Who is a good candidate for porcelain veneers?

It may seem like everywhere you turn, people have dazzling smiles that look like they could belong to a movie star. It’s no coincidence! Today’s dental technologies and materials have made it easier than ever before to transform your smile. Porcelain dental veneers are among the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available because of their incredible versatility and ability to completely change the appearance of your teeth in just a few dental visits. At Shadowridge Dental Group, porcelain dental veneers are one of the many options we offer to patients in San Marcos, California areas who are seeking to enhance their smile. Many patients wonder if they are a good candidate for this treatment. Read on to learn more about veneers and whether they might be right for you! 

Porcelain veneers explained

Porcelain dental veneers are ultra-thin pieces of high-quality dental porcelain that are securely adhered to the front of your teeth, where they can hide a wide array of imperfections such as gaps between teeth, misaligned teeth, oddly shaped or sized teeth, asymmetry in your smile, and stains or discoloration. The shape, size, and color of dental veneers are custom-designed based on your unique smile and desired end results. We use a very high-quality dental porcelain that is crafted to have the same luster and translucency as tooth enamel for natural-looking results that don’t look “fake.” 

Most people can have veneers placed in as little as two visits: in the first visit, we prepare your teeth by taking a small amount of enamel off of the surface, which helps the final veneers sit correctly in your mouth without affecting your bite or adding bulk. We then take dental impressions of your teeth so your veneers can be created in the laboratory based on our precise specifications. When they are ready, you will come back into the office and we will try them on your teeth to ensure you are completely happy with their appearance and fit. We will adjust your veneers as needed and then bond them onto your teeth with a dental bonding agent, and then you can go show off your brand new smile!

Am I a good candidate for veneers?

Porcelain veneers can be a great option for many patients who are interested in improving the appearance of their smile. In particular, we may recommend veneers for patients who:

• Have good oral health – if needed, we will recommend the necessary treatments to restore health to your teeth and gums before getting veneers placed
• Have adequate enamel thickness – because a small amount of enamel must be removed for the veneers to be placed, it is important to have sufficient enamel for the veneers to bond properly onto the teeth
• Do not grind or clench their teeth – nighttime grinding and clenching can damage veneers, so a night guard is recommended in these cases to prevent damage
• Do not chew on hard objects – chewing on pens, ice, nails, and other hard objects can also damage your veneers so it is important to avoid these habits if you opt for dental veneers

At Shadowridge Dental Group, we perform an extensive evaluation and consultation with all patients who are considering cosmetic treatments to ensure we arrive at a plan that works best for your current oral health, treatment preferences, and desired end results. Call our San Marcos, CA office at (760) 284-8111 to schedule your consultation today!