Will I Need New Veneers If Mine Cause Gum Inflammation?

I got six new veneers in Costa Rica, but it’s been three months, and my gums are still inflamed. How long will the inflammation last? I want to return for four more veneers because my smile is wide, so I need to cover more teeth. If the veneers are faulty and will continue to irritate my gums, I’m considering finding a local dentist who accepts my insurance. Thanks. J.L. from Cincinnati, OH

J.L.,

Your gum inflammation is a sign of gum disease, and the most likely cause is poorly fitting porcelain veneers. Veneers should sit seamlessly against the tooth, with natural contours that protect the gums rather than irritate them.

When veneers fail to meet those standards, inflammation is almost inevitable.

What to Look for in Healthy Cosmetic Dentistry

One aspect of judging cosmetic dentistry is assessing the surrounding gum tissue. Healthy gums suggest careful design and precise placement.

• Over-contoured or uneven veneers trap plaque and inflame the gums.
• Left untreated, this inflammation can progress and put the teeth at risk.

This standard is taken seriously in organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, where visible gum inflammation around veneers is unacceptable.

Why Focusing on Bargains Creates Risk

You’ve tried to control costs by having veneers done abroad and now by seeking in-network providers to complete the work. While that approach is common, it often conflicts with how high-quality cosmetic dentistry is practiced.

Experienced cosmetic dentists invest heavily in advanced training and materials and spend significant time on each case. As a result, insurance participation is limited, and cosmetic procedures are usually excluded from discounted fees.

Correcting this problem may require replacing the veneers rather than adjusting them. Choosing a dentist based on expertise rather than price gives you the best chance for healthy gums and a lasting smile. Schedule consultations with at least two advanced cosmetic dentists experienced in smile makeovers using porcelain veneers to get an exam and discuss your options.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist, sponsors this post. Read why many of his patients say he is one of the best dentists in town.

My Dentist Over-Prepped My Teeth for Veneers and Messed Up My Gums

I chose an AACD member dentist for porcelain veneers. We agreed to six veneers, so she prepped my front teeth. When she finished the prep, I could see that it was aggressive. It caused gum recession. When the dentist put the veneers on, they bulged due to the recession. I complained and asked the dentist not to bond the veneers. She put the temporaries back on and said I would need to pay a lab fee to get new porcelain veneers. I got second opinions from two real cosmetic dentists with experience. They told me the prep was way too aggressive. If I choose a new dentist, my current dentist won’t reimburse me. I’m afraid of what will happen to my teeth and gums if I don’t refuse treatment from my dentist. Is there any way to get a partial refund or a refund? Thanks. Shannon from Oakland, CA

Shannon,

You’re fortunate to have identified the issue before your dentist permanently bonded the porcelain veneers.

Although a dentist is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, membership alone does not guarantee expertise in cosmetic dentistry. Many dentists can join this academy, regardless of their skill level.

To find a qualified cosmetic dentist, look for their educational qualifications and experience on their websites. The smile gallery on a dentist’s website should demonstrate their work, skill, and artistry to produce natural-looking results.

With the assistance of a skilled cosmetic dentist, you can negotiate a refund for the unsatisfactory treatment. Additionally, you can always restore your original appearance. However, we encourage you to explore achieving a beautiful smile with a qualified cosmetic dentist.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post. Read why his patients think he is the best dentist in Rocky Hill.