3 Possible Reasons Why There are Dark Lines Around Your Veneers

Dental veneers are a long-term cosmetic solution for people who are unsatisfied with the way their teeth look. A veneer is essentially a shell placed over the front of the tooth in question, and it can conceal issues such as discoloration, chipped teeth, or teeth that are simply misshapen.

But some patients may notice the appearance of dark or blue-gray lines around their veneers. Though not a likely outcome, it is a possibility.

What causes dental veneers to “turn dark,” and how can you address it? Here are a few potential causes for you to know about.

3 Reasons for Veneers Turning Black

1) Your veneers are not pure porcelain.

Today’s cosmetic dentists will provide veneers made from pure porcelain. If you had your veneers placed many years ago or by a less reputable dentist, you cannot be sure that they are porcelain through and through.

An outdated form of dental veneer application is what is known as the “porcelain fused to metal” approach, where a porcelain exterior is placed over a base made from gold, copper, or platinum. The problem with this method is that the porcelain tends to thin, especially near the gum lines, while the gums themselves recede. This gum recession can reveal some underlying metal, contributing to that “blacked out” effect.

2) Your veneers were not properly bonded.

Another possible reason your veneers have taken on a black or blue-gray tint is that they were not properly bonded to your teeth.

Without proper bonding, substances can leak between your teeth and veneers. These substances can cause discoloration, which is not a common occurrence and a preventable one. A skilled cosmetic dentist will usually be well-equipped to seal your veneers and prevent any kind of leaking.

3) Your veneers are not smooth with your gumline.

A final consideration is that your veneers were not properly smoothed down to be perfectly flush with the gumline.

When this happens, it creates a tiny space between your gums and your veneers. This space is so small that cleaning it with a toothbrush can be difficult, leading to an accumulation of bacteria and ultimately to discolored lines.

How to Address Discolored Lines Around Your Veneers

No matter the cause of your darkened veneers, it is unlikely that good hygiene alone will fix the problem. The good news is that issues with your veneers’ bonding, fit, or composition can all be fixed, even if it means completely removing and replacing the veneers.

If you notice these dark lines forming around your veneers, we recommend contacting a cosmetic dentist to have the issue addressed. The dentist who first placed your veneers should be willing to correct the problem. Alternatively, if you live in the San Francisco area, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Skoulas. She would be more than happy to advise you on a strategy for ensuring your veneers are to your satisfaction.

Posted on September 22, 2021