What to Do About a Cracked Veneer?

Thin, custom-made shells called veneers are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance by filling in gaps, hiding discolorations, chipping, and irregularities in the teeth. Despite their durability, cracked veneers can occur and become a concern if not addressed promptly. Cracks in veneers, whether porcelain or composite, can arise from various factors, such as accidental trauma or biting hard substances.

It’s essential to understand the causes, recognize the symptoms, and explore the treatment options available. At 5th & Olive Dental, we specialize in diagnosing and treating cracked veneers, ensuring that your smile remains both beautiful and functional. If you notice any damage to your veneers, contact us for professional advice and timely intervention. We are here to help you restore and maintain your smile with expert care and effective solutions.

If you notice a crack or craze line in your veneer, it’s crucial to seek professional dental care promptly. Cracked veneers can result from several factors:

• Biting Down on Hard Objects: Chewing ice, hard candy, or other tough substances can place excessive pressure on your veneers, leading to cracks.
• Grinding or Clenching Teeth: Habitual grinding or clenching can strain veneers, causing them to crack over time.
• Dental Trauma: An injury or accident affecting the mouth can damage your veneers.
• Normal Wear and Tear: Over time, veneers may naturally wear down, increasing the likelihood of cracks.

Even if the cracked veneer remains intact and in place, it’s important to visit our office at 5th & Olive Dental. A crack can provide an entry point for bacteria, potentially affecting the underlying tooth and leading to further complications. Additionally, cracks can accumulate stains, negatively impacting the appearance of your smile. Prompt action can help avert these problems and guarantee that your veneers and oral health remain at their best.

It’s critical to contact your dentist as soon as possible if you think your veneer may be cracked. Taking quick action can guarantee you receive the best care and stop additional harm. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do:

• Schedule an Appointment: As soon as you see any indications of a cracked veneer, get in touch with your dentist. A prompt appointment enables your dentist to assess the degree of the harm and suggest the best course of action.
• Protect Your Tooth: Until your appointment, avoid chewing on the side with the cracked veneer to prevent worsening the damage. If you experience discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Applying dental wax to the rough edge of the veneer can also protect your gums and tongue from irritation.

Treatment Options for Cracked Veneers 

• Repair: Your dentist may employ dental bonding for small cracks that don’t affect the veneer’s appearance or performance. In order to fill and seal the crack, a unique resin is applied during this technique.
• Bonding: If the veneer is loose but not damaged, your dentist might rebond it. This is a suitable option if the veneer is still intact and simply needs to be reattached.
• Replacement: For extensive cracks or severe damage, replacing the veneer is usually necessary. Your dentist will remove the damaged veneer, take impressions of your tooth, and create a new veneer to match the rest.
• Temporary Solutions: Your dentist may apply a temporary veneer to shield your tooth while the permanent veneer is being prepared if an urgent replacement is not practical.
• Veneer Removal: In some cases, removing the damaged veneer may be required, especially if the underlying tooth is affected or if the veneer is causing significant discomfort.

By addressing cracked veneers swiftly and following your dentist’s advice, you can preserve both the health and appearance of your smile.

To avoid cracked veneers, the most crucial step is to work with a highly reputable and experienced cosmetic dentist. A dentist who has a solid reputation and a long history of success in their area is less likely to make avoidable mistakes that could shatter veneers.

Cracked veneers often result from issues like improper bite alignment or a poor fit over the tooth. Excessive force on a porcelain veneer can cause damage over time, and an ill-fitting shell can increase vulnerability.

Once your veneers are properly fitted and well-constructed, maintaining their condition involves several key practices:

• Regular Dental Visits: Make sure to see your dentist for routine exams and cleanings at least twice a year. Regular check-ups allow you to evaluate the health of your veneers and correct any problems before they fracture.
• Avoid Hard Foods: Steer clear of biting down on hard items such as ice cubes or hard candy. Although crunchy foods like tortilla chips are generally fine, hard foods can damage your veneers.
• Refrain from Compulsive Chewing: Avoid chewing on non-food items like pencils, which can stress your veneers and increase the risk of cracking.
• Protect Against Grinding: Wearing a mouthguard at night might be a good idea if you grind your teeth. Your veneers may eventually be harmed by teeth grinding, thus a nightguard can help avoid this problem.
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Using a non-abrasive toothpaste meant for veneers and a toothbrush with soft bristles, clean and floss your teeth at least twice a day. Maintaining good dental hygiene helps shield your veneers from gum disease and plaque accumulation.

If a veneer does crack and needs replacement, you must be extra cautious to prevent future problems. Good oral hygiene remains crucial in preventing decay that could affect the bond between the tooth and the new veneer.

While it’s not always possible to prevent cracked veneers entirely, adhering to these guidelines can greatly minimize the risk. Though veneers are designed for durability, sensible care and precautionary measures are key to extending their lifespan. If you’re dealing with cracked veneers or have any concerns, the experts at 5th & Olive Dental are here to assist you. From minor repairs to complete replacements, we’ll ensure your smile remains both beautiful and functional.

Get in touch with 5th & Olive Dental right now for individualized guidance or to solve any problems with your broken veneers. Our group is committed to assisting you in obtaining and keeping a gorgeous, healthy smile.

After cleaning, apply a small amount of denture adhesive or temporary dental cement to the back of the veneer. Gently position the veneer back onto your tooth, applying light pressure to ensure it sticks securely.

If a veneer is cracked, repairing it can be challenging because restoring the original symmetry between the tooth and the damaged veneer is often difficult. However, if the veneer has broken but all the pieces are recovered, a dentist may be able to reattach it using a clear bonding material.

The majority of porcelain veneers are irreparable. Usually, you will need to repair your porcelain veneer if it becomes damaged. The process of getting a new veneer is comparable to the process of getting the old one put in.