Can I Get Veneers With Gum Disease?

If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, cosmetic dentistry has several ways to fix that. One of the most popular procedures to upgrade the look of teeth is getting veneers, but if you’ve been reading up on them, you may know they are not recommended for everyone.

And if you are dealing with gum disease, you might wonder if this condition may affect your chances of getting veneers. Check out this short blog post to learn more.

How Do Veneers Work, and What Do They Treat?

A veneer is a thin shell, usually made from porcelain, that covers the front surface of a natural tooth to change its appearance.

To get them, a dentist shaves a small amount of tooth enamel to create a rough surface texture. This supports the bonding process and ensures the veneer stays fixed on your teeth.

They are a versatile procedure that can effectively address:

Severe tooth staining and discoloration
Gaps between teeth
Irregularly sized and misshapen teeth
Worn-down teeth
Minor chips and cracks
Small alignment issues, etc.

There are other types of veneers on the market that may be more affordable (such as composite veneers) or require less enamel shaving, though these are not as good at covering severe cosmetic issues as traditional porcelain veneers.

Can You Get Veneers If You Have Gum Disease?

The simple answer is yes, but not yet. Veneers are usually only done on patients with good oral health, and gum disease may complicate matters slightly.

As a result, your cosmetic dentist will first recommend getting the gum disease treated before you start the veneer process. Some of the treatments you may need include:

Deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and under the gums
Antibiotics, such as gels or oral medication, to fight the infection
Changes in your oral routine, such as better brushing techniques or using special procedures, etc.

What Other Factors Can Determine If You Can Get Veneers?

Apart from oral health, the dentist will also check if the cosmetic issue you have can be fixed. For instance, if you have missing teeth or moderate to severe tooth alignment issues, then veneers won’t help fix your smile.

Other than that, the dentist will make sure you understand that veneers are a lifelong commitment. Because of the enamel-shaving, you can never go back to your natural smile. For some patients, that’s not a problem, and they are willing to replace their veneers whenever necessary.

But others don’t feel comfortable with that level of commitment, in which case the dentist may recommend other procedures, such as dental bonding, which is reversible.