Gum disease is a common condition that can impact one’s candidacy for cosmetic dental treatments, including porcelain veneers, a popular method to transform problematic teeth. While veneers can improve the look of your smile, your overall oral health should be in good condition to achieve the best results. In this blog, we’ll look at the possibility of getting porcelain veneers when having mild gum disease, why healthy gums matter, and what you can do to prepare for the treatment.
How Can Porcelain Veneers Improve My Smile?
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells designed to mimic natural tooth enamel. They are bonded to the front surface of teeth, changing their color, shape, size, and alignment.
Dental veneers are a minimally invasive cosmetic solution that requires healthy teeth and gums for long-term success. They provide aesthetic improvements only and don’t address underlying oral health issues like gum disease. An assessment of your oral health is a crucial part of the treatment planning process for any cosmetic dental treatment.
How Can I Tell If I Have Mild Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection caused by plaque and bacteria. It comes in different levels and can be classified into two main stages:
- Gingivitis (Mild Gum Disease): The earliest stage of gum disease is inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
- Periodontitis: When left untreated, gingivitis typically progresses to periodontitis, an advanced stage of periodontal disease, which can damage not only the underlying dental bone and tissue but your overall health as well.
Mild gum disease is common and can be corrected with a simple deep dental cleaning treatment (scaling and root planing). However, even mild inflammation can affect the results of porcelain veneers if not treated before the procedure.
How Does Gum Disease Affect Porcelain Veneers?
While you can get porcelain veneers with mild gum disease, most dentists will recommend treating it first. Here’s why:
Aesthetics
Healthy gums provide a seamless, natural look by supporting and framing the veneers evenly. If your gums are inflamed or receding due to gum disease, the veneers won’t fit properly or look natural.
Bonding
Veneers must be bonded securely to the tooth’s surface. Gum disease can compromise this bond and cause gaps, misalignment, or veneer failure.
Comfort and Longevity
Porcelain veneers need a stable, healthy base for long-lasting benefits. Gum disease can cause instability and reduce the lifespan of veneers, while stable, healthy gums help ensure they will be comfortable and durable for several years.
Complications
Left untreated, gum disease gets worse over time and can lead to gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and loose teeth, which will affect the durability and appearance of your veneers.
Increased Sensitivity
Inflamed gums are sensitive, so the veneer placement process can be uncomfortable and post-treatment irritation more intense.
How to Address Gingivitis Before Getting Dental Veneers
Treating gum disease before receiving veneers means a healthier foundation, better results, and fewer complications. If you’re interested in porcelain veneers but have mild gum disease, there are steps you can take to restore your gum health and prepare for the procedure:
Check Your Gum Health
Report any signs of inflammation, bleeding, or sensitivity to your dentist. Treating these symptoms early will help you achieve optimal oral health before cosmetic treatments.
Schedule a Dental Consultation
The dentist will examine your teeth and gums before creating an individualized treatment plan. This may include a professional dental cleaning or other treatments to treat gum inflammation, such as:
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning treatment removes plaque and tartar beneath the gumline.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics may be prescribed for infection.
- Antibiotic Mouthwash: Rinsing with a recommended mouthwash can help prevent infection from returning.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Routine
Commit to a vigilant daily oral hygiene routine that includes:
- Brushing your teeth twice per day.
- Flossing every day to remove plaque between the teeth and along the gumline.
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash.
What If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
Untreated gingivitis can lead to serious oral health problems, including:
- Periodontitis
- Receding Gums
- Loose Teeth
- Missing Teeth
- Systemic Health Issues
It has been scientifically proven that advanced gum disease can cause or aggravate health conditions that range from respiratory and cardiac disease to diabetes and dementia. Promptly treating gum disease can prevent these complications and give you a healthier smile.
The Porcelain Veneer Procedure
Once your gums are healthy, the veneer process can begin, which includes the following steps:
Consultation
Your dentist will ask about your goals and evaluate your oral health to see if veneers are right for you.
Tooth Shaping
A small amount of dental enamel is removed from the front of the teeth to accommodate the veneers.
Dental Impressions
Your dentist will obtain precise impressions of your teeth to make custom veneers that fit and look natural.
Temporary Veneers
Temporary veneers may be an option while your permanent veneers are being made to protect your teeth and provide a better aesthetic for your smile.
Permanent Veneer Placement
When your custom porcelain veneers are ready, your dentist will secure them to your teeth with a strong adhesive.
Final Adjustments
Your dentist will check your bite and make any final adjustments to get a perfect fit and look.
Treat Gum Disease and Get Porcelain Veneers in Beverly Hills, CA
Our Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist to the stars, Dr. Kevin Sands, can assess and treat your gums to prepare your teeth for high-quality porcelain veneers. He also offers dental bonding in Beverly Hills and provides all his patients with VIP treatment. Take a look at his porcelain veneers before and after photos, and call 310.273.0111 to schedule your consultation today.