Do Veneers Break Easily? – Understanding the Durability

A radiant smile transforms your confidence and tends to leave a lasting impression on all. Dental veneers are the perfect way to help you achieve that stunning smile, but many people wonder, do veneers break easily? 

It's a valid concern, especially considering the investment of time and money involved in getting them. 

While veneers are designed to enhance the aesthetics of your teeth, understanding their durability is crucial for anyone considering this popular cosmetic dental option. 

Let’s dive in and uncover the truth about veneer durability!

How Long Do Veneers Typically Last?

The lifespan of dental veneers is largely determined by the materials used in their construction. Currently, there are various materials available for veneers, with porcelain, ceramic, and resin-based composite being the most common.

Porcelain veneers are well known for their excellent durability, often lasting between 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. They are also more resistant to staining compared to other types of veneers. In contrast, composite and ceramic veneers generally have a shorter lifespan, averaging around 10 years.

Do Veneers Break Easily?

Veneers are inherently designed to be durable, but do veneers break easily or chip under certain circumstances? Generally, porcelain veneers are more resilient than composite veneers, but both types have their limitations.

Here are some factors that can affect their durability:

• Material Type: Porcelain veneers are typically stronger and more resistant to damage than composite veneers. However, both can be vulnerable to chipping or breaking if subjected to excessive force.
• Oral Habits: Habits such as grinding your teeth (bruxism), biting on hard objects (like ice or pens), or using your teeth as tools can increase the risk of damaging your veneers.
• Dental Care: Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help maintain the integrity of your veneers. Neglecting dental care may lead to issues that could weaken them.
• Accidents: Just like natural teeth, veneers can break due to trauma from accidents, such as falls or sports injuries.
• Wear and Tear: With time, veneers can wear down, leading to a higher likelihood of breakage.

When Do Veneers Break Easily?

Teeth Grinding

If your natural teeth exhibit signs of frequent grinding, your dentist might recommend an alternative to dental veneers. Grinding your teeth can be extremely harmful to veneers, potentially leading to breakage in a short period.

Tooth Decay

Dental veneers do not serve as replacements for your natural teeth; they merely cover them. This makes it crucial to uphold a strong oral hygiene routine. If tooth decay is allowed to progress, it can compromise the bond between your tooth and the veneer. This weakened bond may increase the risk of breakage during normal activities, such as chewing tough foods.

Facial Injury

While you may not experience facial injuries frequently, it's important to recognize that trauma to the face can lead to a dental veneer breaking. An unexpected blow, like a sudden backhand or a hard fall while cycling, could easily overwhelm those delicate porcelain layers.

Chewing on Extremely Hard Objects

Dental veneers, just like your natural teeth, aren’t meant to chew ice or crack hard candies. 

Any breakage will be more noticeable in veneers since they are less solid than natural teeth.

What to Do if Your Veneers Break

If your veneer breaks, the first step is to contact your dentist right away. It's best to schedule an appointment within 48 hours and sooner if possible.

Be sure to gather the broken piece of the veneer and wrap it in a clean cloth or another soft protective material. Place it in a secure container and take it with you to your dental appointment. Your dentist will advise you on the best way to proceed.

Composite Veneers May Be Repairable

If the broken veneer is composed of composite resin, your dentist might be able to fix it, depending on the extent of the damage and how quickly you seek treatment.

If your composite veneer is beyond repair, the dentist will need to create a replacement.

Most Porcelain Veneers Cannot Be Repaired

When a veneer is made from porcelain, it typically requires a replacement rather than a repair. The process for getting a new veneer is similar to that of obtaining the original.

Your dentist will need to take impressions and X-rays and prepare your new restoration. If there have been no major changes to the tooth structure, you usually won’t need to have your tooth reshaped again. Instead, you’ll just require the initial fitting and installation.

Tips on Caring for Your Dental Veneers

• Regularly visit your dentist for cleanings and check-ups, aiming for at least two appointments a year: one for a general check-up and another for a thorough cleaning.
• Limit hard foods in your diet. While crunchy snacks like tortilla chips are acceptable, it's best to avoid hard candies and ice cubes.
• Refrain from compulsive chewing habits, such as biting on pencils, as this can be detrimental to your veneers.
• Avoid grinding your teeth. If you tend to clench or grind at night, consider using a mouthguard. Continuous grinding can wear down porcelain over time.
• Make it a habit to brush and floss after every meal, or at least twice a day. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush, preferably an electric one, and choose a non-abrasive toothpaste.

Conclusion

While veneers are not fragile, they can break under certain conditions. With proper care and mindful habits, you can significantly extend their lifespan and maintain their appearance. 

If you're concerned about the durability of your veneers, consult your dentist for personalized advice and tips on how to protect them.

Schedule a consultation with the Middle Georgia Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in Warner Robins, GA, and learn more tips on how to prevent your veneers from breaking easily.

Schedule your appointment today. 

FAQs

Are porcelain veneers more prone to breaking than composite veneers?

Porcelain veneers are typically more resilient and less likely to break than composite veneers. However, both types can be damaged if not cared for properly.

What should I do if my veneer breaks?

If your veneer breaks, contact your dentist immediately and try to save the broken piece. They will assess the damage and recommend the best course of action, which may include repair or replacement.