How Frequently Do Veneers on Front Teeth Chip or Come Off?

There are several factors that come into play when you ask about veneers on the front teeth chipping or coming off.  This is, in my opinion, dependent on how ones bite is prior to veneers being placed and how the dentists designs the case.  For example, if you are getting veneers because you have ground down your teeth or have numerous chips on your front teeth from the way your teeth meet together, then you have a bite problem.

Why would you have veneers placed to the same position that you ruined your natural teeth?  Many times there are other problems such as TMJ, airway or sleep apnea issues, or occusal (bite problems).  These should be corrected prior to veneers being placed.  If you are not willing to correct these issues, then a nightguard is indicated for nightime use.  Often veneers can be used to correct certain types of "end to end" bites as well. 

Another factor is the design of the veneers and how they are placed as well as the materials used.  One of the new materials, Emax, is exceptionally strong and can be fabricated to .3mm thick in the hands of a skilled dental ceramist.  In the past, certain materials could be thin but were not very esthetic as the shades of porcelain could not be layered.

In short, porcelain veneers can last a long time and be relatively maintenance free as when correctly placed and designed.  They have truly helped change the smiles and lives of so many patients. 

Veneers should not come off front teeth if they are planned properly and placed properly.

Veneers come off when there is a bite problem or grinding habit.

The other reason veneers come off is if there is a poor bond; either poor technique or not enough enamel to bond to.

Veneers that are chipping or coming off of front teeth are a sign of a bigger problem. This could be the following:

1. Occlusal (bite) problems. You may have interferences in your bite when you go into excursive (side) movements. You may also be a clencher or grinder at night.

2. There may not be an adequate or proper preparation of the teeth prior to the veneers being placed. If there is unsupported porcelain in the veneer, this can be very susceptible to fracture.

3. There could be a cement problem. Veneers can come off is there is contamination (usually water moisture) during the bonding process. This crates a weaker bond and make the veneers prone to de-lamination. 

 

The answer is not often--WHEN they are designed correctly. The key is to make sure you have a cosmetic dentist that is thorough and skilled in dealing with bite alignment. The health and precision of your bite largely determines how trouble-free your veneers can be.

I have one patient in a wheel chair who has 20 veneers. He HAS to use his teeth as tools to assist him in his daily life. He has had his veneers almost 10 years now without a problem. (I do not recommend this, but in his situation this is what he needed).

I have had patients come to me because the veneers they had made somewhere else have started chipping. The issue was a bite problem. When it was corrected, the new veneers have done very well.

Another factor that can affect if your porcelain veneers will chip is how you use them and care for them. They need to be cared for thoughtfully. Many patients ought to have a night guard to sleep with for extra protection.

In general, veneers are extremely durable and trouble-free. If you are considering a smile makeover or smile enhancement I would not let a worry about the durability sway you. You will be amazed the impact a new smile will have on your confidence! Thank you, Dr. Scott Greenhalgh, DDS

Veneers, properly placed, do not often just pop off.  Some do chip and this usually happens because of two reasons:  1.  the patient was not mindful of what they were biting into with their front teeth...chewing ice, peanut brittle etc. and 2.  There were bite problems that were not diagnosed by the dentist before the veneers were placed.  If you have bite problems, the bite needs to be adjusted first before you consider veneer placement.  If the reason behind you needing the veneers is your front teeth were worn down and chipped, that would immediately show there is a bite problem present.  If you are getting veneers to close spaces and improve color and smile than it is not because of the your bite.  Make sure you discuss this with your dentist before placing any anterior veneers!