Veneers and gum recession are terms you might have come across if you’re exploring ways to revamp your dental health and aesthetic. These two topics hold the answer for many looking to improve their smiles.
Porcelain veneers can cover imperfections and improve the appearance of teeth. We can use veneers at Canatella Dental to cover areas of gum recession.
Gum recession is when gums pull back from your teeth. It exposes the roots which can often lead to sensitivity and aesthetic issues. But before you get veneers, you want to treat the underlying causes of gum recession first.
Understanding Gum Recession
Gum recession is a common dental issue that can affect anyone. Understanding its causes and symptoms can help you take proactive steps to maintain your oral health.
The Causes of Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when your gums pull back from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth or root. One major cause is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If plaque isn’t brushed away, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Tartar buildup can lead to gum disease and recession.
Your genes may also play a part. If your parents had gum recession, you might be more likely to have it too. For women, hormone changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and easier to damage.
Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down gum tissue over time. Gum disease, which is a serious infection, is another big cause of recession. Other reasons include injuries to the gums, crooked teeth, and lip or tongue piercings that rub against the gums.
Smoking or chewing tobacco also raises the risk because it reduces blood flow to the gums.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Recognizing the symptoms of gum recession early can help prevent further damage. Tooth sensitivity is a common symptom, especially when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. You might notice that your teeth appear longer due to visible roots.
Other symptoms include inflammation, bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, and bad breath. In more severe cases, you might experience loose teeth.
Awareness of these causes and symptoms can empower you to take charge of your oral health and seek treatment when necessary. By understanding the impact of gum recession, you can make informed decisions about your dental care and explore potential solutions like veneers or other treatments.
Can Veneers Help with Gum Recession?
If you have mild to moderate gum recession, porcelain veneers in our New Orleans, LA, office can be an effective solution. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth. They can help conceal exposed tooth roots, which are often a result of gum recession. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal but can also reduce the dental sensitivity associated with exposed roots.
When gums recede, they can expose the roots of your teeth, making them look longer or uneven. Veneers can hide these exposed roots, giving your teeth a more balanced, natural appearance while also reducing sensitivity.
While veneers don’t fix gum recession, they can improve the way your teeth look. To keep your gums healthy and prevent further recession, you’ll still need to address the underlying cause, whether it’s gum disease, aggressive brushing, or another issue.
Can Veneers Treat a Gummy Smile?
We may recommend veneers if you have a gummy smile, where too much gum tissue shows when you smile. Veneers can help create the illusion of longer and more proportionate teeth. Veneer treatment can make your smile look more balanced.
If you’re considering veneers, the first step is a consultation with our dental team. We’ll check your gum health and make sure veneers are the right choice for your smile goals.
While veneers can improve the appearance of your smile, they don’t address the underlying causes of gum recession. You need to manage the root cause of the recession to prevent further gum issues.
Considerations for Veneers
Your gums and teeth need to be healthy before you get veneers. If your gums have pulled back too much, veneers might not work well until the problem is fixed. You may need other treatments first, like gum grafts or deep cleanings, to help your gums heal.
Taking good care of your mouth is also important. Brushing, flossing, and avoiding habits like smoking will help your veneers last longer and keep your gums healthy. Talking to Dr. Todd Canatella can help you decide if veneers are right for you.
Knowing how veneers and gum recession are connected can help you make smart choices about your smile. Keeping your mouth healthy is the best way to make sure your veneers look great and last a long time.
Alternative Treatments for Gum Recession
Veneers can make teeth look better when gums have pulled back, but fixing the real problem is important for keeping your mouth healthy long-term. Different treatments can help heal your gums and stop more recession from happening.
One common treatment is gum grafting. This is a surgery where dentists take healthy gum tissue from one part of your mouth and move it to cover the spots where gums have receded. This protects exposed roots and can stop gums from pulling back further. It also makes teeth less sensitive and improves how they look.
If crooked teeth are causing your gums to recede, braces or clear aligners might help. Straightening teeth takes pressure off gums and makes them easier to clean, which can prevent more recession.
Another option is dental bonding, where a tooth-colored material is applied to cover exposed roots. While this doesn’t fix the cause of recession, it can quickly improve your smile’s appearance and reduce sensitivity.
Each treatment works differently, and what’s best depends on your situation. Talking to our dentist will help you choose the right way to get your gums healthy again.
Protect Your Gums With Veneers
Do you want a more balanced smile? Cover gum imperfections with porcelain veneers in New Orleans, LA. Call Canatella Dental at 504-385-1092 or request an appointment with us online.