It was a dental-related moment that went viral.
Kamolwan Chanago’s Miss Grand Thailand moment looked dramatic to the public, but clinically, it’s something we’ve all seen in practice at some point. A veneer coming loose doesn’t always mean failure. It means something shifted, and now it needs to be evaluated.
I have been placing veneers since 1999, and I say let’s normalize this right away: This happens. And if any dentist says it hasn’t happened to them or their patients, they’re not being real.
What stood out to me about the moment most wasn’t the veneer ... it was her composure. Because the first rule of any veneer situation is simple: Stay calm. Handle it smart. Keep going.
Why this happens (real world, no drama)
After placing veneers for over two decades, I can tell you that when a moment like this happens, it’s rarely random.
Here’s what we typically see:
- Bite changes over time, even subtle shifts can stress the bond
- Grinding or clenching (bruxism), and most patients don’t even realize they do it
- One wrong bite of ice, hard candy, or unexpected force
- Natural wear of bonding materials. Nothing in dentistry lasts forever.
- Changes in the underlying tooth, including decay or structural shifts
Here's a key point: This isn’t about blaming the dentist or the patient. The mouth is a living, changing environment, and veneers have to keep up with it.
What dental patients should do immediately
This is the part people need to hear clearly:
- Find it and save it. (This alone can save time and money.)
- Do not glue it back yourself. I’ve seen DIY attempts turn a 30-minute fix into a full redo.
- Avoid chewing on that side.
- Call your dentist as soon as possible
FAQs that dentists will get, and how to answer them
“Does this mean my veneers were done wrong?”
Not necessarily. Veneers can last many years, but your bite, habits, and teeth change over time. The goal is to figure out why now.
“Can it be put back on?”
In many cases, yes. If the veneer and tooth are intact, it can often be rebonded quickly.
“How do I prevent this from happening again?”
Nightguards for grinders, regular checkups, and making sure the bite is balanced are key.
“Is this an emergency?”
It’s urgent, not a panic situation. You want it addressed quickly, but it’s usually very manageable.
Chairside positioning for the dentist and dental team
This is where tone matters:
- “We’re not here to blame. We’re here to solve.”
- “Let’s look at what changed so we can protect your smile long-term.”
- “This is fixable, and we’ll make it even stronger moving forward.”
I have handled this issue in real time (even with high-visibility clients like Cardi B.) where the pressure is on and there’s no room for error. We try to plan ahead for bite force, impact, and long-term durability, because their smiles have to perform under pressure, not just look good.
Here are two big things to remember. First, veneers are highly durable, but they’re not indestructible. Second, grinding alone affects roughly 1 in 4 adults globally, and most don’t even know they’re doing it.
The bigger takeaway of the viral moment
This wasn’t a failure. It was a moment. And honestly, a powerful one. Because it shows patients that even with cosmetic dentistry, things can happen ... and when they do, it’s not about perfection. It’s about preparation, education, and having the right dentist in your corner.
Since 1998, New York City celebrity cosmetic dentist Dr. Catrise Austin, better known as The Queen of Smiles, has been in the business of transforming smiles for singles looking for love, brides and grooms, business people, celebrities, and anyone looking to simply enjoy life with a beautiful and more confident smile. Learn more about Dr. Austin.
The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.
