I have receding gums and porcelain veneers. Any suggestions?

Question

I am 74 years old and have quite a bit of receding gums. I get my teeth cleaned every six months, and this has never been mentioned before. This time the dentist recommended covering the receding area with porcelain veneers. He said it was a simple procedure, no need to anesthetize the teeth, and I understood that the gum area would just be filled in and smoothed out. But now researching this online, I am no longer sure as to what the procedure will be. Any clarification would be appreciated. Thank you.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hi there,Using veneers to replace receding gums is pretty common practice.  Some dentists use composite to fill in those areas instead, composite stains very easily and needs to be redone often.  If your veneers are done the right way, they should last for the next 20+ years.  Good luck and I hope this helps. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDReal Self 100

Barbara Jurim, DDS · Answer

Gum recession can lead to exposure of the roots of your teeth. This area of the teeth are usually more sensitive and more prone to decay, so it is advisable to "cover" these areas where food usually traps to limit sensitivity and reduce the potential for any cavities forming. This can be done with either "bondings" or veneers. Bondings are done by the dentist using tooth-colored filling material in one visit, tend to be less expensive than veneers, but can chip/stain with time. Veneers involve more than one visit, may require your dentist to shave down your teeth a bit, but don't change color with time and are much longer lasting than bondings. Understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision. Good luck!

I have receding gums and porcelain veneers. Any suggestions?

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I have receding gums and porcelain veneers. Any suggestions?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.