Which Smile Flaws Can Porcelain Veneers Fix? Ask a Cosmetic Dentist!

When it comes to having the smile you’ve always wanted, it’s worth it to spend some time researching which cosmetic procedures will work the best for your situation. What works beautifully for one person may not work so well for another, but rest assured that there’s a solution for every type of cosmetic issue. Porcelain veneers are fantastic for a wide variety of flaws, but they can’t fix everything. Learn more below about how porcelain veneers work and which problem they can (and can’t) fix. If veneers aren’t right for you, you’ll also learn about other solutions that might be!

How Do Porcelain Veneers Work?

Porcelain veneers are strong, thin “shells” that are adhered to the front of the teeth to give them a whole new appearance. Porcelain is an excellent material for veneers for several reasons. It’s stain-resistant, strong and durable, and also reflects light the way that natural teeth do.

These qualities mean that your veneers will look great for many years with basic maintenance like good brushing and flossing and regular checkups.

What Issues Do Porcelain Veneers Work For?

If you’d like to correct any of the following, porcelain veneers might be the perfect choice:

• Minor crowding or gaps
• Chips or cracks
• Severe staining that doesn’t respond to whitening treatments
• Small or misshapen teeth
• Worn enamel or other enamel defects

What Can’t Porcelain Veneers Fix?

Here are some of the problems that veneers can’t fix, along with alternative solutions:

• Significant crowding or gaps – Veneers can work well for minor crowding or gaps, but anything beyond that requires an orthodontic option such as braces or Invisalign.
• Severe decay or fractures – If your teeth aren’t in reasonably good health, dental crowns may be a better option. Not only will a crown restore their strength and function, it will also give them a whole new appearance as well.
• Advanced gum disease – If you want to transform your smile but have advanced gum disease (and loose teeth as a result), a dentist may recommend a bridge or partial denture. Your gum health is the foundation of your smile because it supports your teeth, so you wouldn’t want to invest in cosmetic work if this foundation isn’t healthy.

If you’re wondering about the best way to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, the first step is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist who will take the time to evaluate your needs and goals.

In many cases, you’ll have more than one option to choose from to make sure you get the final result that suits your goals perfectly!

About the Author

Dr. Darrick Castleberry is a general, restorative and cosmetic dentist who loves seeing how the impact that a healthy, beautiful smile has on his patients’ lives. Porcelain veneers are one of his most popular procedures, but he offers a variety of options for any situation because he believes everyone deserves a great smile. If you’d like to know more about which cosmetic procedures can help you, he can be reached via his website or at (281) 320-9600.