What Can Go Wrong With Veneers? Understanding the Risks, Problems, and Fixes

Table of Contents

• Sensitive Teeth After the Procedure
• Gum Swelling & Soreness (Gingivitis)
• Soreness or Pain for a Bit
• Bite Doesn’t Feel Right (Occlusion)

• Chipping or Breaking of Veneers
• Veneer Falling Off (Debonding)
• Cavities Under the Veneer
• Gums Pulling Back Around Veneers
• Veneers Getting Stained or Discolored
• Weird-Looking or Fake-Looking Teeth
• Damage to the Real Tooth’s Top Layer

• Nerve Trouble (Pulpitis)
• Infection
• Allergic Reaction
• Tooth Breaking

Introduction: The Truth Behind the Perfect Smile

If you’re like I used to be, you probably hear all the talk about getting a “movie star smile.” Veneers seem like a quick and easy way to get perfect teeth. I’ll be real—I loved the idea too. But it didn’t take long for me to find out the truth.

Veneers aren’t just a set-it-and-forget-it fix like you see in ads. In my own story, learning about the risks and problems ahead of time was key. It’s not just about the good stuff, you need to be ready for the bumps in the road too. That’s what stopped me from being totally surprised when things went a bit wrong.

I want to share what I learned—things I wish I knew before, during, and after getting veneers. From small problems to real horror stories (and yes, what to do if something goes wrong), I’ll share it all. No tales to scare you, just real talk.

Common Short-Term Problems After Veneer Placement

Sensitive Teeth After the Procedure

The first few days after my veneers got glued in, it was like drinking ice water from the freezer. Tooth sensitivity hit as soon as the numbing wore off. Hot drinks, cold water, or even sucking in cold air gave my teeth a sharp tingle. Tons of people get this, mostly because the dentist has to take away some of your natural tooth’s hard surface before putting on the veneer.

For me, this hot-and-cold feeling went away after a couple weeks. My dentist told me to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth, and that helped. If the sensitivity sticks around longer than a month, that could be a bigger problem, so don’t be shy—call your dentist!

Gum Swelling & Soreness (Gingivitis)

Don’t freak out if your gums look red and puffy at first. Mine got sore for a few days, probably just getting used to the new veneers. Sometimes, a bit of leftover glue from putting on the veneer can bug your gums too.

What helped me? Gentle flossing and swishing with saltwater. My gums settled down before long. If your gums stay sore, the dentist can clean away any extra cement or maybe trim the veneer for a better fit.

Soreness or Pain for a Bit

Biting into a sandwich felt strange at first. It wasn’t exactly pain, but my teeth felt tender. This is really normal after your teeth have been messed with and the veneer is glued on. Stick to soft foods, don’t go wild with pain pills, and save the crispy snacks for later.

Bite Doesn’t Feel Right (Occlusion)

After my first set, my teeth didn’t line up the way I was used to. Chewing on one side took more effort, and my jaw felt a bit weird. It happens if the veneer is a little too thick or long.

If your bite is off, tell your dentist. A quick polish can smooth things out. Letting it go can lead to chipped veneers or jaw pain.

Long-Term Problems and Failures of Veneers

No one really talks about these at first, but this is the stuff you need to know—especially if you want your smile to last a long time.

Chipping or Breaking of Veneers

Veneers, whether porcelain or composite, are strong, but they’re not unbreakable. I’ll never forget crunching on a hard popcorn kernel and feeling a chip come off. Veneers fail about 5–15% of the time over 5–10 years if they’re porcelain, and even more for composite ones.

Chips and cracks come from accidents, grinding your teeth at night, or chewing on hard stuff. Small chips can usually be fixed easily. Big cracks usually need a whole new veneer. If you keep having the same issue, your dentist might suggest getting a nightguard to wear while you sleep.

If you’re wondering how the material changes how long they last, many dentists use top-notch suppliers like a china dental lab where the stuff they use matters a lot.

Veneer Falling Off (Debonding)

Nothing ruins a day like waking up to a veneer on your pillow. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but it’s not super rare. This might come from a problem during the glue process or if the tooth wasn’t prepped just right.

If your veneer comes off and it’s not cracked, your dentist can probably glue it back on. If it’s broken, you’ll need a new one. Don’t try to glue it yourself—DIY fixes can make things worse.

Cavities Under the Veneer

One thing that surprised me? Veneers don’t protect your teeth from cavities. Little gaps between the veneer and your tooth can let in bacteria, causing decay underneath.

Bad brushing, existing cavities, or a veneer that doesn’t fit well make this worse. If you get a cavity under a veneer, the dentist will have to take it off, clean it up, and maybe put on another one. Sometimes if the tooth is too far gone, you’ll need a root canal.

Want to see how labs get a tight fit? Check out tips from a dental ceramics lab.

Gums Pulling Back Around Veneers

Your gums might move back slowly, showing the line where the veneer meets your tooth. I noticed this after a while—my teeth looked longer and my smile changed.

Brushing too hard, uneven veneers, gum problems, and just getting older can cause this. Besides not looking great, it can make your teeth sore or let in cavities. Sometimes better brushing helps; other times you’ll need a new veneer or even gum surgery.

Veneers Getting Stained or Discolored

Porcelain veneers fight stains pretty well, but composite ones can stain from coffee, tea, wine, or smoking. My porcelain ones stayed white, but my friend’s composite ones got dull and yellow over time.

Bad news—veneers can’t be bleached like regular teeth. If they get really stained, you’ll have to replace them. To keep them looking good, get your teeth cleaned often and watch what you eat and drink.

Weird-Looking or Fake-Looking Teeth

We’ve all seen those “chiclet teeth” that look way too big and too white. That can happen if you and your dentist don’t plan right or if the dentist isn’t experienced.

The fix? Gotta get them redone, which means more money and time. Mock-ups to see what your smile will look like can help—wish I’d done that the first time!

If you want to see how great veneers are made, peek into a veneer lab, where pros work hard to make them look real.

Damage to the Real Tooth’s Top Layer

Here’s the tough part: Once your tooth has been filed down for a veneer, you can’t undo it. That tooth is going to need some kind of cover forever—a veneer, a crown, something.

I had to make my peace with this. Some people regret it later, especially if they have to fix or replace veneers again and again.

Rare or Bigger Problems

Most people never see these problems, but I want you to know what’s possible.

Nerve Trouble (Pulpitis)

It’s rare—only about 3%—but sometimes the nerve inside your tooth can get upset or infected if the dentist takes off too much tooth. I didn’t get this, but I’ve heard about people who needed root canals after veneers.

If you get bad pain, super sensitivity, or swelling, call your dentist fast.

Infection

Thank goodness it’s rare, but sometimes you can get an infection if bacteria sneak in under the veneer or if you already had a cavity. Signs are swelling, redness, bad taste, or pus—see your dentist right away!

Allergic Reaction

Very rare, but some people are allergic to the glue or the veneer materials. If you get allergies, talk about this with your dentist before starting.

Tooth Breaking

If the dentist takes off too much tooth or you have big old fillings, the tooth underneath can actually break. This is the worst-case thing and usually means you need a crown or maybe even an implant.

Things That Make Veneer Problems More Likely

Let’s look at what can make problems happen more often:

• Dentist Not Experienced or Careful: I made sure to pick someone who had done a lot of veneers. Mess-ups can turn into future problems.
• Not Brushing and Flossing Enough: Veneers don’t stop gum disease or cavities. Brushing, flossing, and cleaning at the dentist are musts.
• Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth: I didn’t know I clenched my teeth until I chipped a veneer. If you do this, a nightguard can help.
• Accidents: Sports hits, biting something hard, or getting bumped in the mouth can break a veneer.
• Old Dental Problems: Gum disease, cavities, or crooked bites not fixed before veneers can cause more trouble later.
• Material Matters: Not all veneers are made the same. Good porcelain—like from a zirconia lab—lasts longer and looks better than cheap stuff.
• Expecting Too Much: If you think veneers are magic and never need care, you’ll be let down. They help, but they’re not perfect.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Bad luck happens—even with lots of planning and good dentists. Here’s what worked for me and what pros told me:

• Call Your Dentist ASAP: Pain, veneer falling off, lasting sensitivity, or damage—don’t wait. Quick calls mean quicker fixes.
• If It’s an Emergency: If a veneer falls off, save it. Stick it in a small bag to bring to your dentist. If your tooth edge is sharp, some dental wax from the pharmacy can help till you get seen.
• Repair or Replace?: Some chips can be fixed. Serious breaks or repeats usually need a new veneer.
• Get Another Opinion: If things keep going wrong or you’re not happy with your dentist’s help, talk to someone else.

Stopping Veneer Problems: What You and Your Dentist Can Do

If you do one thing, let it be this: stopping problems before they start is way easier. Here’s what helped me:

• Pick a Dentist Who Knows Their Stuff: Check their reviews and photos. Take your time.
• Have a Good Chat First: Go over what you want, your risks, and any other choices (like braces or crowns). Ask for a preview of your new smile if you can.
• Take Care of Your Teeth Daily: Brush twice a day, floss every day, and visit your dentist regularly.
• Wear a Nightguard If You Grind: Even if you’re not sure, it’s cheap and keeps your smile safe.
• Skip Hard Food and Bad Habits: Don’t chew on pens, bite your nails, use your teeth as tools, or eat really hard stuff.
• Get Regular Dental Check-Ups: My dentist caught a problem early once—saved me a big headache later.

Conclusion: Smart Choices for a Great Smile

Looking back, veneers totally helped my confidence. But it was only worth it because I went in knowing what I was getting into. I saw the good, the bad, and the ugly—and trust me, it helps to know the facts.

Veneers are awesome, but they do have risks. The best plan? Pick a dentist who knows what they’re doing, look after your teeth, and don’t ignore that feeling if “something’s wrong.”

If you’re thinking about veneers, read up, ask questions, and keep on top of your care—your future self will be glad you did. If you want more tips or need to see what top materials and labs offer, check out a good emax dental lab.

If you’re on the fence, let this guide help you decide. Take care of your smile and, with proper care, those new teeth will stay looking great through the ups and downs of life.