Dental veneers are a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for improving the appearance of your smile. However, while rare, a veneer may occasionally become loose or fall off due to wear, trauma, or bonding failure. When this happens, it can be both alarming and inconvenientespecially if you’re unsure how to handle the situation.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we specialize in cosmetic and restorative dental care, including the repair and replacement of lost or damaged veneers. If your veneer falls off, staying calm and taking the right steps can protect your tooth and get your smile back to normal as quickly as possible.
Understanding Why Veneers Fall Off
Veneers are typically bonded securely to the front surface of your teeth with dental cement. While theyre designed to be durable, certain factors can cause them to loosen or detach:
Tooth decay under the veneer weakening the bond
Trauma or impact from biting hard food or facial injury
Wear and tear over time, especially if you grind your teeth
Bonding failure due to poor adhesion or aging materials
Using your teeth as tools, such as opening packaging
Recognizing these causes can help you avoid similar incidents in the futurebut first, lets talk about what to do when the veneer has already come off.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Retrieve the Veneer
If your veneer has come off, the most important thing to do first is find it and store it safely. Handle the veneer carefully to avoid cracking or damaging it further.
Do not try to reattach it with glue or any household adhesive.
Rinse it gently with water to remove debris.
Place it in a small, clean container or zip-lock bag. If you’re heading to a dentist soon, bringing the original veneer with you may allow it to be rebonded.
Step 2: Examine the Tooth
Check the underlying tooth in the mirror. Veneers are applied over natural tooth structure that has been slightly reduced during the cosmetic procedure. Without the veneer:
The tooth may feel sensitive to hot or cold, as it’s more exposed.
It may appear dull, uneven, or misshapen, which is normal post-preparation.
You might feel rough edges or experience mild discomfort when eating.
If theres significant pain, sharp edges, or signs of damage to the natural tooth, contact an emergency dentist in Scarborough as soon as possible.
Step 3: Protect the Tooth
While waiting for your dental appointment, you should protect the exposed tooth as best you can:
Avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages to minimize sensitivity.
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
Maintain good oral hygiene, gently brushing around the exposed area.
If the tooth feels sharp or uncomfortable, a small amount of dental wax (available at most pharmacies) can be applied to smooth the edge temporarily.
These precautions help reduce irritation and protect the natural tooth until it can be evaluated by a dentist.
Step 4: Contact Your Dentist Immediately
The sooner you contact your dental clinic, the better the outcome. At McLevin Dental, we offer prompt appointments for dental veneer emergencies and will assess whether the veneer can be rebonded or if a replacement is necessary.
Dont delay care. Exposed teeth are vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and further damage, especially if left untreated for more than a few days.
Can a Veneer Be Reattached?
In many cases, yesif the veneer is still intact and the underlying tooth hasnt changed significantly in shape or structure. Your dentist will:
Examine the veneer for cracks or wear
Clean the tooth and veneer surface
Rebond the veneer with dental-grade adhesive
Check the bite to ensure a snug, comfortable fit
However, if the veneer or tooth has been damaged, or if the bonding surface has degraded, your dentist may recommend crafting a new custom veneer for long-term success.
What If You’re Out of Town When It Happens?
If your veneer falls off while traveling and you cant reach your regular dentist, seek out a reputable local dental clinic for temporary bonding or protective treatment. Many emergency dentists can temporarily reattach the veneer or apply a protective coating until you can return to Scarborough and visit McLevin Dental for full treatment.
Just be sure to follow up with your home clinic for a permanent solution.
Preventing Future Veneer Failures
Once your veneer is repaired or replaced, you can take steps to prevent it from falling off again:
Avoid biting hard foods (like ice, nuts, or hard candy) with veneered teeth
Dont use your teeth as tools to open bottles or tear packaging
Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
Maintain regular dental checkups so your dentist can monitor veneer stability
Brush and floss carefully, especially around the veneer margins
McLevin Dental offers custom nightguards and comprehensive cosmetic care plans to help you protect your investment in your smile.
Final Thoughts: A Dislodged Veneer Isnt the End of the World
While having a veneer fall off can be unexpected and unsettling, it’s a situation that can be resolved quickly and effectively with the right care. Acting fast, preserving the veneer, and calling a trusted cosmetic dentist in Scarborough will give you the best chance of a smooth, lasting repair.