When Are Veneers Recommended?

Dental veneers can provide a quality, long-term solution to a number of cosmetic dental issues. Discover the common tooth troubles a dental professional may recommend these tooth coverings to fix.

Cosmetic concerns veneers can often correct

Each patient is unique, and a variety of factors such as age, medical history, and current oral health determine whether this type of treatment is recommended. More critical dental issues may require other treatment plans, and the mouth should be in good health before veneers are applied. However, as long as there is no gum disease or tooth decay or a need for a root canal, a number of common issues can be corrected with this treatment:

Discoloration

Although professional teeth whitening is a common procedure, some teeth are unable to be whitened. The following issues can contribute to severe tooth discoloration:

• Age
• Erosion
• Trauma
• Decay
• Chemical exposure

Teeth impacted by these factors may be too stained or damaged for traditional whitening treatments to work. Veneers can be created in personalized, custom colors so the teeth have a more appealing shade. Some patients want very white teeth, while others prefer a more natural look. The ability to choose the exact shade of the covering is a huge benefit of this treatment. 

Small or short teeth

Because veneers are placed on top of the natural tooth and add a bit of thickness, a dental professional can use this treatment to alter the apparent size of the teeth. Teeth appearing too short or small can be made to look longer or larger and match the surrounding teeth. 

Chipped or broken teeth

A tooth with a broken edge or chip taken out of the enamel may be able to be fixed with a common filling, but the filling can stand out and disrupt the natural look of the tooth. Applying a shell that covers the entire front surface of the tooth can mask these irregularities completely.

Gaps between teeth

Small gaps between teeth are able to be closed with veneers. Adding material to the surface of the teeth makes them appear thicker and closer together. Because there is a limit to how thick a veneer can be, some gaps may require more extensive orthodontic treatment.

Oddly shaped teeth

Some people with less even teeth get this type of treatment to make the visible teeth look more uniform and symmetrical. A dental professional can use a combination of tooth shaping and veneers to fix teeth that look unnatural or do not match the surrounding teeth. For some, the tooth shape is too extreme for this type of treatment and may require other procedures to create a uniform look. 

Conclusion

Veneers can last up to 15 years or longer if properly cared for, and do not require any maintenance beyond the normal brushing and flossing necessary for natural teeth. Although not every issue can be solved by these tooth coverings, the treatment can be effective at correcting a wide variety of common cosmetic dental problems. 

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