Can Porcelain Veneers Shift After Being Placed on Teeth?

Porcelain veneers are a great way to brighten up what might otherwise be an ordinary smile. If you are lucky enough to find a skilled cosmetic dentist, one that works with an equally skilled ceramist, your veneers will look and feel great. Teeth, however, are always on the move, and this can negatively impact how your veneers look.

The veneers themselves should not shift, unless of course they were inadequately bonded to your teeth. This is, however, unlikely. If the teeth with the veneers on are shifting, causing the veneers to look crooked, you need to determine why this is happening so you can stop the change before it undoes all the good work done by your dentist.

Teeth Migrate Forwards

It is normal for teeth to shift over time. A natural process known as mesial drift, moves teeth towards the front of the mouth as you age. This is why it is quite common to see overcrowded lower central incisors in middle-aged people. Unfortunately, if your veneers are a few years old, they may eventually be affected by this shift.

Bad Habits Worsen Shifting

There are also a number of bad habits that cause teeth to shift, such as leaning on your hands and biting your nails. Habits like these wear veneers down and cause them to become crooked.

If your veneers are becoming crooked due to bad habits, the problem will only get worse—unless you stop the habits.

Bite Misalignment is a Factor

Crooked veneers, like crooked teeth, are at risk of breaking or chipping as they no longer meet the opposing teeth in the way that they should. Another factor that causes veneered teeth to shift is failing to wear your retainer after orthodontic treatment. It is common for patients to opt for veneers post-braces, but if they don't wear their retainer, those veneered teeth will shift.

Recent Extractions Cause Shifting

Whenever possible, it is always preferable to hold onto your natural teeth rather than extract them. When an extracted tooth is not replaced, the teeth around the extraction site begin to shift. Nearby teeth that have veneers will also be affected by a nearby extraction, therefore, you should avoid extraction if possible, or at least replace the missing tooth with an implant.

If your veneers are becoming crooked, it is not the veneers themselves that are causing the shift, but one of the aforementioned issues. You might need to move your teeth back into a favorable position with Invisalign. Even a retainer can correct slight crookedness. Speak to your dentist as soon as you can if you notice that your veneers are shifting.