I am 41 years old, and my top front teeth are very slightly overlapped and not as white as I’d like. I don’t like my tooth shape either. I heard that porcelain veneers might be able to make my teeth look straighter without getting braces. Is this true? Thank you! Adrienne from Sumpter, SC
Adrienne,
Can Porcelain Veneers Straighten Your Teeth?
Porcelain veneers can occasionally make teeth look straighter and improve size, shade, and shape. A cosmetic can improve your teeth’s appearance with these steps:
- Remove a small amount of tooth enamel to prepare your teeth for veneers
- Gently reshaped them by removing a very small amount of tooth structure from the front surfaces
- Have a dental lab craft the veneers to create a straighter look to the teeth
Will You Need Orthodontics Before Veneers?
You may need orthodontics before veneers in these cases:
- Cross-bite
- The palate needs expansion
- Certain teeth rotated, missing, supernumerary (extra)
Veneers are limited in improving alignment, and if the opposing teeth are not in the correct position, they may break the new veneers or displace them.
If you have a slight overlap with the upper front six (eye tooth to eye tooth across the top front) and some shade concerns, then yes, veneers may correct your concerns. At times, a dentist must treat the lower front six teeth for shade and bite matching or other reasons.
During your consultation, a dentist will explain your treatment options.
Do You Qualify for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneer
You may qualify for porcelain veneers if your teeth are free from decay and gum disease. A dentist must resolve unhealthy teeth and gums before you can get veneers. Your overall oral health and hygiene must be good before treatment begins.
Request a Consultation
You can meet with the doctor during a consultation to determine your goals and expectations. The dentist will take photos, impressions, and scans of your teeth before explaining your treatment options for straightening and whitening your teeth.
Sugar Land, Texas, cosmetic dentist Dr. Siny Thomas sponsors this post.