Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Veneers come up often in conversations about chipped, worn or stained front teeth. The first question is usually the simplest one: are they even an option for the teeth I have? That turns partly on what you want changed and partly on the state your teeth and gums are in now, and those are two different questions. What follows covers suitability in general, so you know what to ask about your own case.
What veneers are, and what they cover
Veneers are coverings that fit over the front surfaces of your teeth, made with dental materials like tooth-colored composite or porcelain. They are cosmetic in nature, and they can conceal a wide range of aesthetic imperfections, including chips, cracks, gaps and tooth discoloration (Cleveland Clinic).
This article stays on candidacy. If you want a fuller description of the thing itself, there is a separate article on what veneers are, and the trade-offs involved are covered in another on the trade-offs of veneers.
Oral health comes first
Veneers are only an option if you are free of extensive cavities and gum disease, and serious oral health issues should be addressed first, before exploring cosmetic treatments (Cleveland Clinic). Put in terms of the dentist's work, your dentist must first treat any dental issues you have, like decay or gum disease, because placing veneers over unhealthy teeth may worsen existing dental problems (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).
When veneers may not be a good choice
There are also circumstances in which veneers may not suit: if you clench or grind your teeth, or have a deep overbite, veneers may not be a good choice (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).
None of that is a decision made for you from a distance. It is a short list of the things worth raising yourself, rather than waiting to see whether they come up.
The conversation with your dentist
As with all your dental care, it's worth discussing your dental history, your treatment expectations and your reservations with your dentist, who will help you determine whether veneers are the right choice for your smile (American Dental Association (MouthHealthy)).
Our office is at 147 Main St, 2nd Floor, Lodi, NJ 07644, and Dr. Steven Liao is our dentist. Our veneers page sits elsewhere on this site. If you are not a patient here yet and would like your own teeth looked at, our first-visit page is where to begin.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. "Veneers." Updated 2022-07-18. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23522-dental-veneers
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). "Veneers." https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/veneers
