Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are frequently used by dentists to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or have gaps between them. While veneers provide an aesthetic and long-lasting solution for many patients, some people worry that veneers may fall off easily or require high maintenance. So do veneers fall off? Let’s take a closer look.
Do Veneers Fall Off Easily?
The good news is that when veneers are placed properly by an experienced dentist, they rarely fall off on their own. Here are some key factors that determine how well veneers stay in place:
Proper Tooth Preparation
Before placing veneers, the natural tooth must be prepared by removing a thin layer of enamel so the veneer can bond securely. Proper tooth preparation creates a rough surface for the bonding cement to adhere to. If too much or too little enamel is removed, the veneer may not bond as well.
High-Quality Dental Materials
High-strength bonding agents and porcelain or composite materials help create durable veneers that resist cracking, chipping or falling off. Reputable dentists use dental labs that fabricate veneers from proven materials.
Precise Fitting
Veneers must be meticulously customized to fit each tooth’s shape and size. A veneer that does not fit the natural tooth perfectly may have gaps where bacteria can enter and weaken the bond.
Proper Bonding Technique
The dentist must thoroughly clean and prepare the teeth before precisely applying the bonding agent. The veneer must be positioned accurately before curing the bonding material with a special dental light. This technique provides a tight seal.
Careful Maintenance
While infrequent, a veneer can become slightly loose over time. Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding biting hard objects can help prevent damage that might dislodge a veneer. See your dentist at the first sign of a loose veneer.
So in summary, when placed by a skilled dentist using high-quality materials, veneers do not fall off easily. Proper placement and ongoing care are key to their longevity.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
With proper placement and care, veneers typically last 10-15 years or longer before needing to be replaced. However, veneers are not a permanent solution. Here are some factors that influence veneer longevity:
Oral Hygiene
Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing and having professional cleanings helps veneers last. Plaque buildup increases the risk of decay and loosening.
Grinding or Clenching
People who grind their teeth or clench their jaws put extra stress on veneers and can wear them down prematurely or cause cracking. A night guard helps protect veneers.
Trauma
While very durable, veneers can chip or crack from a forceful direct blow. Accidents happen, so avoid chewing hard items like ice or nails to help prevent damage.
Gum Disease
Gum disease causes receding gums, which can expose the vulnerable veneer edges to bacteria and loosen the bond. Treating gum disease helps protect veneer longevity.
Discoloration
Although unlikely with high-quality materials, some porcelain veneers can gradually become stained over time. This may require replacement earlier than expected.
Following your dentist’s care instructions, avoiding tooth damage and getting regular dental checkups helps maximize the lifespan of veneers. With proper maintenance, most veneers last 10-15 years or more before needing replacement. Less than 5% may need early replacement due to unforeseen damage or bonding issues.
Do Veneers Need Special Care?
Caring for veneers is quite similar to caring for your natural teeth. While durable, veneers do require some special precautions to stay beautiful and intact.
Oral Hygiene
Meticulous oral hygiene is essential for the longevity of veneers. Brush gently at a 45-degree angle to the gums twice a day with non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily, taking care not to snap the floss on the veneers’ edges. See your dentist for cleanings every 6 months.
Avoid Hard, Sticky Foods
Avoid chewing excessively hard, crunchy or sticky foods such as ice, nuts, hard candy and caramel. These items can crack, chip or dislodge veneers over time. Cut harder foods into small pieces before chewing.
Use a Night Guard
If you grind your teeth, wear a custom night guard to protect veneers from excessive wear. Clenching or grinding puts concentrated stress on veneers and can damage the bonding over time.
See Your Dentist
Visit your dentist promptly if you notice a veneer becomes loose, cracked or damaged. Minor veneer repairs done right away have a good outcome. Leaving damage unchecked increases the chance of losing the veneer completely.
Avoid Bad Habits
Habits like nail-biting, teeth clenching, pen chewing and opening bottles with your teeth can put undue stress on veneers. Stop any behaviors that may chip or damage veneers.
With attentive oral care and avoiding damage, veneers can remain beautiful and intact for many years. See your dentist immediately if you notice any problems. Minor veneer adjustments or repairs done right away can often save a loose or damaged veneer.
Do Veneers Ruin Your Teeth?
When done correctly, veneers do not damage the natural tooth. However, as with all dental treatments, there are some risks involved with veneers. Here are a few considerations:
Tooth Reduction
Prepping the tooth for a veneer removes a very thin layer of enamel, usually less than 0.5 mm. This small reduction does not harm dentin or pulp vitality. However, it is irreversible and can make teeth slightly more prone to temperature sensitivity or decay if veneers later fall off.
Nerve Damage
There is a slight risk of nerve damage during tooth preparation, which may cause temporary or rarely permanent pain, sensitivity or numbness. An experienced dentist takes care to avoid this complication.
Tooth Structure Loss
If a veneer later needs to be replaced, additional tooth structure must be removed to accommodate a new veneer. This progressively weakens teeth over time and increases sensitivity risk.
Dental Decay
Tiny gaps at veneer edges, combined with poor oral hygiene, can allow decay between the veneer and natural tooth. Getting regular dental care minimizes this risk.
Chipping or Damage
While durable, veneers may chip or fracture if subjected to heavy biting forces over time. Damaged veneers usually require replacement.
However, the risks are low when veneers are placed by an experienced cosmetic dentist. Proper dental care and oral hygiene along with avoiding tooth damage helps prevent complications. In most cases, veneers improve and protect teeth rather than ruin them.
Table Comparing Veneers to Other Cosmetic Dental Treatments
| Treatment | What it Does | Process | Cost | Longevity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veneers | Covers front surface of teeth with thin porcelain or resin shells to improve appearance | Tooth is minimally shaped, veneers custom fabricated and bonded to teeth | $$$ – $$$$$ per tooth | 10-15 years or more with proper care |
| Teeth Whitening | Lightens teeth’s natural shade | Whitening gel applied to teeth and activated by light or laser | $ – $$$ per treatment | 1-3 years depending on habits |
| Dental Bonding | Repairs chips, gaps or discoloration with bonded composite resin | Teeth are roughened and conditioned, resin applied in layers and shaped | $ – $$ per tooth | 5-10 years with proper oral hygiene |
| Dental Crowns | Restores form and function of damaged teeth with custom crowns | Tooth is reduced in size, impressions taken and crowns custom fabricated and cemented | $$$ – $$$$$ per crown | 10-15 years or longer with good care |
This table provides a quick comparison of how veneers compare to other common cosmetic dental treatments in terms of their purpose, process, cost and longevity. Talk to your dentist to determine which option may be best for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get used to veneers?
Most patients quickly adapt to veneers within 1-2 weeks. At first they may feel slightly bulky or awkward. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods is also common initially but normally fades within a few weeks as you adjust to the new size and shape of your teeth.
Can veneers be repaired if damaged?
Minor chips or cracks may be repairable by smoothing edges or filling small areas with bonding material. However, significant damage usually requires replacement of the entire veneer. See your dentist promptly if your veneer becomes damaged.
Do veneers stain?
High-quality porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but not stain-proof. Proper oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods/drinks helps prevent discoloration. Some smoking, coffee, tea or wine intake can cause staining over time, requiring veneers to be whitened or replaced prematurely.
Are veneers painful?
Having veneers placed should not be painful, but you may feel pressure or discomfort from anesthesia injections and tooth preparation. Temporarily heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods is common afterward but improves quickly. Ongoing pain or nerve damage is very rare but can be treated if necessary.
How do I choose a cosmetic dentist for veneers?
Look for an experienced dentist with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry. Verify they have years of experience successfully placing veneers and inspect examples of their work. Scheduling a consultation also allows you to evaluate their bedside manner and clinic environment.
Conclusion
When properly cared for, high-quality veneers placed by an expert dentist have a good chance of lasting 10-15 years or longer before needing replacement. While no dental treatment is completely risk-free, modern veneers allow for teeth to be aesthetically enhanced and protected with minimal removal of natural tooth structure. Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding damage to veneers helps prevent complications. See your dentist promptly if you notice any problems with an existing veneer. With proper maintenance and regular dental care, veneers are an effective way to achieve a flawless, beautiful smile for many years.