Are Veneers right for me?

Veneers can seem like a get-a-beautiful-smile-quick solution that’s perfect for everyone. But it’s not really that simple. While veneers are a fantastic tool to help Albertans get the smile they want, they shouldn’t be used in every circumstance. Often, another solution may be the better choice; this is especially true for Canadians who are middle aged and younger.

Extensive Aesthetic Changes.

Sometimes teeth just don’t come out quite right. They may be very small or misshapen. Other times, accidents, like falls, can leave a tooth cracked or badly chipped. In these cases, veneers are often the best choice. Orthodontics cannot fill in the gaps caused by small teeth, but a larger veneer can be placed on the tiny tooth giving it a larger appearance. This allows your Calgary dentist to fill the gaps and craft you a new smile. Whether only one or two of your teeth are affected or all of them, veneers are one of the best tools for situations where the shape or size of the tooth is the challenge.

Teeth that have been obviously damaged — but don’t need a full crown, can also benefit from the protection a veneer provides. Since the veneer is secured to the surface of the tooth, it helps protect the cracked or chipped surfaces from further injury.

Get a Hollywood Smiles Fast?

What veneers aren’t good for is providing a quick Hollywood smile to middle-age and young Canadians. While veneers are absolutely capable of transforming your smile and giving you the shining, white grin celebrities are known for, they can come with complications which don’t always balance out.

First of all, placing a veneer will require removing some of your natural tooth. While an experienced, cosmetic dentist should be able to remove just a touch of the surface, an inexperienced dentist may remove up to 30% of your natural tooth. This can leave a tooth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.

Veneers also don’t last forever. They typically look good for between 10-30 years, and then they’ll need to be replaced. This makes veneers a great option for seniors whose teeth have worn down or become discoloured with wear and tear, but probably not such a good choice for a 25 year old whose teeth are in great condition but a little yellow. Orthodontics, teeth whitening, and other services are often a better solution for younger Canadians who aren’t facing unique dental challenges, like misshapen teeth.

Your smile is an important part of your identity, and that’s why the expert Calgary dentists at Metro Dental are here to help you get the smile you want. However, we feel it’s necessary to prioritize the health of your teeth and mouth and balance that with your cosmetic wants. If you think veneers may be the right option for you, why not stop by our Calgary dental clinic? We’d be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment for discussing the different options available for meeting your goals.