Dec 3, 2025
Can You Fix a Broken Veneer in an Emergency?
By Dr. Raheel Thobhani, DMD
You bite into a piece of crusty bread or accidentally bump your mouth, and suddenly you feel something hard in your mouth that shouldn't be there. Realizing you have a broken or detached porcelain veneer can be an instant source of panic, especially if it’s a front tooth that affects your smile.
The first question is always, "Can this be fixed quickly?" At Smyrna Dental Studio, we understand that a broken veneer is a major aesthetic crisis. The answer is yes, we can fix it. This guide will walk you through the immediate steps to take to protect your tooth and what to expect during your emergency repair visit.
Step 1: Assessing the Damage (What Just Happened?)
Veneers are incredibly strong, but they are not indestructible. They can break due to trauma, grinding your teeth (bruxism), or simply the weakening of the bonding cement over many years.
Debonding: The veneer pops off in one whole piece. The underlying tooth is intact.
Fracture: A piece of the porcelain chips off or shatters, leaving part of the veneer still bonded to the tooth.
Your Immediate "Do's and Don'ts"
DO:
Call our Smyrna office immediately. Even if it doesn't hurt, the underlying tooth structure is now exposed and vulnerable to bacteria and temperature sensitivity.
Save the pieces. If you have the veneer, place it in a small container or ziplock bag. Bring it to your appointment.
Use Dental Wax. If the remaining tooth or veneer edge feels sharp against your tongue, cover it with a small piece of orthodontic wax.
DON'T:
NEVER USE SUPERGLUE. We cannot stress this enough. Household glues are toxic. Furthermore, they create a bond that destroys the enamel when we try to remove it, potentially ruining your natural tooth and making a simple re-bonding procedure impossible.
Don't try to force it back on. You could swallow it or damage the fit.
How We Fix It: Repair vs. Replacement
When you arrive for your emergency visit, Dr. Thobhani will evaluate the situation.
Scenario A: Re-Bonding (The Quick Fix)
If the veneer came off in one clean piece and fits perfectly back onto the tooth, we may be able to clean the surface and re-bond it using professional dental cement. This is the best-case scenario.
Scenario B: Replacement (The Fresh Start)
If the veneer is chipped, cracked, or shattered, it cannot be patched. Porcelain cannot be seamlessly "filled" like a natural tooth. In this case, we will:
Gently remove any remaining porcelain.
Take a digital scan for a new veneer.
Place a comfortable, aesthetic temporary veneer so you can smile confidently while the lab crafts your permanent replacement.
FAQs: Broken Veneer Questions
Is a broken veneer a "true" dental emergency?
Medically, it is usually not life-threatening. However, we consider it an aesthetic emergency. We know you cannot go to work or social events with a missing front tooth. We prioritize these cases to get you a temporary solution the same day.
Does it hurt when a veneer breaks?
It usually does not hurt the veneer itself, but the underlying tooth may be extremely sensitive to air and cold water because the enamel was slightly removed during the initial placement. This sensitivity is a major reason to see us quickly.
How much does it cost to fix a broken veneer?
If it can be re-bonded, the cost is a simple office visit and re-cementation fee. If it needs to be replaced, the cost will be that of a single new unit of porcelain veneer. We will provide a transparent quote before proceeding.
How can I prevent this from happening again?
If your veneer broke due to teeth grinding at night, we will highly recommend a custom night guard to protect your investment. Without it, the new veneer is likely to break again.
We Will Restore Your Smile Fast
A broken veneer is stressful, but it is a temporary setback. Whether it’s a simple re-bonding or a brand-new restoration, we have the tools and artistry to make your smile whole again, often better than before.
If you have a broken or loose veneer in Smyrna, put down the glue and pick up the phone. Contact Smyrna Dental Studio immediately for an emergency repair.
