Will a Gum Veneer Help Your Receding Gums?

Gums do not grow back once they have been damaged and receded, so this can leave large gaps in your smile. It also leaves the root of the tooth exposed. While you can have surgery to fix this issue, this is expensive and invasive. Thankfully, there is a quicker and more cost-effective solution available.

Why do gums recede?

The most common cause of receding gums is gum disease. This happens when plaque and tartar is able to build up on the teeth and then creates the ideal conditions for bacteria to thrive. When bacteria increases, this causes inflammation of the gums. The gum tissue is badly damaged by this inflammation and will eventually break down. As the gum recedes, more of the tooth root is exposed and this can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Once your gum disease is under control, you might be curious to know how you can fix the aesthetic problems associated with this condition. This is where the gum veneer might be a helpful fix for your dilemma.

What is a gum veneer?

Just like a dental veneer sits over the front of your natural teeth and changes the appearance of your teeth, a gum veneer sits on top of your gums to help conceal gaps and create a more natural appearance. There are fixed and removable options available, depending on your preferences.

Removable gum veneers

These are also known as gingival veneers. They are shaped to fit your mouth perfectly, fitting around your teeth and creating a new gum line. They are commonly made of thermo-activated acrylic resin, which looks similar to natural gum tissue. It is slightly opaque and offers a pink-ish hue. It is slightly flexible, making it comfortable to wear. This type of veneer is designed to be taken out and cleaned at night. You don’t sleep with this type of veneer in your mouth.

Fixed gum veneers

For those looking for a more permanent solution, you might consider a fixed gingival veneer. These are far less common due to the issues of permanently fixing this to your teeth. They are often designed to fit from canine to canine, but they can be extended to your rear molars if required. You will need to take special care of your teeth to ensure your veneer is clean and does not harbour bacteria.

Caring for a gingival veneer

Caring for your veneer is essential as you don’t want to face the same problems that caused you to need a veneer in the first place. Gum disease will naturally be a concern, so you need to take good care of your oral health to keep your natural gum tissue healthy while also keeping your gingival veneer clean.

You should remove your veneer after eating to rinse it and then also rinse your mouth. This will help to avoid food debris build up. At the end of the day when you remove your veneer, you can also clean it as you would clean a denture. Denture cleaning tablets are available for this purpose.

We also recommend using a water floss cleaner on your gums to help gently remove any debris and keep the remaining tissue healthy.

Alternatives to a gum veneer

For a more permanent solution, you could consider a surgical gum graft. This is an extensive procedure that takes gum tissue from another part of your mouth and replaces the missing gum. This is a permanent solution that can help to protect your teeth while also restoring your smile.

After a gum graft, you will still be susceptible to gum disease, and you could face the same issues again if you fail to care for your teeth. If you have suffered from gum disease in the past, we recommend annual visits to the dental hygienist to help maintain and protect your oral health.

Get in touch with our team if you’d like to discuss restoration options following gum disease, or if you’re concerned you may have gum disease.