Can Anyone Get Veneers?
If you’re not satisfied with your smile and want to make a change, dental veneers could be a convenient cosmetic option. These thin coverings of natural-looking porcelain or resin are custom made by dentists to replace the visible surfaces of teeth and improve their appearance.
Dental veneers can address many aesthetic concerns with teeth, but not everyone is eligible for the treatment. The first step on your new smile journey is a consultation with an experienced cosmetic dentist who can assess your suitability, explain any changes you may need to make, or discuss alternatives.
Can I get veneers if have bad teeth?
Veneers can help with a wide range of cosmetic issues, as long as the underlying teeth and gums are healthy. They are generally an option for:
- Stained or discoloured teeth: Covering up food and drink stains or other discolouration and enhancing natural whiteness
- Slightly crooked or misshapen teeth: Correcting minor alignment issues without the need for braces
- Minor chips or cracks: Improving the appearance of damaged teeth
- Gapped teeth: Closing wide spaces between teeth
Veneers generally won’t be an option if your teeth have more severe damage or alignment problems. They also can’t treat oral health problems like tooth decay, cavities or root canal infections, which will need to be addressed first.
Who is a good candidate for dental veneers?
To find out whether you’re suitable for veneers, your dentist will need to examine your mouth and discuss your oral hygiene and any bad habits that might cause problems. You’ll generally a good candidate for veneers if:
- Your teeth have enough enamel to support the veneers
- Your teeth and gums are healthy, and not affected by tooth decay or gum disease that can cause veneers to fail
- You don’t grind or clench your teeth or have other bad habits like nail biting that can damage veneers
- You can cover the cost
If you’re not an ideal candidate for veneers right now, your dentist may be able to provide treatments to improve your oral health, discuss other ways to lower your risks, or may recommend a more suitable alternative.
What are the alternatives to veneers?
If it turns out you’re not eligible for veneers, or you’re not sure whether they’re the best choice for you, your dentist will make sure you know all of your options. Alternatives to veneers will depend on the type of changes you want to make to your smile:
- Teeth whitening using chemical whitening agents can cover up some stains and enhance whiteness, but the results will fade over time.
- If your teeth have more severe chips or cracks, your dentist may recommend bonding or dental crowns.
- If crooked or misaligned teeth need more correction than is possible with veneers, your dentist may discuss braces or clear aligners.
Book a consultation for porcelain veneers in Mosman
Ready to find out whether you’re a candidate for veneers? Our experienced cosmetic dentists in Mosman can assess your suitability and give you all the information you need about veneers and other treatments so you can make fully informed decisions. Call us now on (02) 9969 8610 or book an appointment online.