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Dr. Thomas

Should I Be Able to Floss Between My Porcelain Veneers?

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Before I got porcelain veneers in February, I could floss easily. I’m trying to take care of my veneers, but I worry about being unable to floss. Earlier this month, I had my six-month checkup and cleaning. I told my dentist about the flossing issue, but he didn’t seem concerned. I use a water flosser instead, but I’m unsure if it is effective since the veneers are so tight. Should I be able to floss between my veneers? – Thank you. Dinah from NJ

Dinah,

We are concerned that you cannot floss between your veneers, and you should be worried, too. After getting veneers and floss, you effortlessly glide between your teeth without catching or snagging.

What If You Cannot Floss Between Porcelain Veneers?

porcelain veneer being placed on a tooth

Porcelain veneers should not hinder flossing

Plaque buildup can promote gum irritation, inflammation, and disease if you cannot floss between porcelain veneers.

Flossing is a vital part of oral hygiene because it is an effective way to remove plaque. The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that without flossing between your teeth, dental plaque causes inflammation. And advanced gum disease is associated with an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. So, flossing between your porcelain veneers is essential.

Why Can’t You Floss Between Your Porcelain Veneers?

If you cannot floss between your porcelain veneers, your dentist’s bonding technique may be at fault. When bonding veneers on, a skilled cosmetic dentist takes these precautions:

  • Prime each tooth with etching and bonding agents
  • Place bonding composite in each veneer and press the veneer onto each tooth
  • Removes excess composite (bonding material) before hardening it
  • Use an ultra-small light curing tip only on the center of the composite of each tooth
  • Floss between teeth to remove excess composite and ensure surfaces between teeth are smooth
  • Curing remaining composite with a larger curing tip to ensure a solid attachment
  • Use fine polishing strips between teeth to smooth them

We recommend asking your dentist about your concerns. If your dentist does not readily help you, schedule an appointment with an advanced cosmetic dentist concerned about helping you achieve healthy teeth and gums with porcelain veneers.

 

Sugar Land implant and cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post. Read how he strives to give patients some of the best dental care in Sugar Land.

How Long After Gum Surgery Should I Wait for Dental Veneers?

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Close-up of a man's smile with a moustache, for information on gum surgery and dental veneers available in Sugar Land from Dr. Siny Thomas.I saw a periodontist last December for the pinhole technique on my gums. The results look fantastic. Now that my gums frame my teeth so nicely, I am getting self-conscious and want my teeth whitened. Also, I am considering porcelain veneers to even my front teeth and correct a slight overlap. Is it too soon to get teeth whitening and veneers, or should I wait a few more months? Thanks. Todd from Utah

Todd,

Thank you for contacting Cornerstone Dentistry in Sugar Land. Although Dr. Thomas would need to examine your teeth and gums before recommending treatment, we will discuss the timing of cosmetic dentistry after gum surgery.

How Long After Gum Surgery Should You Wait for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Depending on the technique and your healing progress, it can take four to eight weeks to see the optimal results of gum graft surgery or Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation®. It is wise to wait for teeth whitening or porcelain veneers for several reasons:

  • Teeth whitening can irritate gum tissue.
  • Your natural teeth will likely need preparation before porcelain veneers.
  • A dentist will ensure porcelain veneers fit your teeth around the contours of your gum tissue.

Also, teeth bleaching and porcelain veneers require optimal oral health. Otherwise, cosmetic dentistry treatment can weaken or irritate your teeth.

Why Should You Get Teeth Whitened Before Porcelain Veneers?

A dentist must complete teeth whitening first and allow the color to stabilize before preparing your teeth for porcelain veneers. Whitening your teeth first will ensure your porcelain veneers match your bright smile.

Request a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

If you want to maintain excitement about improving your smile, you can research a few cosmetic dentists and schedule a consultation. Below are suggestions before scheduling consultations.

  • Ask family, friends, or workmates for recommendations on a cosmetic dentist.
  • Search online in your area for cosmetic dentists with post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry.
  • Look for patient reviews on the dentist’s work.
  • Find the dentist’s smile gallery of patient photos with porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.
  • Prepare a list of questions about porcelain veneers and teeth whitening.
  • Explain that you had gum surgery.
  • Ask for an estimate of when you can begin cosmetic dentistry.

 

Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care he can.