Repairing Damaged Dental Veneers

Porcelain dental veneers are one of the most innovative inventions in the world of cosmetic dentistry. Dental veneers can make poor-looking teeth appear alluring, sturdy and natural. But what happens when they get damaged due to a mishap or accident? This article focuses on factors that affect the lifespan of veneers and the process involved in repairing damaged dental veneers.
The durability of veneers
Dental veneers typically require no intense maintenance and only demand basic oral hygiene such as brushing, flossing and routine dental checkups. With proper oral hygiene, dental veneers can last up to 10 years.
If veneers are properly placed, the chances of damage are slim. In contrast to composite veneers that can be repaired, damaged porcelain veneers usually must be replaced. Therefore, it is essential that you shun bad habits that may damage your veneers, such as teeth grinding or clenching, chewing ice, nail-biting and opening things (like packages) with your teeth.
Repairing damaged or defective veneers
Porcelain veneers are quite sturdy, and breakages, defects and chips are rare. When damage occurs, it is often because the tooth was not set correctly or the veneer was not properly bonded. Also, malocclusions can chip or dislodge veneers, which is why a cosmetic dentist should correct teeth misalignments before placing veneers.
Your dentist can only make repairs with dental bonding or composite materials, not porcelain. It may be possible to create a satisfactory result with plastic, but over time, the less durable material (composite) will deteriorate as evident by chipping and discoloration and will stand out from the veneer.
If the repair is done on points that experience significant pressure or force, such as the biting edges, creating a bond between the porcelain veneer and the composite patch will probably be hard or impossible.
Minor chips
If only a tiny part of the porcelain is chipped, the best option is to file and abrade the veneer to even out the chip. This solution is lasting, although it may require recontouring nearby teeth in a similar way to maintain the symmetry of the smile.
Cracks
You may notice crack lines on the veneers even though they are still intact on the teeth. If this happens, the dentist will be unable to determine the bond between your tooth and the fractured part. Also, the crack may get discolored and stain the veneer’s appearance.
Repair is often not possible in this situation, as the dentist may not be able to fill the crack or bond different porcelain pieces together. If the veneer breaks and no piece is lost, the dentist may decide to reattach the veneer with a translucent bonding material. The treatment could cause discoloration around the fracture point and weakness that could lead to a second breakage. Replacing the veneer completely is usually the best option.
In conclusion
The process of bonding dental veneers to the teeth is complex. Since the procedure is permanent, it is advisable to choose a professional cosmetic dentist that can give you the best, most lasting outcome.
Request an appointment here: https://atlantapamperedsmiles.com or call Pampered Smiles at (404) 891-9489 for an appointment in our Atlanta office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates.
Recent Posts
Dental veneers may be the most effective option to repair uneven, misshapen, or broken teeth. They can also help reduce gaps in the teeth. Traditional veneers come in two main types: porcelain and composite resin. While both can help you achieve that movie-star smile, they have some differences. This article will explore both porcelain and…
Seeing your dentist for dental veneers will start with a consultation. This is the right opportunity to find out more about this treatment. Understanding the process means asking the right questions. Here are three questions to ask your dentist before you get your dental veneers.If the patient chooses temporary veneers, these restorations are not attached…
If you are looking to improve your smile, dental veneers may be the answer. They can be a great way to get a natural-looking smile without needing metal or tooth-colored fillings. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about dental veneers, including the types, benefits, placing process, and how to care for…
Dental veneers are a well know cosmetic dentistry treatment people turn to for achieving that “movie star” smile. With just this one treatment, dentists can address a number of common cosmetic dental problems. This fact makes dental veneers one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market.Veneers are custom-made and tooth-colored shells that cover…