When you think of dental veneers, influencers and celebrities may come to mind, since the upscale service is used widely to achieve picture-perfect smiles.
Dental veneers are regarded as one of the greatest ways to achieve perfectly shaped white teeth and are more common than you think. Although veneers aren’t for everyone's budget, the benefits they promise are well worth the expense, especially if you know how to care for them.
Veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composite resin attached to the front of the teeth. They are custom-made to fit over your teeth. They correct the appearance of worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment or spacing, tooth discolouration, and chips and cracks.
The cosmetic service is extremely natural-looking and mimics teeth perfectly. Many people favour them over dentures and dental bonding.
Since the cosmetic procedure is an investment and the veneers are durable, losing one (or however many) can be a scare and seems like an emergency.
My Veneer Fell Off—What Should I Do?
A dental veneer is attached to the front of your tooth with strong, special cement that needs to be applied annually. Since the bond is not permanent, veneers can loosen and fall off.
Usually, people experience this with old veneers, if their veneer is attached to a decaying tooth, if there is a lot of pressure applied to the area, or if it wasn't bonded properly.
Losing or breaking a veneer can seem like a dental emergency, but replacing or repairing it qualifies as an urgent care service. You still need to act fast and contact a nearby dentist to book an appointment as soon as possible.
In the event that your veneer is lost, follow these instructions:
Safely Store The Veneer
Put the veneer in a clean and sealed container and keep that container in a safe place until you see a dentist.
Use a Temporary Solution
Since you have an exposed tooth, you might experience heightened sensitivity and enamel roughness. In this case, apply dental wax onto your tooth; it will work as a barrier until you go to a nearby urgent care dentist.
Book a Dentist Appointment
Book a dental appointment with a cosmetic dentist as soon as possible. You don’t want your tooth to be exposed for an extended period of time, or a real dental emergency could happen. Also, you don't want to risk more damage to your veneer.
Can the Veneer Be Reattached?
As long as your veneer isn’t damaged (or too damaged), your dentist should be able to reattach it without a replacement.
What If My Veneer is Damaged?
Breakage and cracks happen as well. In that scenario, gather the pieces out of your mouth or wherever they are; place them in a container and follow the above instructions.
Dentists might be able to repair the veneer with resin, but it won't be as strong as porcelain. A replacement might be necessary.
5 Effective Care Tips for Veneers
Your veneers are a long-term investment; you should care for them as much as possible. Keep these tips in mind if you’re considering the cosmetic treatment or already have veneers.
1. Keep Them Clean
The general rule of thumb is to care for your veneers as much as your teeth, or even more. That means flossing after each meal and brushing twice a day. Follow up on underlying oral health issues promptly.
2. Avoid Alcohol
Whether you’re drinking alcoholic beverages or using oral care products that have it as an active ingredient, be aware of your alcohol consumption. Alcohol can soften bonding and make veneers prone to damage.
3. Consider Mouth Guards
Make sure your dentist knows if you play sports or if you are prone to teeth grinding. Teeth grinding and added pressure can cause damage to veneers or loosen them. A mouth guard might be the best solution.
4. Quit Tabacoo Products
Tabacco products make you more susceptible to gum disease and discolouration. Neither is beneficial to your teeth or your veneers.
5. Choose the Right Toothbrush & Toothpaste
A toothbrush with soft bristles is better for veneers, as tough bristles may cause scratches. Talk to your dentist about toothpaste recommendations. Avoid abrasive ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda.
3 Common Questions About Veneers
Can veneers be done in one day?
On average, veneers take three dentist appointments and have a turnaround time of three weeks.
With LifeSmiles Dental, in just 1-2 dental visits, you can have a new smile. We have an extensive 9-step process for cosmetic dentistry in which you’re actively involved. To learn more about what custom-made, no-prep veneers can do for you, contact us to request a smile makeover consultation today.
Do veneers damage your teeth?
If you take care of porcelain veneers, they will not ruin or damage your teeth. In any oral health scenario, you’re at risk of gum disease and other issues if you’re not hygienic.
But, this cosmetic procedure does not solely affect your teeth’s health.
How long do teeth veneers last for?
At LifeSmiles Dental, our revolutionary cosmetic veneers are clinically proven to last for 18-20 years.
Book Your Cosmetic Dentistry with LifeSmiles Dental
LifeSmiles Dental Corp is a leading provider of cosmetic dentistry in Winnipeg, La Salle, Selkirk, and Portage la Prairie.
Our veneer procedure usually requires 1-2 dental visits, plus it’s guaranteed to last up to 18-20 years.
Easily book your dental appointment by filling out our Online Medical Form or contacting a nearby LifeSmiles Dental location.