Why do gums look dark after porcelain veneers?
It's not because the ceramic color spreads into the gum. In most cases, it's a problem of the margin and inflammation.
- The margin goes too deep under the gum and presses on the area where the gum attaches to the tooth
- A ledge is left at the margin or the edge is thick, so bacteria collect
- The root itself is dark, as in a tooth that has had root canal treatment, and shows through the gum
For the gum to attach healthily, there is a minimum zone on the tooth surface that must be left free. Dentists call this the biologic width, and including the gum crevice it is roughly 3mm. If the margin invades this zone, inflammation continues and the gum turns red or dark and swells.
Why are teeth sensitive after porcelain veneers?
I often hear, “I heard everyone's teeth get sensitive after veneers.” Sensitivity is decided not by the name of the treatment but by how much was removed. The outer enamel has almost no sensation, but the dentin inside is connected to the nerve by fine tubules, so when it's exposed, cold water and air are felt right away.
Enamel is naturally thinner toward the gum (the cervical area) than at the edge. Even with the same amount of reshaping, the cervical area reaches dentin first, so I reshape the surface near the gum more shallowly. Mild sensitivity for a few days right after bonding can happen, but if it lasts more than a few weeks or gets worse, I check it. I wrote separately about gum swelling after veneers in Why teeth get sensitive and gums swell after porcelain veneers.
Do darkened gums go back to normal?
If the cause remains, they don't recover well. If the margin presses on the gum or there's a ledge, gum care alone has limits, and the margin needs to be reshaped or the veneer remade. Once the inflammation settles, the color often improves considerably.
On the other hand, if the gum has receded and exposed the margin, it's a different story. Gums don't grow back. In this case, see Do receded gums grow back?.
When do the front teeth look more protruding after veneers?
When porcelain is placed on teeth that already stick out. Even if it's thin, they stick out by as much as is added. A skeletal protruding mouth also isn't pulled back with porcelain. Covering thickly to avoid drilling makes the teeth look more protruding, and later, when it's removed, the teeth end up being drilled anyway.
| Symptom | When it's fine | When it's a problem |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity | Enamel remains | Dentin is exposed |
| Gum color | The margin matches the gum line | The margin presses on the gum |
| Looking more protruding | The tooth sits further back | The tooth already sticks out |
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
Sensitivity and gum color are the result of how much is removed and how the margin is made. At the consultation, I first look at the cervical area and where the margin will be, and after reshaping I show you in a mirror how much was reshaped. If the tooth sits further back and there's space left, I talk about Brinate, which is placed without drilling. Because there's no drilling, there's no need to expose dentin, and there's no anesthesia or temporary tooth. Basic is 0.3mm (same day), and Build-up and Platinum are 0.1mm; on teeth that stick out, I don't add even that thickness. Prices are in the full fee list.
Frequently asked questions
My gums bleed after porcelain veneers.
It may be gingivitis from not cleaning well around the margin. If bleeding continues after 1–2 weeks of flossing and gentle brushing, you need to check whether the margin is pressing on the gum.
Can I use floss with porcelain veneers?
You should. Food and bacteria left between the margins are the main cause of gum inflammation, so flossing is the care you need to make your veneers last. If floss often catches or tears at the margin, it may be a sign of a ledge, so get it checked.
Does sensitivity toothpaste help?
It can help with mild sensitivity right after bonding. However, if sensitivity lasts more than a few weeks, it's better to find the cause rather than cover it up with toothpaste.
If there's no drilling, is there no sensitivity?
Since the dentin isn't touched, there's much less sensitivity. However, placing veneers without drilling on teeth that already stick out creates a different problem — the teeth look more protruding instead.
