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Dental Floss is Getting Caught Under My Porcelain Veneers

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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,

Upper image: a veneer with proper contours. Lower Image: a veneer with a margin overhangI 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.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.
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Losing Teeth Like Crazy

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I have pretty advanced gum disease and have already lost seven teeth. Is it possible for me to get dental implants to replace my teeth or will I be stuck with dentures?

Joe

Dear Joe,

Implant overdentures

Implant Overdentures

Dental implants are a great solution when you’ve lost your teeth. Anyone in good general health can usually get them. However, your gum disease will be an issue that will have to be addressed in order for this to be a successful option for you. In order to retain your dental implants, you need to have enough bone to integrate with the implants. Gum disease eats away at your bone structure, which is why you’ve been losing your teeth.

Here is my suggestion to give you the best outcome possible. Get serious about your gum disease treatment. Once that is handled, you will need to build back up the bone structure. There is an outpatient procedure known as bone grafting which can do that. Once you’ve healed from that, it will be time for your implants.

I know you’re probably thinking that is a lot of trouble to go through to get those implants. Maybe it would be easier to just get dentures? While it may seem easier at first, you will not feel that way with your quality of life. Even the best fitting dentures reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. Then, because there are no roots of your teeth any longer, your body will begin to resorb the minerals in your jawbone. This shrinks your jawbone to the point where you will no longer be able to keep your dentures in. The implants are worth it. They are like having healthy, natural teeth once again.

This blog is brought to you by Duluth, GA Dentist Dr. David Marion.