Last year, I got six porcelain veneers in Costa Rica from a dentist trained in the US. The veneers were 1/3 the cost of the quotes I got from US dentists. My smile looks pretty good, but the veneers still irritate my gums a bit. My smile is broad, so I would like to add two to four more veneers. How can I find an affordable US dentist to match the veneers at an affordable rate? I may need to have the six existing veneers repositioned to reduce the irritation. Thanks! Alma from NV
Alma,
Porcelain veneers can close a tooth gap after you achieve good oral health
When a dentist places veneers that do not replicate the natural tooth contour, your gums can become irritated and inflamed. Excess cement or bulky edges create pressure and food traps, contributing to the development of gum disease.
What Can a Dentist Do If Veneers Irritate Your Gums?
If porcelain veneers irritate your gums, your dentist can do the following:
- Remove any excess bonding material that irritates the tissue.
- Replace poorly fitting veneers with ones designed to match the tooth’s natural contour.
Addressing the fit of the veneers reduces gum inflammation and prevents long-term damage.
How Many Veneers Do You Need for a Complete Smile?
If a patient wants to enhance the teeth across the width of your smile, a dentist should plan for at least eight veneers. Sometimes ten or twelve are needed to achieve a balanced, natural appearance. Limiting treatment to six teeth often falls short of producing a complete smile transformation.
Can You Get High-Quality Cosmetic Dentistry at a Discount?
Expert cosmetic dentists invest in specialized training and use the best materials. Because of this, they rarely offer cosmetic work under discounted insurance fees. Choosing bargain options may save money initially, but it can lead to costly corrections later. Although you saved money by getting six veneers in Costa Rica, unfortunately, you will incur additional expenses to resolve the gum irritation. Look for a dentist with credentials from the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry.
Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post. Read how Dr. Szarek strives to give his patients the best dental care in Lowell.