4 Signs You Need to Replace a Veneer
Posted on: 12 May 2022
While dental veneers last a long time, they don't always last forever. How can you tell if you might need to replace one of your veneers?
1. The Veneer Feels Loose
Veneer shells are securely fixed to teeth with a special cement. They shouldn't move or feel loose.
If one of your veneers seems looser than it was, then you might need to have it reattached or replaced. For example, if its cement has worn away, then it can't hold the shell firmly on your tooth. Your dentist will need to take the veneer off, remove its current cement and then reapply it.
2. The Veneer Looks Dark
If you had veneers fitted to whiten your teeth, then you'll be concerned if one of your teeth starts to look darker than usual. Again, this is often caused by a cement problem.
These cements can darken over time. If they get too dark, then the colour starts to show through their veneer shell. To fix the problem, you usually have to remove the veneer to take off the old cement and start over.
3. The Veneer Has Some Damage
While veneers are strong, they can get damaged. For example, their shells might chip or crack. Or, they might wear down over the years.
If a veneer is worn or damaged, then you should look to replace it. It won't look good cosmetically. It is more likely to break and come off in the future. Plus, if it doesn't cover its tooth correctly, then it could allow bacteria to get behind it. This could damage the underlying tooth.
4. The Veneer Has Permanent Stains
While a good toothbrushing routine keeps veneers in good shape, some materials can stain over time. This can be more of a problem if you smoke or consume a lot of strongly-coloured food and drinks.
These stains can be hard to get off with regular toothbrushing. While your dental hygienist might be able to remove some stains with a clean and polish procedure, some stains become permanently embedded in the veneer shell. If you can't remove unsightly stains, then your best bet will be to replace the veneer and start over with a new one.
In some cases, your dentist can remove a veneer, fix the underlying problem and then replace it. However, you're more likely to need to replace a damaged veneer with a new one. To find out more about the problem and your options, talk to your dentist.
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