Veneers are a wonderful solution to restore the appearance of cracked or stained front teeth. Many patients feel like they’ve received a completely new set of teeth after one simple and pain-free treatment in our dental office. But while veneers are designed to be durable, they are not completely impervious to damage. Below we cover what to do if you cracked a veneer.
Just like your smile, proper maintenance is key to maintaining the health of your veneers. If you have suffered some damage that has caused your veneers to crack or break, there are a few things you can do. The first step is to contact our office right away and let us know what happened. Today, we will show you what to do if you cracked a veneer by mistake.
The severity of the veneer damage will determine whether you need urgent dental attention, or if you can wait until the next available dental appointment. Begin by identifying the extent of the damage, the number of affected veneers, and whether any fragments can be salvaged. To prevent accidental swallowing, remove any broken pieces from your mouth.
In some cases, there is a chance to save your veneer if it is not completely broken. However, broken veneers will need to be removed right away. A fractured veneer not only jeopardizes your oral health but can also create a breeding ground for bacteria, potentially compromising your overall well-being.
It’s crucial to inform your dentist of any issues with your veneer as soon as you damage them. Even seemingly minor damage can raise concerns depending on where you have been injured and how severe your symptoms are. Reach out to your dentist immediately to schedule an appointment for evaluation and necessary action.
You may also be concerned about the condition of your natural teeth underneath the veneer when it gets damaged. While the likelihood of damage to your underlying teeth is minimal, it’s still a good idea to ask for a comprehensive assessment by your dentist. In the rare event that any new issues are present, rest assured that new veneers will serve as a protective layer for your natural teeth.
Despite being made of durable porcelain, veneers can accumulate debris and sustain injuries as easily as your natural teeth. Without enamel, veneers do not have a defensive shield against food particles and bits of bacteria. Just as you brush your teeth daily, veneers also require consistent care for the same reasons.
As you work to get your teeth in a comfortable and healthy position while assessing the status of your veneers, you might want to take note of any symptoms you are feeling. You might experience sensations of exposure or sensitivity, even with veneers still in place. Let the dentist know if you are going through any of the following:
While you wait for your dental appointment, you can try using some first-aid remedies that should be available at home, such as a saline wash and some cotton gauze to stop any signs of bleeding. Your dentist can give you specialized dental wax to protect your tooth from vulnerability as it heals from this injury.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice that you have damaged your veneers. You shouldn’t wait because neglecting to repair your damaged veneers could spell out some serious damage to your overall oral health. It is better to be safe than sorry, so even the most minuscule damage to your porcelain laminate veneers should be checked out right away. Get in touch with your Anaheim dentist to learn more.
