Porcelain veneers are an effective, long-term solution for transforming discolored or misshapen teeth into a beautifully white and perfectly aligned smile that will last for decades. The procedure involves thin pieces of porcelain (veneers, or laminates) that are hand-crafted by a lab technician into the shape of perfect teeth. The laminates are then bonded to your natural teeth to correct the their imperfections and create an authentic, uniform smile.
Orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign or braces can straighten misaligned teeth, and are important for improving your bite, jaw structure, or strength of your teeth. However, they cannot correct chips, permanently stained, or misshapen teeth. Teeth whitening procedures can brighten your smile to an extent, but some tooth discoloration cannot be corrected by these treatments, and the effects are always temporary. Porcelain veneers are quick, easily applied by a restorative dentist, and, when properly cared for, will last for years.
As with any dental procedure, cosmetic or otherwise, it is important to discuss with your dentist whether or not the course of treatment is right for you. Are you considering porcelain veneers? These seven requirements might indicate that you’re an ideal candidate.
1.) Discolored teeth
If you have teeth with deep, tough stains, traditional whitening procedures may not be enough to remove them. Mottled teeth with lines or bands that leave the enamel rough collect plaque and other debris that make stains more prominent. Laminates bond to the enamel and cover over the unsmooth surface.
2.) Misshapen teeth
Some people have naturally misshapen teeth, like incisors that curve at an odd angle or front teeth with ridges on the ends. Porcelain veneers are smooth and uniform, creating the appearance of aligned teeth that are all properly shaped.
3.) Fractured teeth
Fractured teeth are misshapen, not by the natural development of your teeth, but by accidents or other factors that actually break or crack your tooth. While it is important to seek the proper treatment for fractured teeth to prevent more serious issues, you may still be left with a tooth that is noticeably different. If this has happened to more than one of your teeth, you might consider porcelain veneers to cover up traces of other dental work.
4.) A properly aligned bite
Crooked teeth are certainly a reason that some people elect to receive porcelain veneers. However, porcelain veneers are only an option for mildly misaligned teeth. People with crooked teeth that result from issues with the formation of their jaw, or those who have a seriously misaligned bite, require orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign.
5.) Healthy gums
Gum disease is a serious issue that can cause various complications, and can even sometimes require surgery to correct. If you have a history of gum disease, or believe you may be exhibiting symptoms, consult with a periodontist to determine the proper course of treatment. Gum disease can weaken your teeth and the surrounding bone, and porcelain veneers would not be a solution.
6.) Healthy tooth enamel
Porcelain veneers are bonded to the enamel of your teeth, and therefore require a strong enamel to support them. If you have weakened enamel, your dentist will need to determine if your teeth are strong enough for porcelain veneers.
7.) You don’t grind your teeth
Habitually grinding your teeth not only weakens your enamel, which can preclude you from porcelain veneers, but it also means that once you have veneers, you may cause damage to them. If you use a mouthguard at night or are otherwise seeking ways to avoid grinding your teeth, your dentist might still decide that porcelain veneers are the answer, but if it is a chronic habit that causes other issues for you, then you might not be a candidate.
Porcelain veneers are a lasting, affordable, and quick cosmetic fix for imperfections in your teeth that prevent you from having the winning smile you’ve always wanted. Speak with your dentist today to see if your teeth require other forms of restorative treatment, or if porcelain veneers are right for you.