Am I a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Are there certain cosmetic elements you dislike about your smile? Maybe you have small chips or fractures. Perhaps your teeth are discoloured, and teeth whitening doesn’t seem to help. Patients looking to improve the aesthetics of their smile may benefit from porcelain veneers. Fortunately, our family dentist, Dr. John VandenBrink, offers these lifelike restorations at Glenora Family Dental clinic in Edmonton. Read on to find out if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers.

What problems can dental veneers address?

Before we explore candidacy, let’s discuss the common issues that porcelain veneers can address. These custom-crafted restorations are excellent for helping to conceal cosmetic imperfections such as:

• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Discoloured teeth
• Slightly misaligned teeth
• Gaps or spacing

Veneers are a versatile dental treatment

Because porcelain veneers can correct a number of aesthetic concerns, they are often an excellent choice for those with multiple dental issues. For example, if you have two chipped teeth, spacing issues in another area, or a discoloured front tooth, veneers could simultaneously correct these issues with one comprehensive treatment. Otherwise, several procedures would be necessary to achieve the appearance you desire.

Good oral health

Before pursuing porcelain veneers or any cosmetic dentistry treatment, it is important that you have healthy teeth and gums. Excellent oral health will provide a stronger foundation for long-lasting results. If tooth decay is present, Dr. VandenBrink may recommend treatments in restorative dentistry first. Additionally, if you have gum disease, periodontal therapy should be completed before receiving veneers.

Sufficient tooth enamel

In most cases, minimal amounts of enamel are removed before veneer placement so that the restorations will bond properly. However, if you have already lost too much enamel, you may not be eligible for veneers. Enamel loss or tooth erosion can occur if you suffer from severe bruxism (teeth grinding). If you do not have sufficient enamel, the veneers may not have a strong bonding surface.

Say “no” to teeth-grinding

Are you a teeth-grinder? It’s important to note that this habit can damage porcelain restorations; therefore, those who suffer from severe bruxism may need a custom oral appliance created to protect the teeth overnight. This device is fabricated in office, to reduce the amount of pressure placed on the teeth. Learn more about our mouth guards and oral appliances.

Keeping your teeth and new veneers clean

Proper brushing and flossing is essential to everyone. However, those with veneers must be especially diligent. Patients must also be committed to attending routine dental examinations and cleanings. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last for several years.

Contact our dental office in Edmonton to learn more about porcelain veneers

If you would like to explore treatments in cosmetic dentistry, such as porcelain veneers, schedule a consultation with Dr. VandenBrink at our Edmonton, AB dental practice. You can contact us online anytime, or call our office at 780.452.5700.