Do Veneers Help Receding Gums?

Gum recession is when your gums begin to pull away from the tooth roots, exposing more of your teeth, as your gums wither away. This is not a good indication of oral health and is often a sign of a serious oral health problem or damage. Read on in this blog from Smiles by Dr. Leila to learn more about how veneers can help.

Why Do Gums Recede?

Gums recede or pull away from the tooth roots when they are being worn away from a source of wear and tear or due to gum disease. If you aggressively brush your teeth, suffer from teeth grinding, have a misaligned bite, smoke, have diabetes, or are pregnant, you are at a higher risk for gum recession. 

The signs of gum recession include painful or tender gums, tooth sensitivity, longer teeth, and shortened gums. While receding gums can be caused by hormonal changes and wear and tear, the most common reason is gum inflammation in response to poor oral hygiene. 

The earliest stage of gum disease known as gingivitis is caused by a buildup of plaque that isn’t removed from the gum line. It only takes 72 hours for this to harden into tartar. Tartar can’t be removed at home and requires professional intervention. 

Your body produces inflammation as an immune response to fight against the infection, which causes your gums to pull away from the teeth and gum pockets to deepen. 

Can Veneers Help Treat Gum Recession?

If you have gum disease, you need to get this treated as soon as possible. If gum disease is treated in the early stage it is reversible but once you have periodontitis, this causes irreversible damage to your gums and bone tissue. 

While veneers will not cure gum recession, they can help improve your smile once you’ve dealt with the cause of your receding gums. Veneers can protect your teeth in response to gum recession by covering up exposed tooth roots. 

However, this is only recommended for minor gum recession. If you have severely receded gums as a result of gum disease, you need to treat gum disease with a deep cleaning or oral surgery. 

When enough gum tissue has eroded, it may be necessary to get gum grafts. If your receded gums are mostly a cosmetic issue, then veneers are an excellent solution to improving your smile and reducing tooth sensitivity. This can even protect your teeth from infection by covering the exposed roots and protecting them from bacteria.

How to Properly Maintain Veneers

Veneers are fabricated out of porcelain and despite the durability and stain resistance of this material, it is still prone to damage if you do not properly care for your veneers. Since veneers cannot be repaired if they become damaged or stained and will require total replacement, you must follow your Poway dentist’s care instructions, as veneers are a costly investment. 

If you grind your teeth when you sleep, you are not a good candidate for veneers unless you can commit to wearing a mouthguard to sleep consistently. You should not chew on hard, sticky, or crunchy foods. 

Avoid using your teeth as tools, chewing on ice, your nails, or any other objects. Your veneers can become discolored over time so you should limit your consumption of staining foods and drinks and avoid tobacco products. 

You can also drink through a straw and rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking. While veneers may cover your tooth roots, they won’t protect you from tooth decay or gum disease if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily. Attend regular dental cleanings every 6 months.

Schedule Your Veneer Consultation At Smiles by Dr. Leila Today!

FAQs: Veneers and Receding Gums

Can veneers help with receding gums?
Veneers do not treat gum recession, but they may help improve the appearance of your smile once the underlying cause has been addressed. In mild cases, veneers can help cover exposed tooth surfaces and create a more balanced look. Patients exploring this option often start by learning more about veneers and how they’re used in cosmetic dentistry.

Do veneers fix the cause of gum recession?
No. Veneers do not address the cause of gum recession, such as gum disease, bone loss, or aggressive brushing. Maintaining healthy gums through preventive dentistry is essential before considering any cosmetic treatment.

Are veneers recommended for severe gum recession?
Veneers are typically only appropriate for minor gum recession. More advanced cases often require treatment to stabilize oral health before cosmetic options are considered. In these situations, restorative dentistry or periodontal-focused care may be needed first.

Can veneers reduce tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums?
In some cases, veneers may help reduce sensitivity by covering exposed areas of the teeth. However, this depends on the extent of the recession and should only be evaluated once gum health has been properly addressed by a dental professional. Patients with discomfort may also benefit from an exam through preventive dental care.

What should I do before considering veneers if my gums are receding?
Before veneers are placed, your dentist will evaluate and treat any active gum issues. Once your gums are healthy and stable, veneers may be discussed as part of a cosmetic dentistry plan to enhance your smile. Scheduling a consultation is the best way to understand your options.