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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.

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.

My Tooth Broke at the Gumline and the Repair Is Unresolved

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Five months ago, my left front tooth broke at the gumline. Although my dentist said he would do an extraction and bridge, he did a root canal on the tooth instead of the extraction. My insurance company will not pay for the bridge because I have other missing teeth and one that requires extraction, so really, a bridge will not work. My dentist said he would give me a refund if I signed a waiver to agree that he is not responsible if I have problems with the tooth that broke at the gumline. I am wearing a poor-fitting partial flipper and waiting for a solution for the damaged tooth. My dentist wants me to pay for the flipper without telling me about the final solution. I do not think it is fair to ask me to sign a waiver. Should I accept the loss and go into debt for a dental implant? – Thank you. Tyrone  from Kansas City

Tyrone,

Your dentist is responsible for starting work that he cannot complete and switching treatment options on you without proper notice. We recommend that you not make any decisions before switching to another dentist. Do not sign a release.

Getting a Refund from Your Dentist

Picture of dental iimplant parts separate and put together

A dental implant can replace a tooth broken at the gumline

You can get a refund from your dentist by contacting these professionals or organizations for help:

  • A lawyer – Consult with a lawyer to understand your options for getting a refund and compensation for your discomfort. Get copies of your dental records before the consultation.
  • A cosmetic dentist – Look for a dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training—preferably accredited—to conduct a thorough exam and take x-rays to determine how to restore your teeth. The new dentist will likely be willing to confirm that your dentist’s work on your teeth was faulty. A dental implant is a reliable way to replace your missing teeth. Talk with your new dentist about payment plans or financing to make treatment affordable.
  • Your dental insurance company – Report the issue to your insurance company if it is involved. Your dentist should not receive payment for the care you did not receive.
  • The state dental board – Report the issue. Although your dentist may not receive a reprimand, reporting the problem can help prevent other patients from having a nightmare experience with your dentist.

 

Best wishes for a progressive and thorough resolution.

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