Dental veneers are a very common and popular cosmetic dental procedure. They are typically safe and well-tolerated by all of the soft tissues of the mouth. However, there are cases when the dental veneer is problematic, either by errors in application, at-home care, or veneer material failure. Be on the lookout for these issues that may lead you to have your dental veneers replaced or repaired.
Dental veneers are thin tooth-colored shells made of composite resin or porcelain that are bonded to the surface of your tooth, giving the appearance of an even, white smile. Dental veneers are able to cover issues such as gapped or crooked teeth, cracked or misshapen teeth, or discolored teeth.
Problems can include the following:
- Veneers that were created too long or too thick, leading to difficulties in bite and the occurrence of jaw pain.
- Veneers that don’t look real because they are too white, too large or are poorly shaped.
- Bonding agents that discolor, leaving a yellowish tone to the border of the veneer.
- Veneers that fall off because of improper application or from poor patient habits such as chewing ice, pens or pencils or biting fingernails.
- Veneers that were made poorly and gap at the gumline and tooth margin, leading to the gums swelling and bleeding.
- Veneers that have gaps between the veneer and the tooth, leading to bacteria and debris building up under the tooth, leading to decay and infection.
- Veneers that were applied to teeth that were ground down too much, exposing a nerve and leading to pain and a potential root canal treatment.
- Veneers that are loose or have cracked or fallen off.
If you are experiencing any of these problems with your dental veneers and you live in Newport Beach, contact your cosmetic dentist immediately. You may need to have one or more of your veneers replaced in order to maintain the healthy, bright smile you love.