As is evident in dentists’ offices all over the world, there are thousands of variations and also anomalies in the set of teeth. We inherit the size, shape and colour of teeth from our parents. Sometimes, they are not as we want them to be. Sometimes with accidents or lack of hygiene we get our teeth broken or stained. Some individuals have crooked teeth, or teeth which have erupted one on top of the other. Some individuals have crowded teeth, and others have teeth which are far apart from each other with gaps in between teeth. Some individuals have long teeth and because of this they cannot have proper bite. Some people have very small teeth which are very short and hinder in biting and chewing food.

All these problems of teeth, people find themselves with a smile which is less than perfect.

For reasons as these, people want to improve the look of their teeth thereby improving their smile.

When the teeth are not perfect, people want to give them a proper size or shape and make them look as beautiful as possible.

Veneers are one of the methods to correct the imperfections of teeth. They are very thin natural looking shells which are fitted onto frontal surface of the teeth which requires corrections. Most of the time the material used to make the veneers are porcelain which is the most nearly mimic the natural tooth. They are bonded to your natural teeth with super glue made especially of teeth.

The teeth on which veneers are going to be fitted, needs preparation to receive the veneers on them. Dentists usually remove a very thin coating from the surface of the tooth so that veneer can stick permanently and firmly.

Usually these procedures are done carefully so that veneers get permanently fixed. Veneers are expected to last for 15 to 20 years, but many last less than expected.

In spite of such lengthy procedure sometimes veneers do get unattached, and fall off, like other dental prosthetics. Especially after a few years of wear and tear, the porcelain veneers have a possibility to get loosened and fall off. Even ageing process can loosen the veneers due to changed bone structure in the mouth.

What to do when veneers fall off

Reapply immediately. The most important factor about reaffixing the veneers is the time lapse between displacement and reapplication of veneers. Try to contact your dental health professional immediately and get an appointment as soon as possible. The fallen veneer exposes the rough surface of the tooth which will bring in irritation when it comes into contact with outside air. Put the fallen veneer in a soft tissue and put it in a small plastic box and take it with you to your dentist’s office. Treat it with respect, do not put it in your pocket or open on your desk. Because, if it breaks, it becomes useless and cannot be re attached. Never try to re attach the veneer on your own. It will only add to the problem because there is a possibility of further chipping of porcelain. The dentist will clean the porcelain veneer from inside and gently try to fix it back.

Sensitivity issues

Due to exposed tooth, it becomes sensitive and may bring on pain. Do not attempt to eat cold or hot food because it will further worsen the pain. You can use dental wax to cover your exposed tooth surface.

It is advisable to take care of your veneers to stop being in a vulnerable situation of falling veneers.

These are a few guidelines which will help in avoiding the issues of displaced veneers.

Guard your veneers with a few protective measures.

We use our teeth for many of our needs for cutting and tearing things apart while eating food. Many a times in our hurry we use our teeth to tear open the packages. Avoid this at all times.

Another habit which can become a reason for veneers to fall is nail biting.  Nail biting is detrimental to all the dental restoration prosthetics but it is especially so for dental veneers.

For most people eating crunchy nuts is a passion. Avoid biting into hard foods. Hard foods bring on pressure on the teeth and may dislodge the veneer.

Avoid using alcohol including mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as it softens the chemical in the bonding material which in turn dislodges veneers from the teeth.

People who have a habit of grinding teeth during sleep should wear a night guard to protect veneers.

Wearing veneers take an investment in material cost and time. Like all other investments, you need to take care of veneers.

Like any other dental treatment which requires regular visits to dentists, veneers too need to be taken care of regularly. At least twice a year you need to visit your dentist and get your mouth and teeth checked and get corrections done if required.

The dental care and hygiene are one of the most important factors in keeping the veneers safe in its place for a long time.

In addition to regular visits to your dentist, a robust dental hygiene routine is a must for a long life of veneers. Like any other dental work, veneers will also last only if they are looked after well. Regular daily brushing and flossing is important because it will ensure the life of your teeth, which are hosting the veneers. Regular cleaning of teeth by dentists are also very important to ensure that teeth are healthy and in place.

With age, veneers may become loosened though because of shrinkage of jaw bone and other changes. In such a case your dentist will help you with refitting the veneers which he can realize in one of your regular visits.

The long-lasting veneers will also have to be replaced after a period of 20 years or so. Like all good things in life, dental veneers have a life and like all lives veneers also will have to be changed after a while.

If you take care of your veneers, the veneers will keep giving you bright and beautiful smile every time you smile.