Are swollen gums detracting from your porcelain veneers and your smile? What’s causing the gum irritation? Some possibilities are listed below. And we’ll explain what you do about it.

1. Excess cement

When your porcelain veneers are bonded on, the dentist should clean off any excess before it hardens. Otherwise, it can get beneath your gumline and cause irritation and swelling. Dentists who don’t place a lot of porcelain veneers often fail to remove the excess cement. Advanced cosmetic dentists cure the cement in the middle of the tooth and remove the excess while it is still soft.

2. Wearing temporary veneers too long

If you wear temporary veneers for an extended period, it can cause gum irritation and inflammation. When your dentist removes the temporary veneers, the inflammation can make it difficult to bond on your porcelain veneers.

3. Messy margins

A dentist should precisely place veneers at your gumline. A fit that’s less than precise can irritate your gums, cause them to swell, and promote infection. If a veneer is too far away from your gumline, bacteria can leak in and cause infection. But if it is too far beneath your gumline, it will rub and cause irritation and inflammation.

4. Sensitivity or allergies

An allergy or sensitivity to porcelain is rare. But if you react to the dental ceramic, your gums can be irritated. Some patients choose to schedule an appointment with an allergist for testing.

What’s the solution?

Ask acquaintances or family members for a recommendation of a cosmetic dentist—preferably accredited—in your area. Otherwise, you can search online to find a cosmetic dentist. Look for his or her training, experience, and credentials in cosmetic dentistry. Schedule an appointment for a second opinion for an exam of your veneers and gumline.

A highly skilled cosmetic dentist will determine the cause of the irritation and explain your options.

This post is sponsored by Michael Szarek, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, MA. Dr. Szarek guarantees his work.