Cosmetic smile improvement has advanced greatly over the years, with porcelain veneers largely leading the pack of lifelike cosmetic enhancements. The wafer-thin, custom-designed shells are made from highly realistic dental porcelain, and are hand-crafted to closely mimic the size, shape, and appearance of your tooth. Because they’re bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth, veneers can correct a wide range of concerns, from severe tooth stains to minor misalignment and more. To find out if you’re a candidate for veneers, your dentist will carefully examine your teeth to help determine if they’re the best option.
What Veneers are Best For
Porcelain veneers are ideal for a number of different situations, but they aren’t always the best choice. For instance, minor teeth stains can be more conservatively treated with professional teeth whitening. The most common reasons for recommending porcelain veneers include;
- Tooth discoloration
- Excessive tooth wear
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Noticeable gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- And more
What to Consider First
Before deciding that you want veneers, you should first consider what the procedure entails and what issues you need to correct to improve your smile’s appearance. Because a veneer must be permanently bonded to your tooth, the tooth must first be prepared. Your dentist will lightly sculpt the tooth’s front surface to accommodate the thin shell. Since they’re permanent, your dentist might recommend a less permanent solution, like teeth whitening or cosmetic bonding. Also, if you exhibit tooth decay, gum disease, or other progressive dental issues, then veneers may not be a viable option until your teeth and gums are restored to good health.
