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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

Why Are My Gums Inflamed Around My Porcelain Veneers?

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My gums are inflamed around all four of my four-month-old veneers. I have no inflammation over my teeth without veneers. My dentist’s assistant said it must be because I don’t floss, but that’s not true. My gums burn some and stay inflamed. I saw my dentist last week, and she removed some cement around the veneers and smoothed some rough surfaces behind my teeth. It helped somewhat.

I would like to know what to do next and what could have happened during my veneer placement to cause puffy gums. My dentist didn’t seem too concerned. Last week, I saw a periodontist who said my gums are healthy, so something else must be causing the inflammation. Thanks. Lyla

 

Lyla,

Most patients who work in cosmetic dentistry are conscientious about taking care of their teeth. We understand how frustrating it can be when you brush and floss as instructed but are blamed for problems with your cosmetic dentistry restorations. Although we can’t identify the cause of your gum inflammation without an exam, we can explain some possibilities.

Why Are Your Gums Inflamed Around Your Veneers?

When your gums are inflamed around your veneers, the most likely cause is excess cement left around the veneers. The cement can get beneath your gumline and irritate it. Cosmetic dentists who regularly place porcelain veneers cure the cement in the middle of the tooth and clean off the excess to prevent overflow around your porcelain veneers.

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

Porcelain veneers should not cause gum inflammation

If your dentist removed some cement during your follow-up visit, the cement may still be causing inflammation.

Margin irregularity

Margin irregularity is unevenness where the porcelain veneers and teeth meet. Although a periodontist said your gums look healthy, they are inflamed. You will get a better diagnosis from a cosmetic dentist who is not associated with the dental practice you have visited.

Porcelain veneer position

If your veneers are too far under your gumline they can reach the gingival attachment and cause inflammation.

Sensitivity to porcelain veneers

Although porcelain veneers rarely provoke a reaction, some patients experience sensitivity.

Schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist for a second opinion on whether your gum inflammation relates to your new veneers.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

How Can I Switch Out a Partial Denture’s Metal Clasps?

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After spending $1925 for a titanium upper partial denture, I still wish I had dental implants. It’s the clasps around my teeth that bother me. I feel like they disrupt my smile. Maybe I’m too self-conscious. Is there a way to replace the metal clasps with gum-colored ones? Perhaps my dentist told me about the clasps, or I didn’t consider how I would feel about them. The two replacement teeth in the partial denture look natural, but what good is that when you can see metal strung around my teeth to keep the partial in place? Thanks. Geno from NJ

Gene,

We understand your concerns about the clasps on your partial denture.

Can You Switch the Clasps on Your Partial Denture?

The metal claps on your denture are a part of the framework, so you cannot switch them out. Too many alterations to the claps will cause them to break. Adding anything over a partial denture’s clasps to hide the metal will make getting them on your teeth impossible. If you could get the clasps on, they would be uncomfortable. Sometimes, a dentist may be able to reduce the shine on the clasps. You can ask your dentist if it is an option for you.

Alternatives to a Partial Denture with Metal Clasps

Clasps made of biocompatible nylon and thermoplastic resin are an alternative to metal. Although not as sturdy as a metal denture, a Valplast partial denture is flexible and less noticeable because the base and clasps are gum-colored.

Dental Implant vs. Partial Denture

Model of a dental implant, including the crown, abutment, and artificial root

A dental implant mimics a natural tooth for optimal function and long-lasting results.

Although a dental implant costs more than a partial denture, consider the differences in longevity, support, and reliability.

  • Longevity – A quality partial denture can last five to ten years. A dental implant can last ten years or longer—even a lifetime.
  • Support – Your jawbone supports a dental implant. It does not rely on or clip onto adjacent teeth, so it will not weaken them over time.
  • Reliability – Dental implants function like natural teeth. Regular flossing and brushing keep them clean.
  • Cost – You will need one dental implant for each missing tooth or an implant bridge for multiple missing teeth in a row. Depending on your needs, a complete dental implant can cost $3,000 to $5,000.

Talk to Your Dentist

Talk to your dentist about your concerns with your partial denture. When it’s time to replace the denture—or before, if you prefer—find a skilled implant dentist to discuss replacing your missing teeth with dental implants.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. His office is near Dracut, Methuen, Andover, and Lawrence.

Will Porcelain Veneers Work for Overlapped Teeth?

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My center front teeth overlap. I also have two teeth on the left side that overlap. I know braces will work, but I am not sure about the time commitment. It seems like a lot of trouble to spend more than a year getting four teeth straight. My other teeth look okay. Will four porcelain veneers work to get rid of the overlapping, or will I have to get braces? Thanks. Everett from Lansing, MI

Everett – Thank you for your question.

Porcelain veneers can correct overlapped teeth, but a skilled cosmetic dentist must examine your teeth first to determine whether veneers will enhance your smile.

Will Veneers Work for Overlapped Teeth?

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

A skilled cosmetic dentist can determine whether porcelain veneers will correct overlapped teeth

An advanced cosmetic dentist may be able to reshape your teeth to accommodate veneers. You may need a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments to ensure your smile looks natural.

Although only four teeth might seem to be affected, other teeth might be shifting. If so, you will need to compare orthodontic treatment vs. porcelain veneers. If your teeth are moving, cosmetic dentistry will not stop the movement. Orthodontics might provide a longer-lasting solution.

Even if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers, you may need more than four veneers to produce natural-looking results. Sometimes adjacent teeth require veneers to balance out your smile.

Finding a Cosmetic Dentist for Overlapped Teeth

Correcting your smile with cosmetic dentistry and porcelain veneers requires much skill. Schedule an appointment with at least two experienced cosmetic dentists to receive an exam and discuss your treatment options. Remember to prepare questions about your treatment options, including:

  • Ask to see before-and-after pictures of similar cases the dentist has completed.
  • Ask about the results you can expect if you receive porcelain veneers.
  • Other than the four teeth you are concerned about, ask if there are any apparent issues with other teeth that need attention.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

Are Veneers My Only Option for Tetracycline-Stained Teeth?

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I am increasingly self-conscious about tetracycline stains on my teeth. It is embarrassing to try to explain it to people who seem distracted by my teeth and unable to concentrate on our conversation. Last month, I had a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who recommended porcelain veneers. The cost of $20,000 – $30,000 would heavily impact my savings. My teeth and self-esteem are worth it, but I am interested in knowing whether I have other options. – Thank you. Aaron from Georgia

Aaron,

Thank you for your question.

The cost quoted to you is reasonable for premier porcelain veneers from a skilled dentist. We will explain more about the treatment for tetracycline stains.

Do Porcelain Veneers Work for Tetracycline Stains?

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneer

Concealing tetracycline stains with porcelain veneers takes advanced training, skill, and artistry from a cosmetic dentist. If you find a dentist with low fees who claims to be able to hide the stains, you can count on getting inferior results. The stains may show through the veneers, or the veneers may look opaque or pasty, making it evident that you had dental work. But an advanced cosmetic dentist and adept ceramist can produce incredible results with veneers.

Will Bonding or Teeth Whitening Help Tetracycline Stains?

Whether dental bonding or teeth whitening will help tetracycline stains depends on the severity of stains and a dentist’s skill and experience.

  • Dental bonding – The skill and precision it takes a cosmetic dentist to blend composites and apply them to your teeth to hide tetracycline stains can be more costly than porcelain veneers.
  • Teeth whitening – A skilled cosmetic dentist may recommend a high-strength whitening system to improve tetracycline stains, but the results will not be as effective as porcelain veneers. Bleaching treatment is a tiny fraction of the cost of porcelain veneers.

Request Another Consultation for Tetracycline Stains

Comparing your options can help you understand whether you are making the right decision regarding cosmetic dentistry. We recommend scheduling another consultation with an accredited cosmetic dentist to examine your x-rays and teeth. The second opinion can clarify which treatment will give you results that help you feel good about your smile.

Best wishes.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

Why is my dentist recommending a crown for a healthy tooth?

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Asian woman smiling - for info on dental crowns on healthy teeth from Lowell, MA dentist Dr. SzarekI wonder if my dentist’s business is in a slump, and he is looking for ways to generate income. I’ve had this dentist for four years. He did a root canal on my canine tooth three years ago, and now he says I should consider a crown to prevent the tooth from breaking. I have no symptoms in the tooth, and the x-rays show it is sound. Why would I get a crown? Thank you. Wei from MA

 

Wei,

Thank you for your question.

Does a Front Root Canal Tooth Need a Crown?

A front tooth with a root canal does not need a crown unless it is weak or is already missing most of its structure. Sometimes, a dentist will place a crown for aesthetic reasons, but an advanced cosmetic dentist might use another option to improve the tooth’s appearance.

How Does Root Canal Affect a Front Tooth?

Root canal treatment removes tooth infection, but it also makes any tooth more brittle. Although it is easy to crown the tooth, more care is needed with a front tooth.

Canine Teeth and Root Canal Treatment

Preparing a canine tooth for a crown requires a dentist to remove about one millimeter of structure all around the tooth. About 50% of the tooth’s fracture resistance will be left. If the tooth weakens over time, it can break and create the need for a dental implant.

Canine teeth have long roots to absorb intense horizontal stress to protect back teeth. So, grinding down a canine tooth for a crown is not advisable when the tooth is in reasonably good condition.

Your dentist’s exam and x-rays show that your canine tooth is sound. So, we recommend not accepting a dental crown. You can ask your dentist for more information on why he recommends a crown if the tooth is in good condition. But based on the information you provided, we would not disturb the tooth and weaken it without good reason.

You may choose to get a second opinion from a nearby accredited cosmetic dentist.

 

Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA, sponsors this post.