People consider someone’s smile their most important feature. There are a lot of people that are simply not happy with their smiles. If you are one of these people, veneers might be just the procedure for you.

Dental work can seem too much of an investment, both in time and money. But not anymore. Veneers are a modern dental miracle. In two visits you can walk out with a perfect smile. Imagine that! Veneers are often a less expensive option than crowns or dental implants, and the results are amazing.

There are times when braces can be avoided using veneers to close gaps. Braces are a huge commitment and investment of your time and energy. So instead of resorting to orthodontics, porcelain veneers allow you to quickly and effectively correct minor dental problems with your teeth.

While there’s no question that porcelain veneers are a wonderful way to achieve a beautiful smile – is everyone a candidate? Keep reading to find out…

What can veneers do?

Porcelain veneers are very thin, strong “shells” that are adhered to the front of the teeth, completely masking their original appearance. They are a perfect solution for:

Severe stains – Some stains don’t respond well to whitening treatments, including those from fluorosis or taking tetracycline (an antibiotic) in childhood.

Small or misshapen teeth – Often genetics are responsible when some of the front teeth are very small (also called “peg laterals”), or otherwise shaped differently than the rest of the teeth.

Chips and cracks – If you have chipped or cracked teeth, porcelain veneers are a great way to restore their appearance and make them look brand new again.

Minor gaps or crowding – Veneers won’t work for large gaps or major crowding, but there are cases where veneers can be used instead of braces to correct these minor issues.

What can’t veneers do?

While porcelain veneers are a great choice for many patients, no cosmetic option works for everyone. Here are some examples of patients that may not benefit from this procedure:

Excessive Crowding – Significant crowding do not allow room for veneers to give an even final result.

Poor Gum Condition – Failing gums which are the foundation for your veneers and need to be healthy to support them.

Tooth Structure – Inadequate natural tooth structure for adhering the veneers to.

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular options in cosmetic dentistry for good reasons. If you’d like to know whether they would work for you, a great first step is scheduling a consultation with us at Lydiard St Dental Clinic to assess your individual needs and goals, and together we can work out the best cosmetic option for you.