For those with stained and less-than-perfect natural teeth, veneers provide the look of perfect teeth. Read on to find out about a few common issues with veneers and what to do when your veneer needs help.

Veneers May Not Be Permanent

When you see various celebrities sporting perfect smiles, it's probably the result of veneers. Veneers, though they are great at transforming a smile, are not meant to be permanent. Veneers adhere to the front, visible areas of your teeth and are excellent ways to deal with gaps, cracks, stains, and other unsightly issues. Wearers can often get years of wear out of a veneer but that can vary depending on eating and chewing habits and more. When a veneer does fail after years of use, it often involves the adhesive material used to bond it to your natural tooth. Veneers, when worn, can fall off, peel, or crack.

Eating Habits May Damage Veneers

Certain bad habits could mean a veneer wears out faster than normal. The following habits and mannerisms could mean your veneers won't last as long as you would like:

1. Chewing hard candy and ice on a regular basis.
2. Teeth grinding during the night – Speak to your dentist about guards worn at night to prevent damage to your teeth from grinding them.

Decay May Damage Veneers

Your dentist will ensure that veneers are only applied to healthy teeth. That means a thorough cleaning and the repair of any cavities or gum disease issues. Some veneer wearers, however, may develop some dental problems after their veneers are installed. Veneers depend on being able to adhere to healthy, sound teeth in a mouth free of gum disease. If a cavity should form between your teeth in a spot that is covered by the veneer, it may grow quite large before you notice a problem. Some veneer wearers may be unaware of a cavity but will certainly notice a damaged veneer that results. In some cases, the veneer can be removed, preserved, and reapplied after the decay is removed. If the veneer is badly damaged, it will need to be replaced, however.

Regardless of the cause of your failing veneer, the way the veneer peels off can play a part in how your dentist handles things. If the veneer cracks and comes off in several pieces, you will likely need a new veneer. If it comes off in one piece, your dentist may be able to replace it using bonding cement. If your veneer is giving you problems, speak to your dentist right away.