Thin, strong porcelain veneers are attached to the front of the tooth to improve the shape, colour, or size. Veneers are an excellent option for making beautiful smiles. On cracked veneers, they fall off. If your veneers do happen to chip, crack, or come off, don’t worry: they can be safely fixed. For those who already have porcelain veneers in Victoria or are thinking about getting them, this guide will inform you on the repairs for a broken veneer and the prevention of future issues.
Step One: Tooth Protection After Veneer Breaks
If your veneer breaks, the first thing to think about is tooth protection after the veneer breaks. A broken veneer can leave part of your tooth uncovered and sensitive. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water, and don’t eat anything hard or crunchy. Try to chew on the other side of your mouth. If any part of the veneer comes off, keep it and bring it to your dental appointment. Call your dentist as soon as possible.
What Causes Veneers to Break?
Veneers are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. They can break from biting something hard, like ice, grinding your teeth at night, or getting hit in the mouth. Sometimes, they wear down over time. When this happens, you need a skilled dentist in Victoria to check your tooth and repair or replace the veneer properly.
Replacing a Broken Veneer
In many cases, a broken veneer can’t be fixed and needs to be replaced. This process is called veneer replacement. Your dentist will first remove any parts of the old veneer and make sure the tooth underneath is still healthy. Then, they’ll take a mould or digital scan of your tooth to create a new veneer that matches your smile. A temporary one may be placed until the permanent veneer is ready. When it arrives, your dentist will bond it to your tooth so your smile looks and feels great again.
Preventing Veneer Damage
You can avoid future problems by preventing veneer damage. Don’t bite your nails, chew on pens, or use your teeth to open packages. Stay away from hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy. If you grind your teeth while sleeping, ask your dentist for a night guard. Brush and floss every day and visit your dentist regularly. This will help your veneers last longer and keep your natural teeth healthy too.
See a Dentist Near You Quickly
When your veneer breaks, it’s smart to see a dentist near you as soon as possible. A broken veneer leaves your tooth more open to pain or further damage. A nearby dentist can quickly assess the problem and get started on repairs. Acting fast also means you’ll spend less time with a damaged or sensitive tooth.
What Happens at the Appointment?
When you arrive, your dentist will check the broken veneer and the tooth underneath. If it’s a small chip, sometimes it can be fixed with a bonding material. But if the veneer is fully cracked or missing, you’ll need a new one. The process usually takes two visits – one to examine the tooth and take impressions, and a second to place the new veneer. It’s a simple and painless process that brings your smile back to normal.
Caring for Your New Veneer
After your new veneer is placed, you’ll want to keep it strong and looking good. Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss gently around it. Avoid biting into hard foods with veneered teeth. Regular dental checkups will help your dentist spot small problems early before they turn into bigger ones.
Smile Confidently with Oak Bay Dental Clinic
At Oak Bay Dental Clinic, we know how upsetting it can be when a veneer breaks. That’s why we’re here to help you fix it quickly and safely. Whether it’s a small repair or a full veneer alternative, our friendly dental team will take care of your smile every step of the way. We’re ready to help you feel confident again.
Call Oak Bay Dental Clinic today to book your appointment. Let us help you restore your smile and protect your teeth with care you can trust!