I have a porcelain veneers and there is a problem with the dental floss getting caught under my porcelain veneers. My dentist said it is not a problem, but I am worried that my food is going to get caught there. Won’t that cause some problems with decay under the porcelain veneer?
Greta
Dear Greta,
I am glad you wrote. I strongly disagree with your dentist here. Based on your description, it sounds like you have a margin irregularity known as an overhang. When this happens it means that the dentist did not get a good impression of the teeth after they have been prepared for the porcelain veneers. The impression did not get an accurate record of the end of the preparation.
This causes problems for the lab technician who is creating the veneer based on both the impressions and the detailed instructions the dentist sends over. When done properly, the porcelain veneers will match the original contours of the teeth at the gumline. The inaccurate preparation of the impression means that the tech cannot create a smooth finish line between the tooth and the porcelain veneer.
If you look at the two images stacked on one another, the top image shows a smooth contour of the veneer against the tooth. The bottom image show one with an overhang. When you have an overhang, the porcelain veneer needs to be replaced. I believe the dentist should be willing to do this for free as it was their impression that caused the problem.
The Problems with an Overhang on Porcelain Veneers
You are correct that this could cause decay on your teeth, especially just under the margin. While that is a possibility, something that will definitely happen is irritation to your gums leading to gum disease. They will get puffy and then they will be come red and bleeding. Gum disease, when left untreated, can cause you to loose your teeth.
I would ask your dentist to replace the veneer with the overhang right away. If he or she is saying it is not a problem, feel free to show them this post. In the meantime, do your best to floss in that area very carefully.
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