Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic: Is It Possible to Replace Just One Broken Front-Tooth Laminate Veneer?

Hello,

This is Park Jeong-gi from Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic.

The front teeth are the first area people notice when you smile or speak.

That is why even a very small fracture can often be bothersome.

In particular, if you already have laminate veneers and part of one becomes slightly chipped, many people worry:

“Do I need to redo all of them?”

“Will the color match if I replace only one?”

Today, I will explain how treatment is carried out at Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic when part of a laminate veneer is damaged.

1. A Partial Fracture of the Incisal Edge of an Existing Laminate Veneer

2026.05.22

This patient had previously restored four upper anterior teeth with laminate veneers.

Although they had been used for a long time without any major problems, the incisal edge—the tip of the tooth—of tooth #11 had become slightly chipped. The patient said it was aesthetically bothersome and also noticeable when biting into food.

At Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic, we examined the area more closely.

Fortunately, the fractured area was not extensive. After checking the condition of the surrounding gums and teeth as well as the bite, we determined that there was no need to replace all the other restorations. The remaining veneers could continue to be used as they were.

2. Temporary Tooth Fabrication After Removing the Existing Restoration

2026.05.22

Since we decided to replace only the existing restoration on tooth #11 with Realnate,

we first carefully removed the restoration and made a temporary tooth for the patient to use until the final restoration was completed.

A prepared tooth can become sensitive to external stimuli, and the front teeth also have a significant aesthetic impact.

Therefore, at Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic, we may fabricate and place a temporary tooth on the same day the restoration is removed.

A temporary tooth does not simply serve to improve appearance.

• Protecting the reduced crown
• Maintaining the shape of the gums
• Maintaining pronunciation and chewing function
• Previewing the shape of the final restoration

Because it serves these and several other important functions, the attending dentist determines whether to fabricate one based on the patient’s oral condition.

3. Placement of the Final Laminate Veneer One Week Later

Once the esthetic restoration had been fabricated again, Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic did not simply bond it immediately.

2026.06.01

We first checked various conditions, including the color and translucency, the length of the incisal edge, harmony with the adjacent teeth, shade consistency with the neighboring restoration, and the bite, before proceeding with the bonding process.

Adhesion is also very important for laminate veneers. Rather than simply bonding them with force, the prepared tooth and the inside of the restoration must each be treated appropriately.

Only precise bonding with dental adhesive allows the restoration to be used stably over the long term.

Here is the result after the final restoration was placed at Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic.

2026.06.01

It blends naturally with the existing laminate veneers, and the patient was pleased, saying that it was impossible to tell which one had been replaced.

Even a Small Fracture Should Not Be Left Untreated

A slightly chipped front-tooth restoration does not necessarily mean that all the veneers must be remade.

However, if the fractured area is left untreated, the crack may gradually become larger, or the bonding strength may weaken, increasing the possibility that the restoration will come off.

Therefore, if damage is found, it is important to receive an examination as soon as possible to determine accurately whether partial repair is possible or whether the restoration needs to be remade.

2026.05.22 ~ 2026.06.01

At Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic, we comprehensively evaluate the condition of the existing restorations, the bite, and aesthetics before planning treatment limited to the necessary scope.

Even with the same type of laminate veneer, the treatment method may vary depending on the cause and extent of the damage.

We recommend undergoing an accurate examination and choosing the method that is appropriate for you.

Thank you for reading.

This was Park Jeong-gi, dentist at Seoul National University Entrance Station Dental Clinic.

Treatment period: 2026.05.22 ~ 2026.06.01