Am I a candidate for dental veneers?

Dental veneers are not appropriate for every patient and every situation. The vast majority of patients will be candidates for dental veneers, but there are some situations where dental veneers are not an option. It is important for your dentist to assess your oral health, as the state of your teeth will largely determine whether or not the porcelain veneers will be a success.

First, let’s start with who is a candidate for dental veneers. Veneers can fix most of the aesthetic issues that patients have with their teeth. In many instances, dental veneers can be used to correct the following:

• Stains
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Crooked or misaligned teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Holes or fractures

Not everyone with the above issues will be a candidate for dental veneers.  However, here are some situations when dental veneers may not be appropriate:

First, a patient with unhealthy teeth is not a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If your teeth are suffering from decay or gum disease, your dentist will not be able to place veneers on them. The possibility for dental veneers still exists however, if these conditions can be successfully treated, you will likely be a candidate for veneers.

A second situation where porcelain veneers will not work is on teeth with little or no enamel. Porcelain veneers are cemented onto the enamel of your teeth. Without sufficient enamel, the veneer will simply have nothing to bond with.

Third, porcelain veneers are strong, but they are not as strong as your natural teeth. If you have a tendency to grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), you might not be a good candidate for dental veneers. The clenching and grinding could lead to chips and fractures in your veneer.

However, if you are willing to diligently work at ending the bruxing, and if you purchase and wear a night guard, you may still be a candidate for porcelain veneers.

You should also note that dental veneers are not a solution to weak or damaged teeth. A veneer will not make your tooth stronger. In fact, as mentioned above, dental veneers are somewhat more fragile than natural teeth. If a large portion of your tooth is missing, a crown (cap), or dental implant may be a more suitable option.

Last, to be a good candidate for dental veneers, be certain that you understand the procedure. Veneers are not reversible. Some of your enamel must be removed in order to bond the veneer to your tooth.

Due to the permanent nature of porcelain veneers, be sure that you explore all of your options. For instance, teeth whitening, a much less invasive procedure may be able to correct discoloration. Dental veneers are an excellent choice, but be certain that they are the right choice for you.

Make an appointment with your dentist at Absolute Smile to find out if dental veneers are right for you. A thorough examination and a discussion about your goals and options will help you and your dentist decide if dental veneers are the best option.

Remember, there are a wide range of cosmetic dental procedures and techniques available. Even if porcelain veneers aren’t right for your teeth, you and your dentist can find a way to create the stunning smile of your dreams.