Porcelain veneers are a great way to solve aesthetic dental problems, from discoloration to alignment issues. Whether this treatment is ideal for you depends on the kind of cosmetic dental problems you have, as well as your current state of oral health.
As a cosmetic dentist who is highly proficient in dental care with the use of veneers, Dr. Pescatore has provided this guide to help patients better understand how ideal results are achieved.
The Role of Positive Dental Health
Porcelain veneers can solve a range of mild to severe cosmetic problems. However, the type and severity of current flaws aren’t the only issues that determine whether you're a good candidate for this procedure. If you're thinking about this treatment, your general oral health must also be evaluated to make sure veneers are the right option.
As a treatment that is not just used for aesthetic purposes, veneers should only be applied on teeth that are otherwise healthy. Patients with untreated gum disease or tooth decay will need to seek preliminary care before any cosmetic smile enhancements are considered.
In order for veneer treatment to be successful and long-lasting, there must be enough healthy tooth structure present to create a strong bond. If your teeth are worn due to grinding, it’s important to note that porcelain can also be damaged, and even cause breakage, by this problem, often referred to as bruxism or grinding. Frequent teeth grinders should have their condition evaluated to determine what can be done to minimize this issue. In most cases, a night guard appliance will be needed after the completion of any treatment.
Alignment and Orthodontic Work
Veneers look and feel best when your bite is properly aligned. A balanced bite can prevent the issue of bruxism and tooth breakage, as described above. While veneers can treat mild to moderate crowding or and gaps between teeth, patients with severely misaligned smiles should consider orthodontic work before getting veneers to enhance the shape and shade of teeth. Dr. Pescatore will be able to decide with you if you are an orthodontic candidate and your options for cosmetic treatment.
If you'd like to know more about this cosmetic dental treatment or want to find out if you're a good candidate, call Christopher Pescatore, DMD, today for your veneers consultation.