What Makes a Good Porcelain Veneer Candidate?
If you are unhappy with your smile and have been researching your cosmetic options, you have no doubt heard a lot about porcelain veneers. Custom made out of highly lifelike, translucent porcelain, there is a reason that veneers have quickly become one of the most popular ways for your skilled and experienced cosmetic dentist to restore and transform your smile. However, while the treatment has a wide array of applications, it is not suitable for everyone. In this post, your Montreal cosmetic dentist explains what he looks for in porcelain veneer candidates.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Your dentist will take precise measurements and digital images of your teeth and use them to custom fabricate your porcelain veneers. These restorations adhere to the front of your teeth, and they can be used to cover stains, chips, and minor structural damage. Your dentist may also use them to change the shape of your teeth or as instant correction for mildly crooked teeth. Before placing the veneers, Dr. Casey will remove a very thin layer of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This step makes room for the veneer and prevents your smile from having a “bulky” look. Then he will lightly etch your teeth so that the porcelain can adhere to the front of your teeth more strongly.
Indications that Veneers May Be Right for You
If you want to enhance your smile, and you are embarrassed by the following cosmetic problems, you may be a good candidate for veneers:
- Gapped teeth
- Stained teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Chips
- Cracks
- Disproportionately small teeth
- Worn teeth
While mild surface stains can often be treated with teeth whitening procedures, veneers are a great way to mask discoloration inside the tooth, such as stains resulting from old amalgam fillings. Additionally, to be a candidate for dental veneers, you should have realistic expectations and be committed to ongoing dental hygiene. Porcelain veneers simply enhance the surface of your teeth, and you will need to maintain daily hygiene and regular visits to your dentist to protect your oral health and the appearance of your veneers.
When to Consider Other Treatment
Before receiving any cosmetic dental treatment, you should have good dental and oral health. Veneers are not a good choice if you have tooth decay or gum disease, although after receiving treatment for these conditions, they may be a great option. Additionally, if you have weakened teeth or teeth with large cracks, veneers are not a suitable treatment for these conditions. While porcelain veneers improve the appearance of your teeth, they are not intended to repair structurally damaged teeth. In these situations, a dental crown may be a better alternative. Finally, if you suffer from bruxism, you may not be a candidate for veneers. Although veneers are durable, habitually grinding your teeth can damage the porcelain, making it break or come off your teeth altogether.
Achieve a Spectacular Smile
Ultimately the only way to determine your candidacy for veneers is through a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. Contact Dr. Charles or Dr. Patrick Casey to schedule your appointment and find out if porcelain veneers are a good option for you.
