Bumps on My Teeth Near the Gumline

Hello. I used to brush my teeth very roughly. As a result (I think), I have a lot of notches or bumps on my teeth along the gumline of my teeth. I put “I think” in parentheses because when I mentioned this to a friend of mine who is a dental hygienist, she said the bumps on my teeth are probably from TMJ. Is this true? Will these bumps cause more problems with my teeth, like stains and cavities? Will I eventually need dental crowns? How can I get rid of the bumps? Thank you. Miguel

Miguel,

Thank you for contacting Radiant Smiles in Rocky Hill about the bumps on your teeth.

What Causes Bumps on Your Teeth?

Recent studies show that biting stress or bruxism is the most likely cause of bumps or notches on your teeth near the gumline, as opposed to aggressive brushing. According to a dentalcare.com article on the clinical signs of bruxism, you or your dentist may notice the following:

• Worn tooth edges
• Tooth flexing that leaves scoops or notches
• Chips
• Breaks
• Cracks
• Fractures

Identifying the Cause of Bumps on Your Teeth

An experienced dentist can examine and x-ray your teeth to identify the cause of the notches or bumps on your teeth. Rather than using cosmetic dentistry immediately to cover the imperfections, the dentist will determine how to minimize them. Still, it is unlikely that you will need treatment as aggressive as dental crowns to conceal the bumps. If you grind or clench your teeth, the dentist will recommend a custom night guard to reduce the pressure and protect your teeth.

We recommend scheduling an appointment with a cosmetic dentist with advanced TMJ training to explore whether you grind your teeth. The dentist will also ask questions to determine if you have TMJ symptoms, including headaches, earaches, or jaw pain.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, cosmetic dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post.

My Dentist Wants to Replace My Veneers with Crowns

I got eight upper veneers in September 2022 to hide my dark teeth. My dentist was so confident that I would love them, but I could see the darkness of my teeth behind the veneer. My dentist has returned the veneers twice, trying to get the color right to hide my dark teeth, but she cannot do it. During my last exam and cleaning, my dentist asked me to think about getting crowns to replace the porcelain veneers. Why should I consider crowns because my dentist can’t get my veneers right? Shouldn’t she have known that it wouldn’t work before I agreed to veneers? Thanks. Tabitha

Tabitha,

Thank you for contacting Radiant Smiles of Rocky Hill regarding your porcelain veneers. We recommend that you do not agree to dental crowns from your dentist.

When Dark Teeth Show Through Porcelain Veneers

Advanced cosmetic dentists often prefer opalescent porcelains to hide dark teeth. Opalescent porcelains scatter light to create a perception of translucence while blocking out darkness from your teeth. Most dentists do not understand the technique and prefer dental crowns. Sometimes, even dental crowns will not prevent the color of very dark teeth from showing through.

Should You Replace Your Veneers with Crowns?

You should not replace your porcelain veneers with crowns unless your teeth are no longer healthy enough to support porcelain veneers. Dental crowns require shaving your teeth on every side for crowns to fit over them.

Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

Please look for an advanced cosmetic dentist in your area with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. The dentist will examine your teeth, bite, and veneers. A trained cosmetic dentist can determine how to manipulate porcelain to hide teeth discoloration while ensuring your smile looks natural.

The good news is that a dentist will not need to grind down your teeth for dental crowns. Consult with a trained cosmetic dentist first.

 

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist sponsors this post.