By Dr. Jon ( Junyi ) Ho Are you considering dental veneers as an option to improve your smile? If so, it’s important to be aware of the factors that could make you a bad candidate for this procedure.
In this blog post, we will discuss several reasons why you may not be a good candidate for dental veneers. So, if you’re curious whether you should get veneers, read on! We will cover everything you need to know.
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What Is a Dental Veneer?
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain or plastic that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They can be used to improve the appearance of your smile and protect your teeth from further damage. Veneers are also used to correct dental problems such as gaps, chips in teeth, or misshapen teeth.
There are four types of dental veneers: porcelain, composite, Lumineers, and removable veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneer. They are made from thin sheets of porcelain that are cemented to your teeth. They are very strong and durable and can resist staining and discolouration better than other types.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers are made from a composite resin that is bonded to your teeth. These are less expensive, not as strong or durable, and more prone to stains than porcelain veneers.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer that is very thin and translucent. They can be used to correct minor dental problems and require little to no preparation of the tooth before they are applied. However, they often don’t last as long as traditional ones.
Removable Veneers
Removable or temporary veneers are not permanent and can be taken off and put back on at any time. They are less expensive than other types but not as durable.
Veneers typically last between 10 and 15 years, depending on the type and with proper care. However, like your natural teeth, they can wear, stain, or chip over time. Be sure to talk to your dentist about how to take care of dental veneers properly so they can last for many years.
While dental veneers have become one of the most popular options for a smile makeover, there are conditions that can make some unsuitable for them.
Who Are Not Candidates for Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are not right for everyone. There are a few reasons why someone might not be a candidate for dental veneers. These are:
Having Active Gum Disease
You may not be a candidate for dental veneers if you have active gum or periodontal disease. This is because these diseases can cause the underlying bone to deteriorate. As a result, there may not be enough bone for the teeth to support the dental veneers. Your teeth, along with the veneers, can become loose and require removal.
Having Allergies to Materials Used in Dental Veneers
If you have allergies to materials used in dental veneers, you must consider other options. This can cause an allergic reaction and lead to itching, lips, tongue, and throat swelling, and difficulty breathing. When this happens, they must be removed.
Having Severe Dental Issues
Dental veneers work for minor cases of crooked teeth or misalignments. However, severe cases would benefit from other orthodontic treatments such as dental braces or clear aligners.
Having Bad Habits such as Nail Biting, Teeth Grinding, and Chewing on Ice.
If you have any of these bad habits, it’s best to discontinue them before getting dental veneers. These habits can damage the veneers and cause them to break or chip.
Having Very Sensitive Teeth
If you have sensitive teeth, veneers may not be your best option. Veneers can cause more sensitivity to your teeth.
Inability to Commit to a Good Oral Care Routine
Once you get dental veneers, committing to a good oral care routine is important for their success. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly.
If you don’t think you can maintain these habits, then dental veneers may not be right for you. Poor oral hygiene can lead to cavities and gum disease, which can cause your veneers to fail.
Talk to your dentist so they can help you decide if dental veneers are right for you. Who knows, you just might be a good candidate even if you’re uncertain.
How to Know if You Are a Candidate for Dental Veneers
A few factors will be considered when determining if you’re a good candidate for veneers, such as the condition of your natural teeth and your personal dental goals.
Here are some questions that you can ask yourself to know if veneers are right for you:
Do you have healthy teeth?
Veneers can be applied to both natural teeth and dental implants. However, if you have decay or other dental issues, these must be addressed before veneers can be placed.
Do you have gaps in your teeth or misshapen teeth?
Veneers can be used to improve the appearance of both. They can also be used to change the colour, shape, and size of your teeth.
Are you willing to maintain good oral hygiene?
Veneers require careful cleaning and avoidance of hard foods and candy. If you’re not willing to commit to good oral care, veneers may not be the right choice for you.
Do you have realistic expectations?
Veneers can give you an aesthetically-pleasing smile, but they won’t work miracles. If you’re looking for perfection, you may be disappointed.
In general, dental veneers are most successful when they are used to address minor imperfections. However, veneers can also be used to correct more serious dental issues, such as misshapen teeth or severe tooth discolouration.
When Do You Need Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are ideal for individuals with cosmetic dental issues because they help improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. They can also be used to protect the teeth from further damage.
Veneers are often used to address dental issues such as:
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Over time, cracks and chips in a tooth become worse, affecting its function and making it more prone to decay.
- Crooked Teeth: Crooked, uneven, or misaligned teeth stand out and may be difficult to clean. This might lead to chewing difficulties at times. Veneers are used to make crooked teeth appear straight.
- Discoloured Tooth: When your teeth are stained and discoloured, it’s natural to be self-conscious about your smile. Veneers are a wonderful choice for teeth that don’t respond well to whitening treatments.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Teeth gaps can be unsightly and harbour food particles and plaque. In some cases, these spaces can be closed without needing complex treatments or chunky metal wires. Veneers are a great alternative to fill in these gaps.
- Misshaped Teeth: A misshaped tooth can either be too short or too long or look out of place from the rest. Veneers can help address these issues by improving the shape and appearance of your tooth.
Why Do People Choose Dental Veneers?
When it comes to dental work, people often want to choose a convenient yet effective option. That’s why dental veneers have become such a popular choice in recent years.
The benefits of dental veneers include:
- They can improve the appearance of your teeth and give you a more beautiful smile.
- They are durable and can last for many years with proper care.
- They resist staining (porcelain veneers) and are easy to maintain.
- They can be used to correct a wide variety of dental concerns, such as stained, chipped, or crooked teeth.
- They look like real teeth, giving you a natural-looking smile.
Veneers can do wonders for your smile, but only if you are a good candidate for the treatment. But even if you’re not, you can ask your dentist about alternatives that may work for you.
Is There an Alternative to Dental Veneers?
If you have conditions that prohibit you from having dental veneers, you may wonder if there are other available treatment options that can help address your dental issues.
Here are some alternatives to veneers that you may want to consider:
Clear Aligners
If you want to improve the alignment of your teeth but don’t want to wear traditional metal braces, clear aligners may be an excellent option for you. Clear aligners are virtually invisible and can be worn throughout the day and removed for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
Dental Crowns
If you have more extensive dental damage, such as cracked or broken teeth, you may need to get dental crowns for better protection. Dental crowns are caps that are placed over the damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength.
Dental Implants
You may want to consider getting dental implants if you have missing teeth. Dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically placed into the jawbone to act as anchors for artificial teeth.
Teeth Whitening
If your main goal is just to achieve a whiter and brighter smile, a teeth whitening treatment is a cheaper option. There are many over-the-counter whitening products available, as well as professional whitening treatments that your dentist can do.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding can be used to enhance the appearance of your teeth. It involves using a tooth-coloured resin material that bonds to them and improves their shape, size, and colour.
As you can see, there are many different cosmetic dental procedures that can help you achieve a perfect smile. If you’re unsure which procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with your dentist so they can assess your needs and recommend the best treatment option.
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers are an excellent treatment, but they are not a one size fits all cosmetic procedure. Specific conditions must be met for you to be a candidate for dental veneers. If you would like to know if you are a candidate for this treatment, please book an appointment online or call our team at (08) 9515 4892; we would be happy to help.
At Darch Dental Care, we want to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care and treatment, and that includes making sure they are aware of all their options. We hope that this blog post has been informative and helpful. Thank you for reading!
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