Can a veneer that came off be rebonded as it is?
If the piece isn't broken, the tooth underneath is healthy, and it came off from a single strong force, it can be rebonded. The old cement on the inside is removed, the surface is treated again, and then it's bonded. If the piece has changed color, its edges are worn, or the bite doesn't fit, I make a new one.
Don't throw away the piece that came off; put it in a small container and bring it. Looking at the inner surface helps me figure out where it came loose. After it comes off, the tooth may be sensitive or a sharp edge may touch your tongue and be uncomfortable, so it's better to come in as soon as possible.
What is checked before redoing it?
Before the porcelain in your hand, what comes first is whether the tooth underneath is healthy.
- Whether enamel remains, or whether it has already been drilled a lot and the dentin is exposed
- Whether it is cracked
- Whether a cavity has gotten in under the restoration
- Whether that tooth makes contact first when you bite
The longer it has been since it came off, the more closely I look inside. If saliva seeps under the restoration and a cavity progresses, the inside can be hollow even if the outside looks fine. Bonding over that means it will soon come off again or the inside will break down further. If the previously drilled surface is exposed down to the dentin, the bonding strength is lower, so it can easily come off again even if rebonded the same way.
Why do porcelain veneers come off?
| Cause | Examples |
|---|---|
| A habit of biting through hard things with the front teeth | Dried squid, ice, nuts, tearing open packaging |
| Teeth grinding or clenching | Repeated force during sleep |
| Bonding problem | Moisture contamination during bonding, bonding on dentin |
| Bite | Only one tooth makes contact first |
| Problem with the tooth underneath | Cavity, crack |
If only the shape is remade and the cause is left, the same tooth will come off again. So when redoing it, I also decide on a way to manage the forces along with the restoration.
Should a new veneer be placed, or should the tooth be covered with a crown?
The amount of remaining tooth decides. “It was a veneer before, so it should be a veneer again” is not the standard.
| Remaining tooth | Next treatment | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Enamel remains and the tooth doesn't stick out | A new Brinate placed on top | If there's an undrilled surface, it can be placed |
| Drilled a lot, no surface left to place on | Covered with a front tooth crown | A single front layer can't withstand the forces |
| A cavity or fracture is present | That is treated first | Bonding over decay or a crack means it comes off again |
Redoing is trickier than the first time. If the tooth has less structure than when the first one was bonded, it sometimes can't go back to the original method. I summarized everything about chipped or detached veneers in How to redo a chipped or detached veneer.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
I use the same standards even for restorations done at another dental clinic. After checking the remaining enamel, cavities and cracks, and why it came off, I tell you whether to rebond it, place a Brinate on top, or cover it with a front tooth crown. If you grind your teeth, I also consider a night guard, and if your bite force is strong, masseter Botox.
| Treatment | Price |
|---|---|
| Brinate Basic (per tooth, 0.3mm, same day possible) | ₩330,000 |
| Brinate Build-up (per tooth, 0.1mm, about 1 week) | ₩550,000 |
| Brinate Platinum (per tooth, 0.1mm, about 2 weeks) | ₩990,000 |
| Front tooth zirconia crown | ₩700,000 |
| Front tooth ceramic crown | ₩800,000 |
| Night guard | ₩500,000 |
As of September 2026; cosmetic treatment (Brinate) includes VAT. Items may be added depending on whether treatment inside the tooth is needed, so I'll let you know after the examination. You can see all prices in the full fee list.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need records from my previous dental clinic?
They help if you have them. Knowing when, with what material, and how much was drilled speeds up the assessment, but even without them, the condition of the remaining tooth can be checked with an examination.
Can I glue a veneer that came off back on at home?
No. If you bond it with superglue or similar, foreign material stays between the tooth and the porcelain, making it hard to rebond, and the tooth can be damaged. Keep the piece and bring it in.
What happens if I leave it off?
A tooth that was drilled tends to become sensitive or stained, and if left for a long time, a cavity can form or the tooth can shift slightly. It's best to have it checked as soon as possible.
