Will I Need New Veneers If Mine Cause Gum Inflammation?

Posted by AllSmiles

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.