Dental veneers are designed to be long-lasting, durable, and resistant to wear — typically lasting up to 15–20 years when maintained properly. However, accidents, poor bonding, or improper care can sometimes cause veneers to become loose, chipped, or completely detached from the tooth.
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite material bonded to the front of your teeth. While durable, they can still be damaged by physical force or natural wear over time.
Common causes include:
- Improper care at home – Brushing too hard or flossing aggressively can loosen veneers.
- Biting hard substances – Chewing ice, nuts, or hard candies can chip or crack the veneer.
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) – Constant clenching or grinding creates excessive pressure, weakening or breaking the veneer.
- Decay underneath the veneer – If the natural tooth develops decay, it can loosen the bond.
- Cement deterioration – Over time, the bonding material holding the veneer can wear off.
- Incorrect fit – Poorly fitted veneers may not adhere properly, increasing the risk of detachment.
- Facial trauma – Accidents, falls, or sports injuries can cause veneers to crack or fall off.
Even with perfect care, veneers can loosen due to normal wear and tear over the years, so regular dental maintenance is essential.
If your veneer becomes loose, broken, or detached, do not attempt to glue it back yourself. Follow these steps instead:
- Preserve the veneer – Gently remove it from your mouth and store it safely in a clean container or tissue.
- Avoid biting or chewing on the affected side.
- Apply dental wax (available at pharmacies) to cover any sharp edges and protect your soft tissues.
- Avoid hot or cold food and drinks, as the exposed tooth can be sensitive.
- Contact our clinic immediately for an emergency appointment.
At your appointment, our dentist will assess the damage.
- Minor chips or cracks may be repaired with composite resin.
- Loose veneers can sometimes be re-bonded.
- Severely damaged veneers may require replacement.
Our clinic offers same-day veneer repair and replacement services, ensuring you never have to spend a day with a compromised smile.
Proper maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your veneers. Here are essential care tips from our Brisbane dental team:
- Avoid biting on hard foods or objects like pens, metal caps, or ice.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily with gentle, sliding motions instead of snapping.
- Wear a custom night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bite nails.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups every six months to ensure your veneers and natural teeth remain healthy.
With the right care, veneers will continue to provide a bright, confident, and natural-looking smile for many years.
A loose or broken veneer can affect not just your smile but your confidence and comfort. Our emergency dentists in Brisbane offer immediate veneer repair or replacement appointments to restore your teeth quickly and safely.