Why can I feel a gap at the edge of my veneer?
A ledge the tongue or floss finds may be an opening margin — small now, bigger later.
The margin of a well-fitted veneer should feel smooth and continuous with the tooth. A step, a ledge, or a spot where floss shreds or snags suggests the junction has changed — cement washing out, the margin chipping, or the shell shifting.
Why an open margin does not stay small
An opening at the margin becomes a shelter for plaque and a channel for fluids, which is why open margins are linked with stain lines, gum inflammation, and decay creeping under the shell. The gap itself cannot re-seal without treatment.
Depending on size and position, the fix ranges from resealing with resin to remaking the veneer. How quickly problems follow an open margin varies between mouths, so mention a new snag or ledge to your dentist early — small repairs are far simpler than late ones.
MediIndex articles are for general information only and are not medical advice, diagnosis, or advertising. Outcomes vary by individual — consult a board-certified specialist for personal decisions.