Am I a Candidate for Dental Veneers?

When you feel good about your smile, you can feel confident in other facets of life. But for many people, certain dental flaws overwhelm them with feelings of insecurity and overall dissatisfaction because of the appearance of their teeth. The good news is that you have many options to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry. If you are unhappy with your teeth because of its flaws, dental veneers may be the perfect solution for you.

Dental veneers are thin, transparent porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Porcelain’s durable, life-like structure and appearance mimic tooth enamel, making it nearly impossible to distinguish veneers from your natural teeth.

The first step to learning more about whether veneers are right for you is to visit McLean DDS for a consultation. In the meantime, here are some ways to tell if you are a good candidate.

Criteria for Veneers
Before you can have veneers placed, your dentist will first talk to you about specific goals for cosmetic dental treatment and help determine if you are an ideal candidate. Many people can benefit from veneers if they are in good oral and overall health. Ask yourself the following questions to help determine your candidacy.

• Do you desire to hide dental flaws?
  Multiple teeth and blemishes can be corrected at one time with veneers, making it the perfect treatment for someone who desires a complete smile makeover. Your dentist will carefully adhere custom-made veneers to the surface of your teeth to conceal chips, discoloration and cracks. The shape, length or color of teeth can also be changed with veneers.
• Is your mouth healthy?
  If you have gum disease or tooth decay, you won’t qualify for veneers until these existing problems are treated by your dentist. Structurally damaged teeth or teeth with significant alignment issues are also better served by other treatments such as dental crowns or traditional orthodontic treatment.
• Do you have sufficient healthy enamel?
  The health of your tooth enamel has a big influence on your candidacy for veneers. Veneers are bonded to your tooth surface, so without adequate enamel there is nothing for which the veneer to adhere.
• Are you committed to taking care of your teeth and gums?
  Veneers can last many years with proper care. To keep veneers in excellent shape and avoid damage, patients must be diligent about oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to maintain the health of your mouth and veneers. This also means visiting our office for routine exams and cleanings. Veneers are made from durable porcelain, but that doesn’t mean they are impervious to damage. Habitual teeth grinding or using teeth as tools can damage veneers, which is why you will want to avoid bad habits that could break the porcelain shells.

A Complete Makeover in One Procedure
Veneers cover a multitude of dental flaws and help patients achieve the confident smile they’ve always wanted. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and would like to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you, contact McLean DDS today to schedule a consultation.