Is a Porcelain Veneer Overhang Snagging His Tooth Floss?

Floss catches under it when I floss between my gums and one of my new veneers. My dentist says my gums are covering whatever is catching the floss, so it shouldn’t be too bad. I don’t know whether this will become a bigger problem, but it makes me uncomfortable. Should I ask my dentist to do something to smooth the veneer or see another dentist? – Thank you. Malachi from UT

Malachi,

A diagram of a smooth porcelain veneer (top) and a margin irregularity in the lower diagram of a porcelain veneer — The top veneer replicates the original contour of the tooth at the gumline, while the bottom veneer lacks a perfectly smooth transition from the veneer to the tooth.

We understand you’re experiencing some discomfort and are concerned about your new veneer’s fit. Let’s discuss this situation and explore the best course of action.

What Is a Porcelain Veneer Overhang?

An overhang on a porcelain veneer is a margin irregularity. This occurs when the veneer doesn’t seamlessly meet the tooth at the gumline. This is often due to challenges during the impression process, preventing the lab technician from creating a perfectly smooth finish. It is essential to know:

Ideally, a veneer should replicate the natural contour of your tooth at the gumline, ensuring a smooth transition. An overhang disrupts this seamless transition, creating a small ledge where the veneer and tooth meet.

What Are the Effects of an Overhang on a Dental Restoration?

The effects of an overhang on a dental restoration include an increased risk of tooth decay and gum irritation, leading to gum disease. You may notice puffy gum tissue, redness, or bleeding around the tooth.

Ask your dentist to replace the veneer. If she refuses to do that, you will maybe need to find another dentist to replace it. Meanwhile, floss this area carefully twice daily, getting the floss under the overhang.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post.

Why Is My Dental Implant Crown Color Still Off?

Although my dentist replaced the first mismatched implant crown he gave me, the second crown is no better. Twice, I went to the lab my dentist uses for color assessment. However, my dentist attached the crown without assessing the color. He did not even ask my opinion. I thought he was putting the crown on for me to check—not cementing it. It felt as if my jawbone would break because my dentist had trouble attaching the crown to the implant. Well, now the crown is the wrong color, and it hurts. I took my time to choose this dentist, but it doesn’t seem like he is good with crowns. Should I ask for a refund and find a better dentist? Am I wrong to think this is ridiculous? Thank you. Jane from Oregon

Jane,

Your frustration is understandable. Unfortunately, your case shows the difference between dentists who understand aesthetics—creating beautiful dental work—and those who want to fix and get it done.

From your description, it seems your dentist lacks aesthetics training or is not interested in your satisfaction with the work.

What Can You Do If Your Dental Implant Crowns Do Not Match?

A dental implant with the crown, abutment, and root form labeled — Dental implant

If your dentist cannot correct your implant crown color, find a dentist trained in aesthetics and artistic inclination. A skilled cosmetic dentist is your best option for getting predictable results.

A cosmetic dentist would ensure the crown color is correct before cementing it. If the color is off, they will return your crown to the lab to correct it.

When a dentist sends you to the lab for a color check, it is a clue that the dentist is not skilled in matching restorations (e.g., a crown) to your tooth color. Your dentist should be more qualified than the technician and instruct the technician, including notes on color-matching the implant crown to your natural teeth. A cosmetic dentist also sends a shade guide and pictures of your smile to help the lab tech craft an accurate match.

How to Find a Reliable Cosmetic Dentist

We recommend looking for a cosmetic dentist with advanced cosmetic dentistry training. How can you find a trustworthy cosmetic dentist?

Look for a dentist with extensive post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.
Look at a few cosmetic dentists’ websites to see the quality of their work.
Then, schedule consultations with two of them, discuss your concerns and decide who you can trust to finish the work.

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post. Read how he provides some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.