Dentist Questions Porcelain Veneers

When should I consider porcelain veneers?

My teeth aren't properly aligned, and I feel like they have shifted a little bit. Should I get porcelain veneers?

10 Answers

Hello,

Please consult with a dental professional who can help determine the best possible treatment that fits your needs. There are many options that the professional can offer you including braces, Invisalign, and more.

Thank you for your question.
If it is alignment that is bothering you I would recommend braces or Invisalign. Porcelain veneers require non reversible drilling on the teeth. Additionally, a veneer is not a forever treatment. The typical veneer will last 10 years before requiring retreatment. Nothing will ever be as good as your natural teeth, so I always recommend the least invasive process possible. Although it may take longer, a better final result will be achieved. I hope that this helps.
Veneers are the best. See your dentist to learn and understand the different options.
Yes you can
That depends. Always consider orthodontics first. If you are considering anything, go to your dentist, get all cavities restored, get a cleaning and make sure you are brushing and flossing daily. Next, ask your general dentist if orthodontics will give you a nice smile; maybe you need whitening. Only if you are in a state of oral health and ortho will not be sufficient should you consider veneers. They are expensive and they may need to be redone in 10-15 years, so there is a lot to think about.
Hi, that's a great question! It depends on your age and it also depends on how crowded your teeth are. If your teeth are not too crowded and rotated, you may consider minor orthodontic treatment such as using invisible aligners to move the teeth into an ideal position. If you are over the age of 18, porcelain veneers may be indicated, but sometimes minor tooth preparation is needed and veneers can be quite expensive! It is hard to determine without a clinical exam and radiographs, so keep this in mind that X-rays and an exam should be done prior to any procedure!
Veneers are an option, the other option is orthodontics, probably with Invisalign. The advantage of veneers is that it's quicker, and you can improve the aesthetics of the teeth, as well as make them much whiter, if you so desire. The disadvantage is that it will be probably more expensive, and the veneers have a life span of about 10 years. Then they may need to be replaced. Basically, once you have the veneers, they must stay there the rest of your life. Also, there is no guarantee that they teeth won't move even after they have veneers in the future. So, if you have otherwise nice teeth, do the ortho, if your teeth could benefit from the veneers, then go with the veneers.
Good luck!
Veneers may be one possibility. Why have your teeth moved? If the gums are healthy enough, it is possible you would be better off having the teeth moved into alignment with aligners or braces. Are you happy with the color shape of your teeth? If so, you may not need veneers.
Usually you can improve misaligned teeth with an orthodontic procedure such as Invisalign. We have seen many patients that want a much quicker solution- or had previously tried straightening with poor success. For them porcelain veneers can create the smile you want in as little as 2 weeks!

Rich
If your teeth aren't heavily restored, orthodontics may be a viable option. This is also an option before veneers if the teeth are severely malposed. Porcelain veneers can fix some rotations but remember that after teeth are veneered, they still need to be cleanable. Porcelain veneers are one of the most cosmetic procedures in dentistry. When done right and properly maintained, they can provide you with a beautiful smile for many years to come.


John C. Kaminski, D.D.S.