If you’re looking to improve your smile, veneers may be a good option. Veneers can brighten and straighten your smile easily and require a bit of tooth preparation. Dentists can determine if you are a good candidate for veneers by evaluating your dental health.

Good Candidates for Veneers

While veneers are a great and easy option for improving your smile, dentists have to make sure you are a good candidate before the process can get started.  

You Have Stained Teeth 

If you have stained teeth and whitening options aren’t working for you, veneers can be a good solution. You can choose the color or shade of the veneers when consulting with your dentist to find one that makes you happy.

You Have Slight Misalignment or Imperfections

Slight imperfections can be easily covered up by veneers. Chips, cracks, or slight misalignments can be corrected and covered up without the need for extensive dental work or orthodontic treatment. 

You Have Enough Tooth Enamel 

When veneers are placed, dentists may have to shave down a small portion of your teeth in order to cement the veneer. If there is not enough tooth enamel, veneers may not be the best option for you. 

Your Teeth and Gums are Healthy

While perfect oral health is not necessary for veneers, it is still a factor that could impact your candidacy for veneers. If there are dental issues like gum disease or cavities, your dentist will have to treat those issues before getting started. 

You Don’t Have Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Bruxism involves grinding and clenching of the teeth. If you have bruxism, veneers are not a good option because they can cause the porcelain to crack or the cement to debond. 

You Can Cover the Costs 

Veneers are considered an elective cosmetic treatment therefore, most insurance will not cover the costs. The cost of veneers can vary from hundreds to thousands of dollars per tooth. 

Alternatives to Veneers

If you are not a good candidate for veneers, there are other options that can be considered to get you the smile you want.

• Teeth whitening: Teeth whitening options can help reduce the look of stains and yellowing in the teeth. There are over-the-counter options as well as in-office options. Ask your dentist which whitening option is best for you.
• Crowns: Crowns are a permanent option to fix teeth with deeper cracks and cover the entire tooth as opposed to veneers.
• Bonding: Bonding can cover up small cracks and imperfections. This option is less costly and takes a fraction of the time. Be aware that bonding doesn’t last as long as veneers. 
• Orthodontic treatment: If you’re looking to fix misalignment issues there are multiple orthodontic options like Invisalign® or metal braces.  This will not improve the shape, size, or color of your teeth but will align your teeth in the best possible way.

Schedule a Veneer Consultation at Lakeview Dental Care

Schedule an appointment at Lakeview Dental Care to consult with a doctor about whether or not you are a good candidate for veneers. Your dentist will assess your oral health and provide options if you are not eligible. Give us a call or schedule at one of our conveniently located offices today!