Can Veneers Easily Break?

Dental veneers are a highly popular cosmetic dentistry solution, offering a seamless way to achieve a radiant smile. However, if you’re considering veneers or already have them, you might wonder: “Can veneers easily break?”

Veneers are made to be strong, but they are not immune to damage. Veneers can chip or break like other dental restorations or even natural teeth. The risk of damage largely depends on the type of veneers you have.

Let’s find out how easily veneers break, exploring the durability of veneers, what affects their longevity, and how you can make the most of your investment. 

What Are Veneers Made Of?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are typically crafted from two primary materials:  

  • Porcelain: Known for their natural appearance and stain resistance, porcelain veneers are durable and long-lasting. They can last 15 to 20 years.
  • Composite Resin: While more affordable, composite veneers may not be as durable as porcelain ones. Composite veneers tend to last less than 10 years and are more prone to breaking.

When Can Veneers Easily Break?

While veneers are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible. Here are some common situations that might lead to veneer damage:  

Teeth Grinding  

If you frequently grind your natural teeth, your dentist may suggest alternatives to dental veneers. Teeth grinding can significantly damage veneers, potentially causing them to break down quickly.

Tooth Decay 

Veneers are tailor-made to cover your natural teeth, not replace them, so it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene. If tooth decay develops and is left untreated, it can weaken the bond between the tooth and the veneer, making it more susceptible to breaking during everyday activities like chewing hard foods.

Facial Injury   

Though facial injuries aren’t common, any sudden trauma, such as a blow to the face or a fall while cycling, can cause a veneer to crack. A strong impact could easily damage the delicate porcelain layers.

Chewing on Extremely Hard Objects  

Like natural teeth, veneers are not meant to withstand the pressure of chewing hard objects like ice or cracking tough candies. Any damage will be more apparent in veneers, as they are not as solid as natural teeth.

What to Do with a Broken Veneer

If your veneer breaks, the first step is to contact your dentist right away. Ideally, you should visit within 48 hours, but sooner is even better.

Make sure to gather the broken piece of the veneer and wrap it in a clean cloth or soft material for protection. Place it in a secure container and bring it with you to the dentist. They will assess the situation and advise you on the best next steps.

Composite Veneers May Be Repairable   

If your broken veneer is made of composite resin, it may be repairable, depending on the extent of the damage and how soon you can get to the dentist.

If the composite veneer is beyond repair, the dentist will need to create a replacement for you.

Most Porcelain Veneers Cannot Be Repaired 

If your veneer is made of porcelain, you’ll typically need to replace it. The process for getting a new veneer is similar to the one used for the original.  

Your dentist will take impressions and X-rays and prepare your new veneer. If there have been no major changes to the tooth, you usually won’t need to have the tooth reshaped again. You’ll only need the initial fitting and installation of the new veneer.

Porcelain Veneers Can Occasionally Be Saved 

In some rare cases, the original porcelain veneer can be preserved. For example, small chips might be smoothed out through dental contouring.  

Additionally, if the veneer is still intact but has come loose, your dentist may be able to reattach it. This can happen if debris, like sticky foods, gets stuck between the veneer and the tooth, weakening the bond. It can also occur if the original bonding isn’t done properly.

How to Prevent Your Veneers from Breaking

  • Avoid Hard Foods and Objects: Steer clear of chewing on hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candies, as they can cause veneers to crack or chip.
  • Wear a Nightguard: If you grind your teeth at night, using a custom nightguard can protect your veneers from excessive pressure and potential damage.
  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly to prevent tooth decay or gum disease, which can weaken the bond between the tooth and the veneer.
  • Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Never use your teeth to open bottles, tear packages, or bite hard objects like nails or pens, as this can stress your veneers.
  • Cautious with Sticky Foods: Sticky foods like caramel or taffy can pull at your veneers, potentially dislodging or damaging them.
  • Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups ensure that your veneers are in good condition and allow your dentist to spot any early signs of wear or damage before they become serious issues.

Conclusion

Although veneers are not easily broken, they can still be damaged under certain circumstances. By following proper care routines and practicing good habits, you can greatly enhance their longevity and keep them looking great.

If you have concerns about the durability of your veneers, it’s a good idea to speak with your dentist for tailored advice and recommendations on how to safeguard them.

Fix Your Broken Veneer Today

Schedule your consultation with Normandale Dental today and discover the difference expert care can make. 

Your dream smile is just a call away—contact us now by calling (952) 208-6718 or scheduling your appointment online.

FAQs

Veneers are inherently designed to be durable but can break under certain conditions, such as trauma or chewing on hard objects. With proper care, their fragility is minimized.
It is not recommended that you fix a broken veneer yourself. To ensure long-term durability, you should contact a dentist for proper repair or replacement.
Veneers are securely bonded to your teeth and do not typically fall out easily. However, factors like poor bonding, trauma, or wear over time can increase the risk of them coming loose.
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At Normandale Dental, our highly trained dentist in Bloomington, MN provides comprehensive dental services and procedures personalized to each patient’s unique dental and oral health needs. Dr. Avi Matha leverages expertise, advanced technologies, and compassion to treat patients in a comfortable and relaxing setting.
Dr. Avi Matha, Dentist in Bloomington, MN
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Avi Matha D.D.S

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