Dental veneers are layers of material, usually porcelain or composite, that cover your teeth to enhance your mouth’s appearance. They are an ideal treatment for improving your smile and filling you with newfound confidence. At Toorak Dental Studio, our dental veneers Melbourne service is second-to-none.
As with any new treatment, you’ll likely have questions about managing your veneers. If you’re wondering how often veneers need replacing or how you brush your teeth with veneers, there’s plenty of information on our website.
One central question you might be asking is whether veneers can fall off easily. In this guide, you’ll find all the details on the longevity and sturdiness of dental veneers, as well as reasons why they might fall off and how to treat your veneers with care.
Do veneers come off easily?
Since veneers go over existing teeth, their only point of contact is with your teeth themselves. Over time or with improper dental care, this bond might loosen, and your veneers might fall off. This is generally normal, and dentists are accustomed to replacing loose veneers as they age.
Veneers don’t tend to come off quickly, only with a lack of proper oral hygiene, trauma to the mouth, or if they’re coming to the end of their lifecycle. Porcelain veneers ordinarily last for around 10 to 15 years if taken care of adequately, and composite veneers for around 5 years. Once your veneers have reached this age, they’re more likely to start peeling away from your teeth.
The adhesive that bonds the veneers to your teeth is strong and durable, but it isn’t exempt from falling off the enamel. Poor dentistry can weaken the adhesive bond, reducing the lifespan of your veneers. That’s why, at Toorak Dental Studio, our experts are experts in cosmetic dentistry and give your veneers the best chance of lasting as long as possible.
Why do veneers fall off?
There are several reasons why your dental veneers may fall off. Some are natural and happen without the wearer’s control, while others are rarer but happen through poor dental hygiene and a mindless lack of care.
The list below details the various reasons for damaged or loose veneers that can lead to them falling off. Consider these if you opt for veneer treatment, as you may need to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
Age of veneers
The main reason why veneers fall off is their age. When a veneer nears the end of its lifecycle, often through no fault of the wearer, it may peel away from the tooth. So, when does a veneer reach this point? How long do veneers last on teeth? It depends on the material of your veneers. Porcelain ones can last up to 15 years, no-prep veneers live closer to 10 years, and composites last around 5 years.
Once your veneers have reached the end of their respective lifespans, you might see signs that they’re coming away from your teeth. You’ll already be aware of this, as your dentist will have likely warned you about it during your last check-up. If not, always consult your dentist on what to do if you see signs of age.
Poor adhesive
If your veneers weren’t bonded well to your teeth, either through inept dentistry or a poor adhesive, they are likely to fall off. This could happen within a few months or up to a few years, but your veneers will probably fall off without a careful and correct bonding procedure. Your dentist’s responsibility is entire to ensure the adhesive is applied correctly.
Tooth decay
Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay, which can cause your veneers to come away from your teeth. The most common causes of tooth decay are all entirely preventable, including insufficient brushing and not using floss and mouthwash, which cause plaque and bacteria to build up in your mouth. An excessive sugar intake can also provoke tooth decay.
Teeth grinding
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a particularly damaging habit for veneers, as it can wear them down and loosen the adhesive that bonds them to your teeth. You can reduce teeth grinding by adjusting your lifestyle – stress is a leading cause of bruxism – and wearing certain retainers, mainly if you grind your teeth at night.
Lack of proper care
A relatively high degree of oral care is required to ensure the longevity of your veneers. Without proper brushing, flossing, and rinsing, your veneers may become damaged and prone to falling off. Brushing twice daily, flossing after every meal, and using mouthwash before bed are great ways to improve your dental hygiene and maintain the quality of your veneers.
What should you do if your veneer falls off?
If your veneers fall off, you should immediately contact your dentist. Don’t panic, as it’s not uncommon for veneers to come away from the tooth, they’ll need replacing as soon as possible. And whatever you do, don’t try and glue your veneers back on yourself.
Instead, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible and bring your veneer with you. Your dentist will try to determine what caused your veneer to fall off. If it’s poor adhesive, they can reattach the veneer easily by reapplying the bonding material. If it’s tooth decay, you may need other treatment – such as crowns – before your veneer can be reattached.
If it’s simply a case of age, your dentist will recommend you get new veneers. They’ll be able to remove the rest of them and fit new ones over your teeth.
Treatment for damaged veneers
If your veneers become damaged, your first point of call is to contact your dentist and arrange an appointment. Your dentist will remove any damaged veneers and replace them with new ones. During this process, they’ll remove any adhesive and reapply a new coating to ensure your fresh veneers are properly bonded.
Your dentist will ask you to return for regular check-ups to ensure your veneers are fitted and functioning correctly. These appointments usually occur every 6 months.