If you’re frustrated by gapped or overcrowded teeth, you’re not alone. Many people feel self-conscious about their crooked grins and wonder if any cosmetic services can help enhance their appearance and boost their confidence.
For instance, many patients are curious whether porcelain veneers can be used to straighten their smiles. Continue reading to learn more about this popular treatment and how your dentist can use it to help improve your looks!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are usually made from resilient ceramic, which are bonded to the fronts of your enamel to mask imperfections. The durable porcelain material can be customized to match your smile perfectly in terms color, size, and shape. Then, your provider cements them to your teeth to mask one or several flaws simultaneously. This versatile service can address a variety of concerns, including chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild gaps, and slight misalignments.
For these restorations to fit correctly, your provider must remove a small amount of enamel, which doesn’t regenerate. That means this procedure involves an irreversible change to the structure of your teeth. Thankfully, veneers provide an extra layer of protection and can last 25+ years with the right care.
Can Veneers Straighten Teeth?
Some patients have heard of veneers referred to as “instant orthodontics”, leading them to wonder if this treatment can actually shift their teeth into alignment. However, this phrasing is misleading. It refers to veneers being placed to hide slightly crooked or gapped teeth, giving the illusion that they’ve been instantly straightened.
Veneers don’t exert any pressure on your pearly whites to move them. If you’re seeking an actual orthodontic service, you can ask your dentist about Invisalign. This clear alternative to traditional braces utilizes transparent trays that fit over your teeth to gently reposition them.
Are Veneers Right for Me?
Are you curious whether getting veneers is the best way to achieve your goals? Before you can proceed with any potential cosmetic service, you must consult your provider to ensure you’re a good candidate. This involves examining your mouth and treating any pre-existing issues that could interfere with the results, such as cavities or gum disease. Then, they’ll also discuss your concerns so they can recommend appropriate solutions.
Whether you get veneers or opt for Invisalign, your dentist can offer services that can help you improve your appearance, so you look and feel like the most attractive version of yourself!
Meet the Author
Dr. Adriana Zaharie, known to her team and patients as “Dr. Z.”, enjoys improving patients’ lives by enhancing their dental health. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Antioquia in 1995 and then earned a Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the Advanced Standing Program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Today, she offers a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages conveniently under one roof, including veneers and Invisalign. If you want a straighter smile, you can request an appointment on the website or by calling (281) 394-4001.