One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, but if you have gaps in your teeth, you might worry you’ll be judged for your dental condition. Although orthodontic services can help straighten your smile, some patients wonder if there’s a faster and more convenient solution to improve their appearance.
Many dentists provide other cosmetic services to address your aesthetic concerns, such as porcelain veneers, which are sometimes referred to as instant orthodontics. But can these ceramic shells really reposition your grin? Continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin covers usually made of resilient porcelain that can be customized to resemble your natural enamel. They’re cemented to the front surfaces of your teeth to mask one or several aesthetic issues, such as chips, cracks, and stubborn stains. They don’t develop decay and are coated with a glaze durable enough to resist additional damage or discoloration, and shield the underlying tooth from the same.
However, some dentists also refer to this treatment as “instant orthodontics,” leading some patients to wonder if this cosmetic service can also address dental or bite misalignments, such as crooked, overcrowded, or gapped teeth.
Can Veneers Straighten My Smile?
It’s natural to wonder whether veneers can help straighten your smile, especially if your dentist discussed this service as a possible solution to meet your needs. However, it’s important to note that this is a cosmetic service that is intended to improve your looks more than your dental condition.
Your provider can carefully arrange the shells to hide any gaps or overcrowding, but this treatment doesn’t exert any pressure on your teeth to shift them as orthodontic services do. For that, you might consult your dentist about another service, such as Invisalign, which utilizes transparent trays that fit over your arches to gently shift your teeth to their ideal positions.
Am I A Good Candidate for Veneers?
Before proceeding with any procedure, including cosmetic upgrades, you must consult your provider to ensure you’re a good candidate. They’ll examine your teeth and gums and address any pre-existing problems, such as cavities or gum disease, that might negatively affect the outcome.
Then, once your dentist confirms that you’re a good candidate for veneers, they can devise a customized treatment plan and walk you through the details for your approval before moving forward.
If you’re unsure whether veneers can effectively mask your dental concerns, scheduling an appointment with your dentist is the best way to find out!
Meet the Author
Dr. Ahmad Hakwati has more than a full decade of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental degree from Damascus University and then graduated from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs under one roof, including porcelain veneers and Invisalign. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (978) 297-0675.