Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog

Those Vexing Veneers: Why Is Your Dental Veneer Loose?

8 March 2022

Duane Kelly

The principle behind a dental veneer couldn't be simpler. Whatever the tooth's imperfection—whether it's misshapen or permanently discoloured in a way that can't be reversed with teeth whitening—a veneer simply covers the problem. These workhorses of cosmetic dentistry are simply tooth-shaped (and tooth-coloured), incredibly thin shells bonded to the tooth's outward-facing surface. They're usually made of porcelain, although acrylic is also possible. Of course, if something is bonded, it's also possible for it to debond.

The Approximate Lifespan of a Dental Veneer

It's difficult to foresee how long a dental veneer will last. In fact, much of that is up to you, by being sure that you see your dentist regularly and taking care of your oral health to the best of your ability. On average, some 50% of dental veneers will need to be replaced after ten years. In any event, you can expect veneers to stay intact and aesthetically pleasing for an extended period of time.

Functional Lifespan

If you've had your veneers for some years, their loosening (debonding) may just be the veneer coming to the end of its functional lifespan. The porcelain shells themselves may be tarnished, which makes the cosmetic application of this dental restoration somewhat redundant. It's likely that your veneers will need to be replaced. They have an impressive lifespan, but they're not immortal. So what if your veneers are debonding when they haven't been in place for an extended period of time?

Bruxism and Misalignment of Your Bite

The bonding agent (dental cement) that has attached the veneer to your tooth can fail in certain conditions. For example, if you've developed bruxism (teeth grinding), this action can place the dental cement under excessive pressure, causing the veneer to loosen. There may also be an undiagnosed dental problem that has changed the alignment of your bite (the relationship between your upper and lower sets of teeth when your mouth is closed). This can similarly apply too much pressure to the dental cement holding your veneers in place. You may need to begin wearing a nightguard (an overnight mouthguard that protects your teeth, preventing you from grinding them together). The specific dental problem causing any misalignment will need to be corrected.

If a veneer has debonded, remember that you need to act relatively quickly. The veneer can easily detach, and if it's swallowed, you will clearly need to have a new one made. Have any loose veneers inspected by your dentist. Once the reason for the debonding has been identified and treated, the veneer can be reattached.

For more information about cosmetic dentistry, contact a local professional.

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