Mild to severe dental defects like chips, cracks, stains, gaps, and misshapenness can be quite distracting and make a person less willing to smile or laugh. Thankfully, cosmetic dental treatments like veneers can be excellent ways to enhance your grin and give you the confidence you need to show off your teeth proudly. Here’s a quick look at how veneers work and what you can do if one or more of these devices falls off.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin ceramic shells designed to be fitted over teeth to conceal mild to severe imperfections like cracks, chips, stains, gaps, and misshapenness. These devices can reshape troubled pearly whites and conceal flaws with beautifully lifelike material that mimics the appearance of natural enamel. Since placing them requires the removal of a small amount of enamel that will not grow back, teeth that receive them will need to wear them for life for protection, and these devices can last up to fifteen years if they receive excellent care.
What Should I Do if My Veneer Falls Off?
It’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist if your veneer falls off since the tooth that was wearing it will be vulnerable to injury and infection. If possible, locate the dislodged restoration and place it in a clean container for transport to your dentist’s office. After your dentist examines the tooth and the veneer in question, they’ll be able to determine an appropriate way to fix the device back in place or replace it if necessary.
How Can I Keep My Veneers in Good Condition?
You can keep your veneers in great shape for as long as possible by observing a few smart habits. These include:
- Excellent oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash every day to eliminate harmful oral bacteria that can cause destructive oral infections.
- Regular dental visits: Seeing your dentist every six months will allow them to address problems in their early stages and advise you as to better oral hygiene habits.
- Mindful chewing habits: Be careful when eating to avoid putting unnecessary stress on your veneers.
- Smart eating decisions: Limiting your intake of sugars and acids will help you avoid painful oral infections that can loosen your veneers.
- Protecting your smile: Wearing an athletic mouthguard when playing sports will help prevent injuries that can damage your veneers. If you grind your teeth at night, your dentist can set you up with a customized nightguard that offers superior protection.
Veneers can be a fantastic way to enjoy a more beautiful smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to keep your appliances in great shape.
About the Practice
Lake Boone Dentistry offers the finest oral healthcare to the community of Raleigh. Led by Drs. Matt Ricke and Harding E. Douglas, the staff treats each patient with compassion and courtesy while maintaining a friendly and clean office. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To learn more about caring for your veneers, contact the office online or dial (919) 781-8610.