Dental veneers are thin shells placed by North Edmonton dentist over the front of teeth to enhance their shape, colour, or durability. They are durable, but as with natural teeth, veneers can chip or break. If you have a broken veneer, you wonder if it is a dental emergency. The short answer is—it depends on the situation.
What Happens When a Veneer Breaks?
A veneer can break, chip, or become loose because of biting hard foods, teeth grinding, or accidents. At times, the damage may be minor and only affect the looks. Other times, the break can expose the natural tooth below it, causing it to become sensitive or painful.
If this occurs, you might notice:
- A sharp edge on the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Pain when chewing
- Visible changes in your smile
Is a Broken Veneer Always an Emergency?
Not every broken veneer is an emergency. In some cases, though, it can be urgent. Here is a very basic approach to sorting it out: situation, emergency or not?
Situation | Emergency or Not? | What to Do |
Small chip with no pain | Not urgent | Schedule a regular dental visit |
The veneer is loose but not painful | Not urgent, but see the dentist soon | Avoid chewing on that tooth |
Veneer broken with sharp edges | Urgent | Visit a dental clinic near you quickly |
Veneer broken, and natural tooth exposed | Emergency | Seek immediate dental care |
Severe pain or swelling | Emergency | Contact dentist right away |
Risks of Not Fixing a Broken Veneer
If you do not take care of a broken veneer, the following could happen:
- Tooth sensitivity – You may experience sensitivity to temperature or pressure in the natural tooth underneath the veneer.
- Tooth decay – An area of the tooth exposed by a broken veneer is now at risk of developing cavities.
- Gum irritation – With any broken or rough edges, you may irritate the tissue.
- Weakened tooth – With the veneer off, the tooth will likely become weaker or, worse, crack.
- Cosmetic Issues – Over time, you may lose confidence in your smile.
Taking action quickly can reduce these problems and keep your teeth healthy.
What to Do If Your Veneer Breaks
Below are the steps for what to do if your veneer breaks.
- Don’t panic – Your broken veneer can be replaced or repaired!
- Save any pieces: If any part of your veneer comes off, store it in a clean container.
- Safeguard Your Mouth – If one side of the broken veneer has a sharp surface, you can temporarily cover it with dental wax or sugarless gum until your dentist examines the tooth.
- Do Not Chew with that Tooth – Whenever possible, chew food with the other side of your mouth.
- Call a dental clinic near you – Make an appointment as soon as possible.
Treatment Options for a Broken Veneer
A dentist will give you the best way to treat the damage, depending on the type of damage done. Some options are:
- Polish – If the chip is small enough, they may just polish the veneer.
- Bonding – If there is a small amount broken, it can be fixed with dental bonding.
- Replacement – If the veneer is very broken or loose, it may need to be replaced.
Preventing Veneer Damage
Some recommendations to help diminish your chance of breaking a veneer:
- Avoid chewing hard foods (i.e., nuts, ice).
- Never use your teeth to open any packages.
- Wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth.
- Have regular dental appointments.
When to Contact a Dental Clinic Near You
If your veneer breaks and you feel pain, see exposed tooth structure, or notice swelling, contact a dental clinic near you in North Edmonton right away. Even if a small amount of structure has broken, it is better for the dentist to check it out. Treating the problem sooner allows for more conservative treatment options and may prevent more serious treatment in the future.
Achieve a Flawless Smile Through Dental Veneers!
At The Dentists at Northgate, we offer full dental care for patients of all ages, including children and teenagers. Our staff is committed to focusing not only on preventive care but also on restorative and cosmetic care, which includes dental veneers, so that everyone has the opportunity for a healthy and beautiful smile. Schedule your appointment with The Dentists at Northgate today.
