Porcelain Veneers and Gum Recession
When it comes to popular and versatile treatments for aesthetic dental problems, porcelain veneers are among the best options out there. Dr. Bruce Wilderman has revitalized countless smiles thanks to the use of porcelain veneers. This includes people suffering from chips, cracks, stains, and tooth gaps. In some cases, porcelain veneers have been used to help address gum recession.
We get a number of questions at our Philadelphia, PA cosmetic dentistry center about porcelain veneers as well as gum recession. The team at Artistic Expressions Dentistry would like to consider some of these questions and offer our insight.
Can Porcelain Veneers Treat Gum Recession?
Porcelain veneers can help address some issues associated with gum recession, but they cannot treat gum recession per se.
When gum recession occurs, the root structures of the teeth may be exposed. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and other issues. A person can get porcelain veneers placed in order to cover up the tooth roots. This can reduce the discomfort the patient feels as a result of gum recession.
To treat gum recession, a dentist may recommend gum grafting, which rebuilds the gumline using artificial gum tissue or soft tissue grafts taken from other parts of the mouth.
Can Porcelain Veneers Cause Gum Recession?
No.
People with porcelain veneers can suffer from gum recession, but the porcelain veneers themselves are not the cause of lost gum tissue. The most common causes of gum recession include:
- Gum disease
- Smoking
- Teeth grinding (bruxism)
- Brushing teeth too aggressively
- Flossing too aggressively
In each of the above cases, trauma to the gums, oral bacteria, or stress to the underlying tissues along the gumline lead to the loss of gum tissue, not dental shells applied to the teeth. When you visit our Philadelphia dental care center, we can assess the extent of your gum recession and help determine the ideal treatment option based on the cause or causes of the issue.
If I Have Gum Recession, Can I Get Porcelain Veneers?
In some cases, yes.
As we noted above, people who have suffered from gum recession can get porcelain veneers placed as part of their treatment. The veneers help mask the exposed root structure, which can work wonders for aesthetics and general dental wellness.
Patients with severe gum recession may want to hold off on porcelain veneers for a moment, however. In these cases, it’s first important to rebuild the gumline. This is when gum grafting surgery will be crucial. Once the gumline is restored, your dentist can discuss the potential aesthetic benefits of placing porcelain veneers.
It’s important that patients meet with us in person so we can develop a treatment plan that best meets their needs.
Smile Makeovers for Multiple Dental Problems
If you suffer from chipped, cracked, or stained teeth as well as gum recession, porcelain veneers alone may not be enough. In these cases, it may be best to undergo a smile makeover. This is a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures we can perform at our Philadelphia dental care center. This allows dentists to address multiple dental problems at the same time, fundamentally rejuvenating the entire appearance of your smile.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers and how they can enhance your smile, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Artistic Expressions Dentistry can be contacted at (215) 340-1199.