Porcelain veneers have long been a solution to an imperfect smile. In fact, in the late 1920s, actors and actresses wore veneers while acting and to red carpet events. Veneers were only temporary at that time, but today, they are permanent.
Now, many celebrities and “regular” people like you and me choose porcelain veneers as a quick solution to dental imperfections like chips, cracks, gaps, and crooked teeth. Patients often choose veneers over orthodontic and other cosmetic dental solutions because the process is quick and simple.
Before placing veneers, patients must pass a candidacy test. Can you? Here are five things dentists look for when approving a patient for dental veneers:
1. Healthy teeth and gums
For porcelain veneers to be successful, the patient must have healthy teeth and gums. Cavities and gum disease can interfere with the success of your veneers and may lead to complications down the road. Luckily, these issues don’t usually exempt a person from receiving veneers, but the problem must be resolved before beginning the treatment.
To place dental veneers, there must be an adequate amount of enamel on their teeth. Dental decay and gum disease can lead to enamel loss. In cases where there isn’t enough enamel to place the veneers, your dentist will recommend other cosmetic dental solutions.
2. No signs of bruxism
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, must be addressed before placing dental veneers, or the immense pressure put on the teeth could break or crack the veneers later on. Your dentist may suggest a mouth guard to wear at night as well as other home remedies to reduce the risk of bruxism.
3. Minor imperfections
Porcelain veneers cover up several minor to moderate cosmetic imperfections, like:
- Intrinsic dental stains
- Uneven teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Gapped teeth
Veneers don’t necessarily correct those issues, but they do mask them. However, for patients with severely crooked or gapped teeth, other cosmetic issues may be necessary.
4. Good oral hygiene
Patients who desire dental veneers must have and maintain good oral hygiene. Without taking proper care of your smile, the veneers may fail and may need to be replaced more often.
Here are some tips for achieving optimal oral health before and after veneers:
- Brush in the morning and evening with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Use a dentist-recommended toothpaste
- Floss in the evening after your last meal
- Eat fewer crunchy, sticky, and chewy foods
- Avoid sugary foods and beverages
- Get treatment for bruxism
- Visit the dentist every six months
5. Freedom from bad habits
Candidates for porcelain veneers should commit to avoiding habits that may harm their veneers. These include:
- Nail-biting
- Eating hard foods
- Chewing ice
- Teeth grinding
Talk to your dentist about any bad habits you have and some of the best ways to break them. Issues like teeth grinding may be a symptom of other oral or overall health problems and will need to be addressed before moving forward with veneer placement.
Porcelain Veneers in Denver
If you’re looking for a quick and dramatic way to improve the appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers are the solution! At Metropolitan Dental Care, our team is dedicated to helping patients achieve optimal oral health as well as stunning smiles.
Our dental professionals will examine your teeth and gums to ensure you are the perfect candidate for veneers so you don’t experience any problems later. If not, we offer many other cosmetic dental solutions to improve your smile.
Contact us today at (303) 534-2626 to schedule your initial consultation.
