Dental veneers are an excellent choice for those who want to restore the aesthetic appearance of their smile. Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that can be placed over the front surface of teeth, which mask discolored or chipped teeth and provide a seamless, beautiful smile. Veneers are an effective and lasting solution to many common dental issues, but they might not be right for everyone. In this article, we’ll discuss who makes a good candidate for porcelain veneer treatment.
Signs You are a Good Candidate for Dental Veneers
1. Dental Health
Dental health is the most important factor when determining candidacy for porcelain veneer treatment. Veneers are permanent and need to be placed over healthy teeth that have the strength to support them. If a patient has severe dental decay, gum disease, or other issues, these should be addressed before considering porcelain veneer treatment.
2. Dental Decay
Dental decay can cause significant damage to teeth and should be addressed before getting porcelain veneers. Dental decay can weaken the structure of a tooth and can cause it to become brittle, which can interfere with veneer placement. Dental decay should be treated with a filling or root canal before placing porcelain veneers.
3. Gum Disease
Another factor for candidacy for porcelain veneers is gum health. A patient with gum disease should be treated before having porcelain veneers placed. The gums should be free from inflammation and healthy when the veneers are placed to ensure proper attachment of the veneers to the teeth.
4. Dental Alignment
Dental alignment is also important when determining candidacy for porcelain veneer treatment. Porcelain veneers are meant to mask any aesthetic issues, not address misalignments or bite issues. If a patient has crooked teeth, overlapping teeth, or any other alignment issues, an orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign can help address these issues before porcelain veneer treatment.
5. Dental Aesthetics
Dental aesthetics is the most obvious factor when considering a candidacy for porcelain veneers. Dental discoloration, chips, cracks, and gaps can all be corrected with porcelain veneers. However, it is important to note that porcelain veneers are not an effective solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are a better option for those who are missing one or more teeth.
6. Dental Discoloration
Dental discoloration can be caused by a variety of factors and is an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers. Dental discoloration is easily corrected with porcelain veneers as they are made to match the color of existing teeth, providing a seamless, beautiful smile.
7. Chips and Cracks
Dental chips, cracks, and gaps can also be corrected with porcelain veneers. The veneers are designed to cover any imperfections in the teeth, providing a seamless smile. It is important to note that a crown may be needed rather than a veneer if there is severe damage to the tooth.
8. Dental Misalignments
Dental misalignments can also be corrected with porcelain veneers. The veneers are designed to cover any gaps and spaces between the teeth, providing a more uniform appearance. However, it is important to note that porcelain veneers will not address misalignments of the bite, so orthodontic treatment may be necessary before porcelain veneers.
Conclusion
Dental health and aesthetics are both important factors when considering a candidacy for porcelain veneers. Dental decay, gum disease, discoloration, and chips can all be addressed with porcelain veneers. However, it is important to note that porcelain veneers are ineffective for missing teeth and misaligning the bite. Dental implants and orthodontic treatment may be necessary prior to porcelain veneer placement in certain cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: A good candidate for porcelain veneers is someone who has healthy teeth and gums, no dental decay or gum disease, and aesthetic issues such as chips, gaps or discoloration. Dental misalignments may also be corrected with porcelain veneers, but orthodontic treatment may be necessary prior to placement.
Answer: No, porcelain veneers are not an effective solution for missing teeth. Dental implants are a better option for those who are missing one or more teeth.
Answer: The process for getting porcelain veneers involves a consultation with a dentist, during which they will assess your candidacy and determine if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneer treatment. The dentist will then prepare the teeth for veneers and take impressions of your teeth. Finally, the veneers will be custom-made and placed on the teeth. The entire process can take several visits to complete.
