When are veneers recommended?
Veneers are custom-designed, thin porcelain pieces that are carefully matched and bonded to teeth for an almost instantly improved appearance and function. While most consider veneers a cosmetic treatment, they can be recommended for a number of reasons. In general, veneers are for the visible teeth, which are the teeth seen during a big or forced smile. Cosmetic dentists can create veneers to improve a single tooth or all of the visible teeth, depending on the case and desires of each patient.
The most common functional reasons veneers are recommended include cases where a tooth is chipped, cracked, broken, or suffered other relatively minor damage. A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth may not seem minor, but if the tooth is relatively healthy and the damaged portion hasn’t affected the root, then a custom porcelain veneer can be made to fill in the missing or damaged portion and cover the visible part of the tooth making it stronger and concealing the damage. This also protects cracked or pitted surfaces from suffering more damage.
Certain medications, medical treatments, or tetracycline, an antibiotic drug used to treat certain bacterial infections, can leave permanent stains on teeth as an unfortunate consequence. Calcification staining, white spots that form usually during orthodontic treatment of younger patients, and other permanent marks or discoloration can be cause for the recommendation of veneers as well. A cosmetic dentist will assess the current state of the teeth, in conjunction with a dental health or records assessment, and porcelain veneers can be used to conceal stains that are otherwise untreatable.
Apart from damaged or stained teeth, some naturally formed cosmetic dentistry issues can also benefit from the application of porcelain veneers. If select teeth grew disproportionately to those around them, with an uneven size, shape, or with a non-smooth surface, veneers can be used to balance the appearance and use of these teeth making them more functional. Likewise, minor gaps between teeth can also benefit from veneer treatment. Contact our skilled cosmetic dentistry team and ask about veneer options today!