I had a veneer placed last September, and I’ve noticed an issue when I floss. As I guide the floss down the side of the tooth and around the gumline, it slips under the veneer. It doesn’t just slide past the contact point—it disappears under the edge at the gumline. I can feel it catching underneath, which doesn’t seem normal.
I mentioned this to my dentist, and she said it’s fine because the gum tissue covers the area. Still, I’m worried that if floss can get under the edge, bacteria could collect there as well.
What really troubles me is the thought of decay forming near the root. If that happens, I assume the repair would be more complicated than a simple filling. I want to make sure I’m not overreacting, but I also don’t want to ignore something that could become a bigger problem later. – Thanks. Aiden
Aiden,
It sounds like you have an overhang, a margin irregularity that occurs when the impression taken after preparing your tooth for the veneer is inaccurate. Because the impression doesn’t capture the end of the preparation correctly, the dental lab cannot create a veneer that transitions smoothly between the veneer and the tooth.
A smooth porcelain veneers vs a veneer with an overhang
In a proper result, the veneer should replicate the natural tooth contour at the gumline. If there’s a slight ledge or overhang, the veneer doesn’t meet the tooth seamlessly. Your dentist should be willing to replace it at no cost.
Why Is Overhang a Problem?
There are two major concerns when a veneer has an overhang:
- Decay risk: Bacteria and food can collect under the margin, increasing the chance of decay.
- Gum irritation: Almost always, the gum tissue around the overhang becomes irritated. This may lead to puffiness, redness, or bleeding and can progress to gum disease if not addressed.
What Should You Do Next?
We recommend that you ask your dentist to replace the veneer. If she declines, you may need to seek an expert cosmetic dentist for the correction, though that would mean paying out of pocket. In the meantime, take extra care with flossing. Work the floss gently under the overhang at least once a day to reduce buildup and protect your gum health.
Dr. James Gavrilos, an accredited cosmetic dentist from Barrington, Illinois, sponsors this post. Read about how he strives to provide some of the best dental care in Barrington.