Consult a Cosmetic Dentist About Veneers

Dental veneers from a cosmetic dentist help patients achieve a more uniform smile. These wafer-thin shells fit over the fronts of the teeth, improving their appearance for years to come. If you have been considering veneers, here are some common signs that it is time to consult a cosmetic dentist.

The proportions of your smile bother you

Perhaps the most well-known reason people get veneers is to correct teeth that are not proportionate to each other or the face as a whole. Whether the teeth seem too short, long, or bulky, the cosmetic dentist can grind down the natural teeth structures and place more proportionate veneers on top. The result should be that picture-perfect Hollywood smile.

You have some uneven teeth

Veneers can also help patients straighten out the appearance of their teeth. While cosmetic dentists have other options to even out teeth, such as reshaping the enamel, this sometimes requires grinding down too much of the natural structure. In these cases, a cosmetic dentist may recommend veneers to prevent the patient from being left with even but weakened teeth.

Veneers are durable and do not negatively impact chewing or speaking ability. They also last about 10 years on average. That means patients can achieve a more even smile without endangering their oral health.

There are minor chips or cracks in your teeth

Chips and cracks not extending past the enamel are considered cosmetic imperfections. A cosmetic dentist can, therefore, correct them by leveling them out, grinding them down, and cementing veneers on top of what remains of the teeth. This has the added benefit of preventing minor chips and cracks from deepening, which could compromise the integrity and health of the teeth. For example, a crack that reaches the center of the tooth leaves it prone to infection.

You want to close minor gaps

Teeth spaced slightly too far apart do not necessarily cause oral health issues. However, it is common to be unhappy with their appearance. For these patients, a cosmetic dentist can alter the spacing of the teeth with custom-made veneers that fill in small gaps in the smile.

Some teeth are crooked, but not enough for orthodontic treatment

While veneers cannot shift teeth, they can be shaped to give the appearance of a straight smile. Thus, patients can use veneers to achieve their desired look. Similar to correcting gapped teeth with veneers, the dentist will place a veneer on a crooked tooth that lines up better with the surrounding teeth. While the root of the tooth remains crooked, the visible part appears straight.

During a consultation, a cosmetic dentist will determine if veneers are the right choice for the patient. From there, the dentist can customize a treatment plan and answer any questions.