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Why Do Some Dental Veneers Chip?
Posted in Cosmetic Veneers
Posted on January 24, 2023 by Dr. Gerald Marlin
Dental veneers are an extremely versatile dental restoration option for patients that have gapped, worn-down, discolored, chipped, or uneven teeth. Strong, durable, and resistant to stains, veneers can result in a bright, natural-looking, and beautiful smile.
However, although veneers can last for many years when properly designed, applied, and maintained, they are not entirely impervious to damage such as chips and cracks [1]. While uncommon, it is possible for some veneers to chip.
What would cause a veneer to chip, and how can you fix the problem to restore your smile?
Potential Causes of a Chipped Dental Veneer
Porcelain, a type of ceramic, is the most common material used in veneers and provides natural-looking results and excellent longevity [2]. However, although porcelain is durable, it can still chip or break under intense pressure or unusual wear.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can cause veneers to chip. Bite issues can also cause abnormal wear and pressure with biting and chewing, which may cause veneers to chip.
If you have a misaligned bite, TMJ pain, or a history of grinding your teeth, these problems should be treated and resolved by your dentist before considering dental veneers, as they could potentially lead to chips in the veneer over time.
Other potential causes of a chipped veneer include:
- An incorrectly placed or bonded veneer
- Biting or chewing tough foods such as hard candy, ice, or nut shells
- Improper use of teeth, such as nail biting or chewing on pens
Can a Chipped Dental Veneer Be Fixed?
If your veneer has chipped, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. While you can take any chipped pieces of the veneer with you, it’s possible that your veneer will need to be replaced. Each individual case will vary.
Generally, small chips in the veneer can be repaired, while larger ones may require a replacement. At Elite Prosthetic Dentistry, prosthodontists Dr. Gerald Marlin and Dr. George Talmazov will work with you to meticulously repair or replace your veneer so you can get your beautiful smile back.
How to Take the Best Care of Your Veneers
The best way to prevent chipped veneers is to resolve issues or behaviors that can lead to chips in the first place. Therefore, for dental veneers to be successful, proper planning for your dental treatment is crucial.
As part of the planning process, Dr. Gerald Marlin and Dr. George Talmazov will ensure you don’t have any risk factors that could lead to damage or a premature replacement of the veneer, such as teeth grinding or a misaligned bite [3].
We address these concerns and carefully design and plan your veneer with our in-house lab technicians to ensure a custom-crafted dental restoration that is beautiful, durable, functions properly and long-lasting with minimal risk for chips and cracks.
Our team will also let you know how to properly care for your veneers to maximize their lifespan and keep them looking great for many years to come.
Are Your Dental Veneers Chipped? Don’t Ignore It
One of the problems dental veneers can correct is chipped teeth, so having chipped veneers gives the opposite impact you want for your smile. Are your veneers chipped or damaged? If so, schedule a consultation with Elite Prosthetic Dentistry today to discuss your veneer restoration to get your smile back.
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Through this commitment, Dr. Marlin provides his patients with long-lasting (35 years vs. the national average of 7-10 years) aesthetic restorations so that they have virtually no future problems.
As such, he is a leading specialist in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry , and restorative dentistry in the Bethesda–Chevy Chase, Northern Virginia, and Washington DC Metro Area. He has inserted and restored over 3,600 dental implants.
