Porcelain veneers are a fantastic investment in your smile, offering a durable and beautiful solution for a wide range of cosmetic concerns. They are designed to withstand the daily pressures of biting and chewing, just like natural teeth. However, just like natural teeth, they are not indestructible. An accident, a hard bite on an unexpected object, or even habitual teeth grinding can sometimes lead to a chip, crack, or complete detachment of a veneer.
If you find yourself with a damaged veneer, the most important thing is not to panic. At Mason Dental, Dr. Mason is here to help patients from Grapevine, Colleyville, and Southlake restore their smiles with expert care. Here are the immediate steps you should take.
Step 1: Assess the Situation and Contact Us
The first thing you should do is carefully examine your tooth and the veneer. Is it a small chip, a large crack, or has the entire veneer come off? If the veneer has detached, locate it if possible and place it in a small, hard-sided container to protect it from further damage. Do not attempt to reattach it yourself with any kind of glue, as this can damage your tooth and the veneer, making a professional repair more difficult.
Your next call should be to our office. Explain what happened, and we will schedule an appointment for you to see Dr. Scott Mason as soon as possible. Even a small chip should be evaluated professionally to prevent further complications.
Step 2: Protect Your Tooth and Mouth
While you wait for your appointment, be mindful of the exposed tooth. It may be more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. If the edge of a chipped veneer or the underlying tooth feels sharp, you can purchase dental wax at a local pharmacy and apply a small amount over the area to protect your tongue and cheek from irritation. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth to prevent additional damage.
Continue with your regular oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing gently around the compromised tooth. Keeping the area clean is crucial to prevent plaque buildup and ensure the tooth remains healthy for the eventual repair.
How We Fix a Damaged Veneer
When you visit Mason Dental, Dr. Scott Mason will thoroughly assess the damage. The treatment plan will depend on the extent of the issue.
- Minor Chips: For a very small chip, it might be possible to simply smooth and polish the veneer to restore its appearance.
- Significant Damage: If the veneer is cracked or has a larger chip, it will likely need to be replaced. We cannot “patch” a broken porcelain veneer. The process involves gently removing the remaining portion of the old veneer, taking a new impression of your tooth, and crafting a brand-new custom veneer that perfectly matches the color and shape of your surrounding teeth.
- Detached Veneer: If the veneer came off cleanly and is still in one piece, Dr. Mason may be able to re-bond it to your tooth. However, in many cases, a new veneer is the best long-term solution for optimal strength and aesthetics.
Your smile is important, and a damaged veneer is a solvable problem. If you’re in the Grapevine, Colleyville, or Southlake area and experience a problem with a veneer, contact Mason Dental right away. We will provide the professional, compassionate care you need to get your smile back to its best.
Contact Mason Dental
817-481-4717
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
801 W Wall St
Grapevine, Texas
76051
