What to Do if a Dental Veneer Ever Chips or Breaks Off
Posted on 9/1/2025 by Dr. Michael Wockenfus
Dental veneers are a popular choice for people who want to improve the appearance of their smiles. They are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth, and they can be used to correct a variety of dental issues, including:
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Discoloration
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Chipped or broken teeth
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Misshapen teeth
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Gaps between teeth
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Misalignment
While dental veneers are very durable, they can sometimes chip or break. This can happen if you bite down on something hard, fall, or get hit in the mouth.
What to Do if a Dental Veneer Chips or Breaks Off
If a dental veneer chips or breaks off, it's important to stay calm and take the following steps:
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Save the broken piece of veneer. If possible, save the broken piece of veneer and bring it with you to the dentist. This will help the dentist determine the best way to repair the veneer.
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Call your dentist as soon as possible. Explain what happened and schedule an appointment to have the veneer repaired.
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Avoid using the affected tooth. If the broken piece of veneer is sharp, avoid using the affected tooth until you can see the dentist. You can also cover the sharp edge with a piece of wax or sugar-free gum.
How a Dentist Will Repair a Chipped or Broken Veneer
The way a dentist repairs a chipped or broken veneer will depend on the severity of the damage. In some cases, the dentist may be able to simply bond the broken piece back onto the tooth. However, if the damage is more severe, the dentist may need to replace the veneer entirely.
How to Prevent a Dental Veneer from Chipping or Breaking
There are a few things you can do to prevent a dental veneer from chipping or breaking:
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Avoid biting down on hard objects. This includes things like ice, hard candy, and bones.
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Don't use your teeth as tools. Don't use your teeth to open bottles, tear open packages, or cut things.
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Wear a mouthguard if you play sports. This will help to protect your teeth from injury.
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See your dentist for regular checkups. This will allow the dentist to monitor the condition of your veneers and make sure they are in good shape.
Restoration Dentistry
Restoration dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on repairing damaged teeth and restoring them to their original function and appearance. In some cases, veneers may be part of a comprehensive restoration dentistry plan.
If you have a dental veneer that has chipped or broken off, don't hesitate to call your dentist. They will be able to assess the damage and determine the best course of treatment. With proper care, your dental veneers can last for many years.
Dental Blog | Dentist Menasha, WI | Mid Valley Dental, S.C. Michael J. Wockenfus, DDS created a blog to educate the community. It is your resource for all dentistry questions. Learn and read topics in the blog here! Mid Valley Dental, SC, 903 E. Airport Road, Menasha, WI 54952 \ (920) 215-4160 \ midvalleydental.com \ 1/10/2026 \ Page Phrases: dentist Menasha WI \