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You want a brighter, more symmetrical smile, so you start looking into dental veneers. They seem like the perfect solution: fast, beautiful, and long-lasting. But then your dentist mentions something unexpected. “We need to address your gum health first.”
Many patients are surprised to learn that active gum disease can completely change the timing, or even the possibility, of getting cosmetic procedures like veneers.
This blog explains why patients with gum disease must restore gum health before veneers, what happens first, and how Morris Dental Solutions helps you achieve a strong foundation.
Treating gum disease first protects your investment, ensures long-lasting veneers, and sets the stage for a confident, beautiful smile.
Why You Shouldn’t Get Veneers With Gum Disease
Gum disease is a form of gum infection that damages the tissues and bone that support your natural teeth. If your gums bleed, recede, or pull away from the teeth, placing veneers over them can trap bacteria and worsen oral health.
It can also lead to:
- Gum recession that reveals veneer margins
- Black triangles or gaps between misshapen teeth
- Loose veneers or even tooth loss
- Spread of bacterial infections into deeper tissues
Even mild signs of gum disease such as bad breath, gum inflammation, or early bone loss must be resolved first. Otherwise, cosmetic treatments will not last.
Step 1: Treat The Gum Disease First
We begin with a complete evaluation to check for gum diseases and other underlying dental issues. If symptoms of periodontal disease are present, your dental care plan may include:
- Scaling and root planing to remove bacteria beneath the gumline.
- Laser therapy or localized antibiotics to reduce gum inflammation and support healing.
- Reevaluation appointments to check gum pocket depth and monitor oral hygiene progress.
- Routine dental cleanings and maintenance to help prevent infection and tooth decay.
These steps are essential before any cosmetic dental treatments can begin.
Step 2: Plan Veneers After Gums Are Healthy
Once gum tissue is stable and free of active infection, we can move forward with the cosmetic procedure:
- We will start with a Smile Design consultation to assess crooked teeth, tooth sensitivity, or worn enamel.
- Digital scans and mockups give you a preview of your future smile and allow us to plan your ideal veneer shape and shade.
- Tooth preparation involves removing a small layer of enamel so the veneers fit securely and look natural.
- Temporary veneers are placed while your impressions are sent to the lab where the custom porcelain veneers are made.
- Final placement bonds the permanent veneers and polishes them to create a smooth, lifelike finish.
This timeline ensures your cosmetic results are supported by solid oral health.
Who Should Not Get Veneers Yet
You are not a good candidate for veneers if you:
- Have untreated gum diseases or periodontal issues
- Experience frequent bad breath or gum bleeding
- Have poor oral hygiene or skip dental cleanings
- Grind or clench your teeth without a nightguard
These factors raise the risk of veneer failure and should be addressed before cosmetic work.
Book a Consult in Buffalo Grove, IL
Your smile deserves expert care. Whether you are managing gum disease, considering veneers, or simply looking to improve your oral health, the team at Morris Dental Solutions is here to help. We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs and goals.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.
FAQs: Veneers and Gum Disease
Mild gum disease must be treated before you can safely move forward with veneers. Healthy gums are essential for proper veneer placement and long-lasting results. Once the gums are stable and inflammation-free, you can move ahead with your smile makeover.
Veneers can improve how your smile looks by covering exposed areas, but they do not stop gum recession. If recession is active, treatment like a gum graft may be needed first.
You risk veneer failure, worsening of the infection, and further bone or tooth loss. The disease can progress underneath the surface, making the damage harder to detect.
Veneers can reshape and brighten teeth to correct cosmetic flaws. They are especially effective after your gums are healthy and stable.
