Will you please tell me if porcelain veneers can straighten my teeth? I understand that Invisalign is an option, but at age 52, I prefer something faster than a year of orthodontic treatment. My upper teeth overlap. The overlap affects six teeth, but I realize that a dentist may see that other teeth are involved. Is there any chance that veneers might work? Thank you. Antonia from Northbrook, IL
Antonia,
Thank you for contacting us. Sometimes, porcelain veneers can straighten teeth without braces.
Can You Get Porcelain Veneers Instead of Invisalign?
Porcelain veneers can sometimes straighten teeth instead of Invisalign, but they have limitations. If you have mild overlap, porcelain veneers may be an option. Veneers can improve tooth shape and shade, too. After an examination and x-rays, a cosmetic dentist will determine whether veneers can help. These steps may improve your overlapped teeth:
- Prepare your teeth for veneers by removing tiny amounts of tooth enamel
- Reshape the overlapped teeth to align them
- Collaborate with a ceramist at a dental lab to create porcelain veneers that make your teeth look even
Will You Need Orthodontics Before Veneers?
A cosmetic dentist may recommend orthodontics before veneers in these cases:
- Cross-bite
- Your palate requires expansion
- The degree of tooth rotation
- Missing teeth
- Extra teeth
Mispositioned opposing teeth can break or displace porcelain veneers.
Are You a Porcelain Veneers Candidate?
You may be a porcelain veneer candidate if your teeth and gums are healthy. Otherwise, a dentist must resolve tooth decay or gum disease before recommending cosmetic dentistry. Also, the dentist will explain alternative treatment methods for a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Request a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
During a cosmetic dentistry consultation, you can meet with the doctor to discuss your concerns about your teeth. The dentist may take pictures, scans, and x-rays of your teeth to assess their condition and whether porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or another treatment will give you the best results.
Metairie cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune sponsors this post. Read details about how Dr. Delaune strives to provide some of the best dental care in Metairie.
