Do you wish you had a brighter smile? Do you want straighter teeth without having to go through braces? Do you have wide gaps in between your teeth? All of these problems can be solved with porcelain veneers. They cover up cosmetic flaws in your teeth, allowing you to smile confidently again. But are they indestructible? Let’s talk about how to prevent your veneers from breaking.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Veneers are thin sheaths made of dental porcelain – a strong, sturdy material that perfectly mimics a natural tooth, even down to the way it reflects light. These shells are placed over the front surfaces of teeth to hide many cosmetic flaws, such as:
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are stained or discolored
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
After your initial consultation, you can get porcelain veneers placed in only two appointments. At your first visit, a thin layer of enamel will be removed from the front of your teeth to make room. Then, your dentist will create impressions to be sent off to a lab and used to create your new smile. Temporary veneers will be placed so that you can get used to the way they feel in your mouth. In a couple of weeks, your permanent veneers will be ready. Return to the office, and your smile will be transformed!
How Can Porcelain Veneers Break?
One major cause for a veneer breaking or falling off involves debonding. This is when the cement that attaches the veneer to your tooth no longer works as it should. Debonding typically happens when the veneer is bonded to a high level of dentin instead of enamel. Dentin is the layer of the tooth underneath the enamel, and the bonding cement does not form as strong a connection with dentin as with enamel.
The other main reason veneers break is due to fracture. Veneers are durable, but they can’t withstand everything. Injuries to the mouth during sports can crack or chip your veneers, as well as biting down on something hard. Destructive habits like nail biting or teeth clenching or grinding can also wear down the veneers and eventually cause them to break.
How Can I Keep My Veneers from Breaking?
There are a few ways to keep your veneers intact, including:
- Avoiding biting down on hard foods like popcorn kernels or hard candy
- Quitting biting your nails
- Getting a mouthguard to prevent grinding your teeth while you sleep
- Visiting your dentist twice a year to make sure your veneers and underlying teeth are in good shape
If you are interested in concealing imperfections in your smile with porcelain veneers, contact your dentist today. Just make sure to take great care of them!
About the Author
Dr. Mark Farthing opened Indianapolis Family Dentistry in 1985. Along with Dr. Armin Tepner, he works to restore patients’ confidence in their smiles and help them meet their dental goals. Dr. Farthing has completed advanced studies in occlusion at the prestigious Dawson Academy. To learn more about how he can make your smile dazzle with porcelain veneers, contact him at (317)-898-3384.