Am I A Good Candidate For Veneers?

Veneers are one of the most popular types of cosmetic dental procedures, thanks to their versatility.

With them, you can correct a variety of aesthetic concerns, such as:

Severe staining and discoloration
Misshapen teeth
Irregularly sized teeth
Uneven teeth
Minor chips and cracks
Gaps between teeth
Minor alignment issues

However, veneers are not for everyone. Dr. Shaggy will first conduct a thorough oral health assessment to see if you’re a good candidate for this procedure and to ensure you’re making the right choice.

Keep reading to find out who is a good candidate for veneers and who might need an alternative solution.

How Do Veneers Work?

Veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that gets bonded to the front surface of the natural tooth. To make sure the veneer stays in place, Dr. Shaggy will need to shave a bit of tooth enamel to create a rough texture.

The preparation process doesn’t necessarily change the integrity of your natural tooth. They will not become more sensitive or weakened—in fact, veneers can help strengthen teeth that are worn down or slightly chipped and cracked.

But tooth enamel doesn’t grow back, so veneers are a permanent cosmetic treatment. This makes it even more important to make sure you’re a good candidate for them.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers?

To ensure you’re a good candidate for veneers, your dentist will need to make sure that:

You have healthy teeth and gums - If you’re dealing with oral health issues such as cavities or gum disease, you’ll first need to get these issues treated. Veneers can only be bonded to healthy teeth

You have enough tooth enamel - Acid erosion can reduce tooth enamel, making your teeth thinner. Sometimes, there might not be enough enamel left to support a veneer

You have good oral habits - Veneers don’t necessarily require special maintenance. But since they only cover the front surface of the teeth, the patient does need to continue practicing good oral hygiene. Developing cavities or gum disease after getting veneers could mean you’ll need to remove them in order to get treatment

You are willing to commit; veneers are a lifelong commitment - If they break, wear down, or need replacing, you will need a new pair of veneers. Some patients aren’t comfortable with that level of commitment and might prefer an option that allows them more freedom to change their minds later on.