Porcelain veneers are a popular choice for many people seeking dental repairs. However, some individuals may notice gaps between their porcelain veneers after a few years or a period of time. These gaps not only affect the appearance but also make it difficult to clean. So, what should you do if you have gaps in your porcelain veneers?
Reinsertion
If gaps occur immediately after the placement of porcelain veneers, it may be due to poor fit. In such cases, it is recommended to consult with the dentist who performed the procedure. It is normal to have some gaps, but if the gaps are significantly large, reinsertion may be necessary.
Oral hygiene
After the placement of porcelain veneers, it is normal to have slight gaps between the veneers and the gums. If the fit is too tight, it can cause gum overgrowth and bleeding. Dentists allow for some gaps to prevent these issues. To reduce the accumulation of food debris and other substances in the gaps, it is important to practice good oral hygiene by regularly rinsing the mouth to maintain cleanliness and prevent inflammation and bad breath.
Avoid using toothpicks
Using toothpicks to clean between teeth is not recommended. It is best to use dental floss. Prolonged use of toothpicks can widen the gaps between teeth. As the gaps widen, more toothpicks are needed, leading to a vicious cycle of gap widening.
Lemon juice for cleaning
If there are normal gaps between porcelain veneers, you can use a piece of gauze soaked in lemon juice to rub the teeth after brushing at night. Lemon juice has excellent cleaning properties and can whiten teeth. It also contains a large amount of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the roots of the teeth.
Causes of gaps in porcelain veneers
Biting on hard objects or excessive force
Gaps in porcelain veneers can occur when the porcelain layer on the surface of the veneers chips or breaks due to biting on hard objects or applying excessive force. This results in gaps between the porcelain crown and the natural teeth.
Poor quality of the veneer material
Some inexpensive porcelain veneers have poor quality metal materials, resulting in poor closure at the edges and inconsistent thickness of the inner walls. Prolonged use can cause the veneers to press against the gums, leading to gum inflammation. Over time, gaps can develop, and the gums and root tissues can become inflamed.
Poor fit leading to secondary caries
Gaps in porcelain veneers can occur due to secondary caries at the gum edge of the teeth. The primary cause of secondary caries is poor edge fit and gaps, which allow bacteria to accumulate and produce acid that causes tooth decay. Inadequate bonding can also allow bacteria to enter the gap between the crown and the tooth, leading to decay. In such cases, prompt removal and dental implantation are necessary to prevent further deterioration.
Poor fit between porcelain veneers and the gum edge
When porcelain veneers are placed, it is important to ensure a good fit between the veneers and the gum edge, i.e., the precision between the crown and the prepared tooth after grinding. The gap between the two should not exceed 0.1mm. If the gap is too large, the crown edge can be too thick or too thin, irritating the gums and causing gum inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause the gums to appear dark purple, darker than normal gums.
How to maintain porcelain veneers
Avoid eating hard foods
Applying excessive pressure beyond the stress range of porcelain veneers can cause them to fracture and shorten their lifespan. It may even require removal and repair. Therefore, avoid biting into hard foods, such as walnuts.
Avoid eating sticky foods
Porcelain veneers should not be exposed to sticky and chewy foods. Various sticky foods, such as glutinous rice cakes, zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in leaves), and soft candies, can cause the veneers to become dislodged or affect the bite. Other foods like cold youtiao (Chinese fried dough) and tough beef jerky are also detrimental to dentures.
Develop good chewing habits
It is important to develop the habit of chewing food thoroughly and slowly, avoiding sudden forceful biting to prevent porcelain fracture. Avoid chewing food on one side only, as this can lead to uneven chewing (using only one side of the teeth), which can affect the stability of dentures, prevent proper occlusion, and reduce their lifespan. Additionally, not using certain teeth when eating can increase the risk of bacterial growth. Remember to use both sides of the teeth when eating.
Maintain oral hygiene
The teeth on porcelain veneers are connected rather than a single unit. There are bound to be areas where they connect, which are often weak spots prone to plaque accumulation and the formation of tartar. Therefore, it is important to pay more attention to oral protection and hygiene after getting porcelain veneers. Develop the habit of brushing teeth in the morning and evening, and rinse the mouth after meals. Dental floss can be used to clean between teeth, and regular dental cleanings should be scheduled.
Regular dental check-ups
Regular dental check-ups (at least once a year) help prolong the lifespan of porcelain veneers and prevent periodontal diseases. If you experience discomfort when wearing veneers, such as pain, redness, swelling, bleeding gums, or veneer fractures, it is important to seek timely follow-up care at a dental clinic.
