Aftercare
Chipped or loose veneer - what to do in the UK
Emergency steps for UK patients if a veneer chips, cracks, or debonds after Picasso treatment — immediate action checklist, warranty claim process, and what your UK dentist can do.
If a veneer chips or comes loose in the UK: photograph the tooth and the loose piece immediately, store the veneer in a small dry container, contact Picasso's coordinator via WhatsApp to begin a warranty assessment, and see your local dentist within 48 hours to protect the underlying tooth preparation. Do not use superglue.
Immediate action checklist
Follow this in order:
- Photograph everything — close-up photo of the tooth and a separate photo of the loose or chipped piece if you have it. Do this before touching anything.
- Store the piece safely — a small dry contact lens case, a clean pill box, or any small rigid container. Do not wrap it in wet tissue.
- Do not use superglue — cyanoacrylate glue is toxic to gum tissue and prevents professional rebonding. It also makes warranty assessment impossible.
- Contact Picasso coordinator via WhatsApp — use the number on your discharge sheet. Send the photos. This starts the warranty record.
- Book a UK dentist appointment — request an urgent slot. Explain you have an exposed veneer preparation that needs protection.
- Avoid the tooth until seen — do not bite on the side with the chipped or missing veneer. Cut food small and chew on the other side.
What your UK dentist can do
| Situation | What the UK dentist can do |
|---|---|
| Veneer fell off intact | Re-cement with composite adhesive — same-day procedure |
| Veneer chipped at edge | Smooth and polish the chip; apply composite to fill |
| Veneer cracked through | Temporary bonding until replacement is made |
| Exposed tooth is sensitive | Apply desensitising agent; temporary crown if severe |
| Decay at preparation margins | Remove decay, stabilise; inform Picasso |
Most UK general dentists can handle veneer emergencies. You do not need a specialist referral for a straightforward re-cement or chip repair.
What not to do
| Action | Why not |
|---|---|
| Apply superglue | Toxic to gum; prevents rebond; voids warranty assessment |
| File the sharp edge yourself | Creates uneven surface; prevents lab repair |
| Ignore exposed dentine | Decay risk; sensitivity worsens; tooth can fracture |
| Wait for a routine appointment | Preparation surfaces degrade quickly — 48 hours is the guideline |
| Assume it is not covered by warranty | Submit the claim regardless — the clinical team decides |
Causes and warranty implications
| Cause | Likelihood of coverage | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Spontaneous debond (no trauma, normal use) | High — manufacturing or bonding issue | Submit claim with photos |
| Chipping on soft food | Moderate — may be material defect | Submit claim with photos |
| Chipping on hard food (nuts, ice, crusty bread) | Low — patient-side cause | Submit claim anyway; document the event |
| Impact trauma (sports, fall, accident) | Not covered — but document it | Check personal accident or travel insurance |
| Bruxism without a prescribed night guard | Low | Claim may be partially covered; disclose honestly |
The warranty claim process
- Contact the Picasso coordinator via WhatsApp or email with photos
- Coordinator logs the claim and requests additional information if needed
- Clinical team reviews and classifies: manufacturing defect vs patient-side cause
- Resolution: repair in-clinic on a return trip, lab replacement, or reimbursement depending on classification
- If a return trip is required, see warranty travel reimbursement for whether costs are covered
Do not pay for a UK replacement before submitting the claim — this may affect the reimbursement path.
If your veneers were not done at Picasso
Picasso accepts remedial consultations for patients whose veneers were damaged or poorly placed at another clinic anywhere. These are handled as new patient cases and assessed honestly — the clinical team will tell you if the tooth preparation beneath is healthy enough for new veneers or if further work is needed first.
Request a remedial assessment quote