Have Veneers Been Known to Break While Eating?

If you have recently gotten veneers or are considering them, you may have heard a lot of buzz around their durability. One of the most common questions that dental patients have is: "Have veneers been known to break while eating?"

It is an understandable concern, especially if you are new to cosmetic dental procedures. The good news is that while veneers are durable, there are certain situations that could cause them to break or chip.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons veneers might break while eating, how to prevent them, and what to do if they happen. By the end, you will have a solid understanding of how to take care of your veneers, so you can enjoy your meals without any worries!

What Are Veneers?

Before we discuss the possibility of veneers breaking while eating, let’s know what veneers are. Veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite material placed either on the front side of the teeth to enhance their appearance. The reasons people opt for veneers are stained, chipped, or uneven teeth. Veneers are strong and durable, but like any dental restoration, they are not indestructible.

Can Veneers Break While Eating?

The simple answer is yes, veneers can break while eating, but it is not a common occurrence if you take proper care of them. In most cases, people can eat almost any type of food without any complications. There are, however, some conditions that will make your veneer break easily, and you should know how to avoid damaging your veneer.

Why Do Veneers Break While Eating?

There are a few reasons why veneers might break while eating:

1. Biting Hard Foods

One of the most common reasons veneers break is that they are subjected to extreme pressure. Hard foods like nuts, popcorn kernels, or ice can cause a veneer to chip or crack. This is particularly true if the veneer wasn’t properly bonded or if the tooth beneath the veneer is weak.

2. Accidental Impact

Accidents can happen. Biting into something unexpectedly hard (like a hard candy or a piece of food with an unintended bone or seed) can cause damage to your veneer. This is why it is important to be mindful of what you’re eating.

3. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding)

People with bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, especially at night, can put additional strain on their veneers. This is due to the fact that the constant grinding will weaken the material, which can result in the veneer breaking.

4. Poor Quality Veneers

Although porcelain and resin veneers are quite strong, poor-quality veneers will not be able to withstand the pressure. A cosmetic dentist will be of great assistance in getting the best quality veneers.

5. Improperly Fitted Veneers

If your veneers are not properly fitted or bonded to your teeth, there is a greater risk of them breaking. Gaps between the veneer and the tooth can create weak spots, and over time, these spots can give way under pressure.

6. Age of the Veneers

Veneers are not meant to last forever. Over time, the adhesive holding the veneers in place can weaken, making them more susceptible to damage when chewing or eating.

How to Prevent Veneers from Breaking While Eating?

Now that you understand the reasons why veneers might break, here are some tips to prevent that from happening:

1. Avoid Hard and Crunchy Foods

While veneers are strong, they are not immune to breaking. Avoid hard or crunchy foods, especially in the first few weeks after getting your veneers, when they are still settling. Foods like ice, hard candies, and crusty bread should be avoided to ensure your veneers stay intact.

2. Use Your Back Teeth to Chew

Try to avoid chewing hard foods with your veneers. If possible, use your back teeth, which are designed to withstand more pressure. This will prevent any undue strain on your veneers.

3. Wear a Mouthguard

If you grind your teeth at night, then a custom mouthguard can help protect both your natural teeth and your veneers. A dentist can make up a perfectly fitted guard for your teeth that can at least minimize the chances of your grinding damaging it.

4. Be Mindful of What You Eat

If you are eating foods that may potentially break your veneers, such as a tough steak or a chewy caramel, take smaller bites and chew more slowly. Always be wary of foods that may have hard hidden bits like seeds or bones that could damage your veneers.

5. Follow Up with Your Dentist

Regular check-ups are important because this is where the dentist can check if your veneers are still in good shape. Any problems can be detected early on, and a dentist can offer recommendations on how to guard your veneers.

What Happens if a Veneer Breaks While Eating?

If your veneer breaks while eating, don’t panic. Here is what you can do:

Contact Your Dentist Right Away

The initial step is to get in touch with your dentist as quickly as possible. They will examine the damage and determine the best course to take. If the veneer is chipped or cracked, your dentist may be able to fix it.

Save the Broken Piece

If a piece of your veneer breaks off, try to save the broken piece. This will help your dentist in deciding how to fix it.

Avoid Eating on the Affected Side

Until your dentist can fix your veneer, avoid chewing on the side where the veneer is broken. This will prevent further damage and discomfort.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, have veneers been known to break while eating? Yes, but if proper care is given, the chances of this are very low. You have to avoid hard food, be conscious of how you chew, and make sure to have regular appointments with the dentist, and nothing will go wrong with your veneers.

If you are considering veneers or need help with your current veneers, Dr. Afroz Burges DDS, PA, is here to guide you every step of the way. Book your consultation today by calling 281-547-2632 or visiting 12234 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Building 3, Suite 108, Pearland, TX 77584, and take the first step toward a confident, beautiful smile!

FAQs 

Can I eat normally with veneers?

You can eat most foods with veneers. But you should stay away from very hard foods because they may exert too much pressure on veneers.

How Long Does a Veneer Last?

The lifespan of veneers usually varies depending on the type of veneers used. Veneers can usually last about 10 to 15 years.

What if a veneer breaks?

Contact your dentist right away to determine the next course of action. Whether the veneer needs to be repaired or replaced depends on the level of damage.

Are veneers easy to maintain?

Veneers can be maintained easily by brushing, flossing, and regular visits to dentists. However, one should avoid habits like grinding teeth or chewing hard materials to keep them for a long time. 

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