Porcelain Veneer Alternatives

Porcelain veneers provide excellent results for patients wanting to make over their smile. Veneers are thin tooth coverings, customized to fit perfectly over teeth with minor cosmetic imperfections. Individuals with cracked, chipped, broken, slightly misaligned, or discolored teeth can experience the many benefits of porcelain veneers placement, including a natural-looking, bright, beautiful smile. However, porcelain veneers are not the right solution for everyone's needs. It is important to meet with a skilled cosmetic dentist to determine whether you are an ideal candidate for porcelain veneers. Depending on a number of factors, such as your oral health, cosmetic goals, and financial capabilities, your dentist may recommend another course of treatment instead. Upon examining your smile, and conducting a consultation, your dentist should inform you of all of your options for correcting smile flaws and meeting your goals. The following includes information regarding alternatives to porcelain veneers that may be also recommended:

Orthodontic Braces

While porcelain veneers can correct the appearance of slight misalignment issues, they cannot move the position of the teeth, or adjust bite problems. If a patient has over-crowded teeth, severely crooked teeth, a cross-bite, over-bite, or under-bite, braces may be the best solution. Straightening the teeth and fixing jaw placement can help not only the beauty of your smile, but your overall oral health as well. When teeth are not positioned correctly, the chances of cavities or other health concerns occurring are much greater. You will likely have to wear the braces for an extended period of time, generally one to two years; however, the results are well worth it in the end. The orthodontist will also recommend you wear a retainer after the braces are removed so you can preserve your perfect smile for a lifetime. There are also several options now available for patients needing braces, including clear braces or Invisalign®.

Invisalign®

Many adults avoid correcting teeth misalignment issues with braces for a number of reasons - they are uncomfortable, highly visible, and must be worn for a relatively long time. While braces are an effective method of straightening teeth, Invisalign® is an advanced, camouflaged way of achieving the same goal. Invisalign® consists of a series of clear, plastic trays that are worn consecutively to gradually alter the position of the teeth. The trays are removable, and when worn are virtually undetectable, making them a popular choice for adult patients in particular.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is the process of applying a composite resin material that mimics the color of your natural teeth, to the surface of your blemished teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will sculpt and shape the material directly onto the tooth, and then apply a special light to the tooth's surface so the material will harden. Unlike the porcelain veneers placement procedure, with dental bonding the natural tooth structure does not need to be removed for tooth preparation. Your dentist may however etch the enamel so the bonding adheres correctly. Dental bonding is effective for repairing minor cracks, chips, and tooth discoloration.

Though there are many alternatives, sometimes porcelain veneers are the right choice for you. Visit the DocShop gallery to view porcelain veneers before and after photos.

Photo credit: Smiles on Broadway Dental Care

Locate a Dentist Offering Porcelain Veneers

Patients desiring to transform their smile have many treatment options. Use DocShop to locate an experienced cosmetic dentist near you who can help you choose the right treatment for your smile makeover.