Porcelain veneers help enhance your oral health condition, but these veneers might fall off. Veneers are subjected to erosion, and as a result, they might loosen. Though the chances are slim, it is not an impossible phenomenon.
Is the falling off of a porcelain veneer considered a dental emergency?
The falling out of a porcelain veneer is not an actual dental emergency, but it should be dealt with immediately. As a thin layer of tooth enamel has been removed to place the porcelain veneer, the tooth is exposed to bacterial and fungal invasions, which might be severe. Maybe the danger may not be serious immediately, but things can take an ugly turn if you leave it unattended.
It's important to note that while not urgent in the traditional sense, swift action is vital to prevent further damage. If left untreated, issues such as increased sensitivity, decay, or gum irritation could arise.
Why do veneers fall out?
Over time, your veneers may slowly get detached from your teeth. This is because the dental veneers were bonded over your teeth with an adhesive, and the strength of this adhesive keeps diminishing with time. This makes the veneers loose to such an extent that they tend to fall off.
Other reasons veneers may fall off include:
1. Ageing: Your jawline and bones naturally recede with age, leading to a change in the structure of your mouth and teeth alignment. This misalignment may loosen your veneers.
2. Improper application: If your dentist did not properly fit the veneers or failed to align them with your gumline, they might fall off sooner than expected.
3. Tooth decay: If decay develops underneath the veneer, it can weaken the bond and lead to detachment.
4. Lifestyle habits: Excessive grinding or clenching (bruxism), chewing on hard items like ice or pens, or trauma to the face can all lead to veneers falling off prematurely.
Can you reapply a fallen veneer?
Yes, it is possible to reapply a fallen veneer with your dentist's help. If your veneers suddenly fall off, you should not hesitate and immediately jump into action. You should immediately contact your dentist and inform them of the situation. Get the earliest appointment possible so the veneers can be reapplied.Why reapplication should be done quickly:
- The enamel underneath is likely exposed, making the tooth sensitive and vulnerable to decay.
- Prolonged exposure to the air and bacteria increases the risk of infection.
- Prompt reapplication ensures a stronger and more secure fit.
Steps to follow to fix veneers that have fallen off
Follow the below steps if the veneers have fallen off.
Collect the fallen pieces
It's essential to handle the fallen veneer carefully. Store it in a clean, sanitised container to avoid contamination. Avoid placing the veneer back into your mouth on your own, as this could cause damage.
Inform your dentist
Immediately contact your dentist to book an appointment. Trying to fix the veneer yourself can lead to more damage or improper fitting. If the veneer falls off, it is advised that you do not try to fix this on your own. Since the porcelain is delicate, the porcelain might chip off if you press the veneer against your gumline with excessive force. There are chances that you can end up ruining your porcelain veneer. Instead, you should call your dentist and immediately visit him. It is better to carry the fallen off veneers in a clean, sanitized container. Your dentist will use professional tools and fix the veneers back in their place without chipping the porcelain off.
Use a temporary solution
If your dentist cannot give you an appointment on time, you need to think of a temporary solution. When a situation arises that neither can you fix the veneers on your own nor can you wait since your teeth behave sensitively to every food intake, you can apply dental wax on your exposed enamel. You need to squish a flat and thin layer of wax on the affected teeth area. This will act as an efficient barrier.
Keep the veneer clean
Ensure the veneer remains uncontaminated. Avoid rinsing it with water or cleaning agents unless directed by your dentist, as improper cleaning may weaken the material.
Wait till the dentist cleans the veneer before putting it back in your mouth
Before fixing the veneers in your mouth, your dentist will clean them thoroughly. Since your veneer had fallen out, it had come in contact with the external environment and might have picked up harmful microbes and bacteria. If these harmful elements come in contact with your teeth pulp, it will degrade your teeth health.
Professional ways of cleaning the veneers
There are various professional ways to clean the veneer. These ways ensure that your veneers are now safe to be put back in your mouth.
Your dentist will carefully clean the veneer using professional techniques to remove debris, bacteria, or adhesive remnants. Common methods include:
1. Sandblasting: To prepare the surface of the veneer for rebonding.
2. Hydrofluoric acid treatment: To etch the veneer's surface and ensure a strong bond.
3. Replacement: In some cases, the dentist may recommend replacing the veneer if it's damaged or unsuitable for reapplication.
How can you prevent porcelain veneers from falling off?
Taking proper care of your veneers is essential to ensure their longevity. Here are some tips to help prevent them from falling off:
1. Protect against bruxism: If you grind your teeth, consider wearing a custom night guard to minimise pressure on your veneers.
2. Avoid hard foods: Stay away from biting directly into hard foods like nuts, ice, or hard candies, as these can stress the veneers.
3. Maintain oral hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing keep the natural tooth underneath the veneer healthy and decay-free.
4. Schedule routine dental check-ups: Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor the condition of your veneers and address any potential issues early.
Probability of porcelain veneers falling off
If we talk generally, porcelain veneers are durable and can stay as long as 20 years. Since they are firmly placed on your teeth, they act as the outermost layer of your teeth. But the durability of the veneer depends on how the dentist has applied them and how you have been taking care of them. Since the veneers are attached with a strong adhesive, they do not cause falling off issues, but there are always exceptional cases.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Porcelain veneers are generally durable and can last up to 20 years with proper care. However, their lifespan depends on several factors:
- Dentist's skill: The quality of the application plays a significant role in how long the veneers last.
- Lifestyle choices: Poor habits like smoking, teeth grinding, or inconsistent oral hygiene can shorten their lifespan.
- Routine maintenance: Regular dental visits ensure that any issues are addressed promptly, prolonging the veneers� durability.
Conclusion
If your porcelain veneers fall off, stay calm and take immediate action. Collect the fallen pieces and store them safely, then contact your dentist for assistance. Remember not to attempt DIY repairs, as this can lead to further damage. Taking preventive measures such as avoiding hard foods, addressing teeth grinding, and maintaining excellent oral hygiene can significantly reduce the likelihood of veneers falling off. Proper care ensures your smile remains flawless for years to come.