Am I a good candidate for veneers?

For many people, their teeth are one of the things about the way that they look that they would most like to change. It could be their color, their position or just their overall appearance, but disliking your smile can have a serious impact on your confidence and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are cosmetic dentistry treatments that are specifically designed to address the elements of our teeth that we dislike the most.

Veneers are one of the easiest ways to change and enhance the appearance of your smile. These thin, porcelain shells are attached the outer enamel of the teeth to cover and hide imperfections such as cracks, chips and discoloration. They can even be used to address minor orthodontic issues. Best of all, veneers require a very simple, minimally invasive procedure that takes place over just two appointments, enabling you to start enjoying your new smile without a long, drawn-out treatment plan.

 

While veneers are very safe, they are not necessarily the right or best solution for every patient. For this reason, you’ll be asked to schedule a consultation before you can undergo treatment and this appointment will be used to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers.
 

What makes someone a good candidate for veneers?


You may be a good candidate for veneers if:

Your teeth are discolored or stained.


Veneers are made in the shade necessary to match your existing teeth, or in the case of a full set, whatever shade you desire. This enables you to cover any existing staining or discoloration, or even transform the color of your whole smile. This can make your teeth look healthier and more attractive. You could even look younger since teeth naturally darken with age.

 

You have minor cosmetic defects like superficial cracks or chips.


If you have slight damage that is purely aesthetic rather than functional, veneers can be used to cover the affected teeth, restoring their appearance. Your dentist will want to check that you don’t need restorative work before your veneers can be placed.

 

You have crooked teeth.


Not all crooked teeth are severe enough to need orthodontic treatment. If your smile is only slightly crooked, veneers can be used to cover the imperfection and make it appear straight and natural. Better still, the process takes just two appointments, rather than months of orthodontic treatment.  

 

You have gaps between your teeth.


Many people are surprised to learn that veneers are a good solution for patients who have small gaps between the teeth that aren’t large enough to warrant orthodontic treatment. This is because veneers can be designed to fit seamlessly together to close the gaps and create a uniform appearance.

 

Good candidates for dental veneers will also need to meet several other requirements that will be set out by their dentist. These will include:

  • No outstanding oral health problems that need addressing.
  • Healthy gums with no sign of periodontal disease.
  • Generally good health.
  • Being a non-smoker, since smoking can cause gum disease and gum recession, which can put the longevity of veneers at risk.
  • Being committed to a robust oral hygiene routine to preserve your veneers for as long as possible. 

 

If you have more questions about dental veneers, or if you would like to schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for this popular treatment, please call our knowledgeable dental team at kksmiles at (770) 830-3700.