My veneers are three years old. When I got them, I loved them. Actually, I have really loved them for the past 2 1/ 2 years or so. Probably last July or August, when I was brushing and flossing my teeth, I noticed that I could see the tooth above the veneer on two teeth, my center front tooth and the one behind it. I guess it looks as if the veneer has slid down from my gums, so the teeth are showing beneath. This sliding, or whatever it’s called, makes the two veneers longer than my other teeth at the bottom. Now it’s happening on my front right tooth. It is not noticeable yet, though. I moved from NY to Georgia last February.
I have a cosmetic dentist who told me that veneers need to be gently removed and bonded again, but I am not sure that this is the answer. What is the right treatment for veneers that start sliding down, and why is this happening? Will the dentist need to remove all my veneers and re-bond them? Last summer, I began caregiving for my mom, and my anxiety level is higher than ever. I am not sure if I can get through removing veneers and putting them back on. Thanks. Fisher
Fisher,
Dr. Finley or Dr. Henderson would need to examine your teeth and veneers to determine the issue’s exact cause. But we will explain some possible reasons.
What Causes Natural Teeth to Show Above Porcelain Veneers?
If your natural teeth are showing above your veneers, two possible causes are gum recession or the bonding process.
- Gum recession – It may be that you are experiencing the natural process of gum recession. As we age, our gums recede. Sometimes, gum disease can cause gum recession. If this is the issue, an expert cosmetic dentist can use composite material to fill in the space at the gumline. Or, the dentist may contour your gums, remove the veneers, and re-bond them.
- Bonding technique – If a dentist does not bond veneers securely, they may begin to separate from your teeth. The cosmetic dentist may need to remove and clean the veneers and bond them again. Bonding porcelain veneers requires technique and skill. Sometimes, aggressive tooth preparation can cause veneers to loosen.
Find an experienced cosmetic dentist for an examination and discuss your options. Speak with them about your anxiety, and they will explain sedation options to keep you comfortable during your appointment. You may want to consult with more than one cosmetic dentist to ensure you get the best resolution.
Dr. David Finley, an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Monroe, Louisiana, sponsors this post.