Porcelain veneers are made of thin, tooth-colored porcelain and cemented over the surface of your existing teeth. These cosmetic restorations can hide many dental issues and improve your smile. However, they are unable to correct the underlying causes of your dental issues, such as poor bite mechanics. Keep reading to learn when porcelain veneers would be a good solution for masking the appearance of crooked teeth.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Orthodontics
Porcelain veneers can improve the look of the following cosmetic issues:
- Minor crookedness or misalignment
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Rotated or misshapen teeth
Often referred to as “instant orthodontics,” it’s important to note that porcelain veneers do not act in the same way orthodontic treatments do. Porcelain veneers merely camouflage orthodontic problems. They do not change the positioning of your teeth. While they can make your smile look straighter, the teeth underneath your veneers will remain crooked.
As a result, porcelain veneers are recommended for aesthetic rather than functional concerns. If you have more moderate to severe crooked teeth caused by one of the following problems, Dr. Chung may suggest braces, Invisalign®, or another form of orthodontics:
- Malocclusion
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
During your initial consultation, Dr. Chung will examine your mouth to determine whether veneers or orthodontics are right for you.
Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
You’re likely a good candidate for porcelain veneers if you have:
- A single crooked or rotated tooth
- Small gaps or spaces between teeth
- Minimal overcrowding
Since porcelain veneers only change the appearance of your teeth, they work best in the front of your mouth. If your crooked teeth are difficult to clean or affect your bite, orthodontics will likely offer a more permanent solution.
You will need to have healthy teeth and gums before proceeding with porcelain veneers. They are not recommended for patients who have gum disease. To know for sure if you’re a good candidate for porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation at our office.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Dr. Chung customizes your porcelain veneers to match the shape, size, and color of your existing teeth. Once bonded to your teeth, they provide durable, long-lasting results that look and feel natural. In addition to a straighter smile, your porcelain veneers will:
- Give you whiter, brighter teeth
- Protect your teeth against future discoloration and decay
- Strengthen and stabilize weak teeth
While orthodontics often takes one to two years to complete, porcelain veneers require only two office visits. After your initial evaluation, Dr. Chung will take impressions of your teeth that will be used to create your customized veneers. Depending on your needs, he may fit you with temporary veneers at this time. During your second visit, he will shape and bond your veneers to your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are an excellent option if you would rather not commit to the lengthy treatment process associated with orthodontics.
Some more benefits are:
They Hide the Tooth
If you’re asking whether a veneer can straighten crooked teeth, the answer is no. It acts as a cover, and it won’t pull any teeth into a new position, like braces or aligners. While your teeth may look great with the veneers, there are still crooked ones behind them.
They Can Give Confidence
That being said, having straight teeth, or the appearance of it, can send people’s confidence soaring. They will be more willing to smile and talk with people. As a result, they could make great advances in both their personal and professional lives. They will likely see that as a worthy trade-off.
They Are Durable
Porcelain is strong. People can eat and drink almost like they did before — though there are some things that could stain the veneer or break it. Don’t eat hard candy and crunch down on it, and if you need to have things like soda, coffee, or wine, consider getting a straw. That way, it won’t hit the front of your teeth and make your veneers look unsightly.
They can also last a long time, between 10-20 years, before needing to be replaced. The time depends on how well you treat them.
They Aren’t Reversible
Veneers aren’t reversible. That’s because the dentist is going to shave a bit of enamel off the front of the tooth in order to put the veneer on. As a result, you can’t change your mind since there is no replacing that layer of enamel.
If you want to get near-instant results — the process usually takes a few visits overall — you can get veneers for your crooked teeth. You still brush your teeth and floss as normal. Then life will go on as normal, but with you having a great-looking smile.
Two Common Questions About Porcelain Veneers
Can You Get Porcelain Veneers With Crooked Teeth?
This is a quick answer, but yes, as we’ve stated, porcelain veneers can be a viable option for individuals with crooked teeth. Porcelain veneers can effectively mask various dental imperfections, such as crooked teeth. Veneers are designed to create a straighter and more uniform appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your smile.
Are Porcelain Veneers a Good Substitute for Orthodontic Treatment?
While porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of crooked teeth, they don’t correct the underlying misalignment. If the crookedness is due to a significant misalignment of the teeth or jaw, orthodontic treatment may be a more appropriate long-term solution. It depends on the individual and what their goals are.
Why Choose Dr. Chung
Dr. Chung is a graduate of the world-renowned Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, and he specializes in cosmetic dentistry. He has also studied at the Institute for Facial Aesthetics to hone his cosmetic dentistry skills further. With a passion for helping his patients feel confident about their smiles, he will take the time needed to determine the best option for your crooked teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Northern Virginia
Are you interested in learning more about veneers? Come talk to Dr. Michael K. Chung at Softouch Dental Care in Oakton, VA. You can call us at 703-319-6990 to make an appointment or to ask any questions. We serve patients in Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and nearby areas of Northern Virginia.
