I want to get porcelain veneers before my wedding, but my dentist said I can’t have them because of my tongue ring?  Do I really have to get rid of my tongue ring? It’s important to me.

Liz E. – Michigan

Liz,

No, you won’t have to get rid of your tongue piercing. You will be able to find a dentist who will give you porcelain veneers even with it. However, I want you to be aware of the downside of your piercing and why your dentist is avoiding giving you veneers.

Often, patients with a tongue piercing end up with chipped teeth. They bang the piercing against their teeth either accidentally or out of habit.

Another issue is shifting teeth. If you suck on the piercing, you’ll pull your teeth in a certain direction. It will also open up the margins on your veneers and leave you exposed to decay.

Your dentist would make a lot of money if he just gave you the porcelain veneers. In fact, he’d likely have you as a constant customer because of repairs to chips and things. The fact that he isn’t giving them to you says he cares about his work and not just  a paycheck.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Mike Malone.