Are Porcelain Veneers Right For You?

Porcelain veneers have changed the face of cosmetic dentistry. Veneers are the easiest and quickest solution to attain a Hollywood smile. However, while cosmetic veneers are an excellent choice for most patients, there are times in which other dental treatments are better. It is important to know when porcelain veneers are beneficial and when they are not.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers involve placing wafer-thin shells of porcelain on the front surface of your teeth. Veneers are purely cosmetic, which means they are typically suggested for only the teeth that are visible when you smile. The procedure involves shaving away a small portion of your natural tooth so that the veneer can strongly adhere. Veneers can be customized to meet your unique needs, which can include covering up stains, chips, gaps, uneven edges and other minor imperfections within your smile. The important thing to remember about veneers is that they “cover up” aesthetic flaws instead of actually “correcting” them. Still, countless patients have achieved a beautiful, confident smile in just 2-3 visits with this cosmetic dentistry solution.

What Can Veneers Do?

Porcelain veneers are known for their unrivaled versatility. As long as your teeth are in good health, veneers can address the following concerns:

• Staining that won’t go away with whitening
• Cracks and chips on front teeth
• Gapped or crooked teeth (and you want to avoid orthodontics)
• Teeth that are too short, too small or uneven

When Are Veneers NOT the Best Choice?

As mentioned before, veneers can’t actually change the structure of your teeth or correct your imperfections. They are merely covering them up. Therefore, if you have the following concerns, veneers may not be recommended:

• Major spaces or severely crooked teeth
• Bite alignment issues
• Diseased or decayed teeth
• Poorly shaped gum tissue
• Limited tooth structure

At Green Dental of Alexandria, we want every patient to have a smile they are proud of. That’s why we offer a full menu of cosmetic dental services that address all types of dental imperfections. If you are concerned with the shade, structure or shade of your teeth, porcelain veneers may be just right for you. Call today to schedule your consult.