device under your veneers, you may want to consider talking with a restorative dentist to discuss ways you can provide extra care while preserving the integrity of your veneers.
More Questions About Dental Veneers?
If you have a question about porcelain veneers or any other dental concern, please contact us and ask to speak to one of our dentists in Woodbridge, Vaughan. We’re happy to help you.
