Can you put a veneer on a broken tooth?

We all know teeth, unlike broken hearts, cannot repair themselves. So, the most obvious question that comes to mind after any unfortunate incident of a broken or chipped tooth is how to mend it. Dentists often come across this question, can you put a veneer on a broken tooth? And the answer is yes!

A dental veneer can mend a broken tooth. Not just broken teeth; veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure for perfectly fixing misaligned, chipped, or worn-off teeth.

Dental veneers are custom-made, wafer-thin, natural tooth-colored shells designed to cover the front surface of the teeth to repair the damage. The veneers can be made of porcelain or composite resin material. It is similar to how a false nail covers a fingernail. 

Is the thought of smiling with a broken tooth troubling you? Read further as we answer some common doubts such as can you put a veneer on a broken tooth?, how a veneer on the damaged tooth can fix and restore your smile, and more.

The procedure: How to fix a chipped tooth with a dental veneer?

Getting a dental veneer usually requires three dental visits. Fixing a chipped tooth starts with a consultation where the dentist understands the damage and what the patient wants to achieve. After checking the condition of the damaged tooth, the dentist will suggest if a veneer on the chipped tooth is suitable to restore the condition. The dentist will then explain the procedure to the patient and take an impression of the chipped tooth. More than one tooth can undergo the veneering process simultaneously. 

During the next dental visit, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the surface of the damaged tooth to make space for the porcelain veneer to fit. After the dental lab finishes making your custom dental veneer, the dentist will attach the veneer to the chipped tooth using dental bonding. The dentist will make necessary adjustments by trimming and matching the veneer with the surrounding natural teeth. The dentist may ask the patient to visit for a follow-up checkup to evaluate how the surrounding tissues respond to the porcelain veneers or veneer made of composite resin material.

Is getting dental veneer painful? 

A dental veneer procedure is minimally invasive, and most patients do not experience any pain or discomfort during the treatment. Moreover, your dentist may decide to administer local anesthesia to numb the surrounding area of the damaged tooth. 

How long do veneers last?

The life of a dental veneer solely depends on the quality of care they receive from the patients. It can range from as long as twenty years to less than ten years. Like natural teeth enamel, they are also vulnerable to damage such as chipping, cracking, and breaking. A chipped veneer may need replacement. However, many patients are able to take ideal care of their dental veneers, and a good percentage of patients report their veneers lasting for more than a decade. 

How to fix a chipped veneer tooth?

A chipped or broken veneer is nothing to panic about. The first thing to do is to remove all the broken pieces of veneer from your mouth and keep them safe by wrapping them in a soft material until you visit your dentist. In this case, the porcelain or resin veneer will be replaced with new veneers. In some cases, the veneer may come out from the teeth without breaking. This situation is known as debonding. In this situation, your dentist will restore the dental bonding on the existing veneer without the need for a new one. 

Get dental veneers at Rana Dentistry: 

Can you put a veneer on a broken tooth? Yes, veneers are your ally when you want to restore a broken tooth, hide minor cracks on teeth or improve your smile by fixing misaligned teeth. Got more questions about dental veneers? We can answer all your questions and share with you a treatment plan if you are considering dental veneers to enhance the appearance of your smile. Schedule an appointment or call us at (909) 764-3355/(909) 764-3354 to learn more about dental veneer costs and procedures