I’ve had porcelain veneers on my two front teeth for quite some time, but I’m not really happy with them. While I have no complaints with how they look, what really bugs me is that they make it difficult to close my mouth. They feel so bulky! I’m looking into getting them replaced and I sought out a new dentist who said she could make me a new set that will feel much better.
I started the process and just got the temporaries, but I’m not sure I like them. There’s a noticeable hump at the gum line. The dentist says they look just fine, so now I’m questioning if she really knows what she’s doing. Is this typical? Is it possible to get a smoother look without the hump? — Marnie
Marnie,
Cosmetic dentistry is an art and if you have any doubts in the skill of the dentist you have chosen to work with, your best advice is to step back and re-evaluate whether or not she should be doing your veneers for you. You’re asking if a hump at the gum line is typically for porcelain veneers. The answer to that question is NO! This is problematic for a couple of reasons… first and foremost it just plain looks bad, and secondly, food and plaque can collect in that area and lead to inflammation and decay.
Since you’re well into the process, there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the result you want. Insist on a try-in of the veneers before your dentist permanently bonds them. Think of it as a “test-drive” so that you can get a good idea of exactly how they will look. If there’s something you don’t like, do not let your dentist bond them – even if she tells you that they will look better once they are permanently in place. A skilled and well-respected cosmetic dentist will want to be sure you absolutely love your smile and will make any minor tweaks needed or send them back to the lab if necessary. But once they are bonded, there’s no way to make changes unless you start the process again. Give your dentist a chance to fix the issues you are concerned with. If she can’t get it right, find a cosmetic dentist who can give you the smile you deserve – so you can leave the “Hump Days” for just Wednesdays.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Alana Macalik. For more information on the services she provides, visit her Arlington cosmetic dentist website.