A dental veneer is an appliance mounted in front of a tooth to disguise gaps, cracks, chips, or discoloration. One reason patients sometimes contact their dentist is that a tooth veneer has come off unexpectedly. This can happen for various reasons. Below is a discussion of why it occurs and what you need to know if this happens to you or a family member.

A Guide to Handling Loose Dental Veneers

What Causes Veneers to Come Off?

A veneer can come loose for a variety of reasons. For instance, an impact caused by an auto accident or sports injury can knock the appliance loose. Additionally, hard or sticky foods can pry or pull the veneer from your tooth. For example, chewing ice or eating toffee can result in a trip to the dentist. Finally, sometimes a veneer can loosen when tooth decay forms beneath the appliance and loosens adhesion.

What Should You Do?

If a veneer comes loose, make a dentist appointment as promptly as possible. Do not attempt to replace it yourself, as this can chip the appliance or scratch the tooth. Rinse off the veneer and keep it somewhere safe, such as in a plastic zip bag or plastic container with a lid. Your dentist will clean the inner surface to remove debris and any adhesive remains before reapplying it.

How Can You Prevent It?

Protect your face, when possible. If you ride a motorcycle, choose a helmet with a face shield. If you play contact sports, wear a custom mouthguard. These are available at any sports shop or pharmacy and in many grocery stores. Avoid gooey foods, and do not bite down on hard foods like ice cubes or hard candy. These steps will help you avoid dental emergencies.

If you need a dentist you can trust with your family's oral health, contact North Chautauqua Dental in Dunkirk, NY. They have served patients throughout Chautauqua County since 1980. In addition to veneers, they also specialize in teeth cleaning, dentures, dental crowns, teeth whitening, and most other family and cosmetic and family dentistry services. They are renowned for their compassionate care and friendly staff. Learn more about them on their website or call (716) 366-6822 to make a dentist appointment.