Porcelain Veneers: Are They Right for Me?

Dental veneers are thin cosmetic restorations that — when we bond over the front of your natural teeth — instantly change the shape and color of your smile. They’re often regarded as one of the “best” cosmetic dentistry options because of how dramatic they can be.

If you’re considering a smile makeover, here are some of the things you’ll want to think about before getting dental veneers:

Your Teeth Need to be Healthy

Unlike crowns that cover your entire tooth, veneers only bond to the front and slightly over the edges. Any significant structural damage or tooth decay will prevent the placement of a veneer on that tooth.

…and So Will Your Gums

Gum disease needs to be under control before placing any type of cosmetic restoration — including veneers — on teeth. Otherwise, you run the risk of the overall tooth becoming mobile and failing altogether.

Your Cosmetic Goals

Veneers work best for erasing the signs of minor crowding, gaps, uneven enamel, major staining/discoloration, and slightly misshaped teeth. Major needs such as severe tooth misalignment may be better treated with an alternative therapy.

How Many Teeth You Need to Address

Porcelain veneers are best placed in sets of 6-10 at a time, spanning the entire width of your visible smile. But if you only have one or two teeth that cause aesthetic concerns, you may not need to place veneers over all of them. Something more conservative such as whitening, bonding, or recontouring to address a minor surface concern could theoretically benefit your entire smile.

Get a Customized Care Plan

Each of our smile makeovers are tailored to the specific goals of each patient. Contact Dunwoody Family & Cosmetic Dentistry today to get started.