How Do You Know If You’re a Good Candidate for Veneers?

If you’re an avid coffee, tea, red wine, or even cola drinker, you probably partake of one or more of these beverages every day. As tasty as these types of drinks can be, they can cause stains to form on your teeth. 

If you’ve noticed your smile has lost some of its natural whiteness, veneers can give your teeth a brighter, whiter appearance. Unfortunately, not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. Read on as a Miami Beach, FL dentist discusses what veneers are and how they work, and find out if they’re right for you.

Dental Veneers -What Are They?

Dental veneers are like caps for your teeth. They’re typically made from porcelain or resin composite materials. The dentist can fit them over a single tooth or a group of teeth depending on which teeth you want to improve. Also, veneers can be colored to match your natural tooth color to make them appear like your own teeth.

Since they fit like caps overtop your teeth, veneers can also eliminate the appearance of uneven, misshapen, or chipped teeth. Here are a few other benefits you can expect:

• They get rid of gaps between teeth
• They eliminate areas that look worn
• They help relieve tooth sensitivity 
• They resist staining
• They’re strong and durable

If you’re considering veneers, keep in mind that certain dental problems may disqualify you until the problem is corrected. Once corrected, you should be a candidate for veneers. 

You’re a Good Candidate for Veneers If –

You Don’t Grind or Clench Your Teeth

As strong as veneers are, they’re not as strong as your natural teeth. Habits like teeth clenching or grinding may splinter veneers, and in some cases, may even break them. However, if you only grind your teeth while you sleep and you wear a mouthguard, you may still be a good candidate for veneers. 

Your Teeth Are Healthy

Since veneers fit over top of your teeth like caps, you can’t have serious dental issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or periodontal disease. Otherwise, the “cap effect” of veneers would allow an existing dental problem to get worse. 

You Have Good Teeth Alignment

Good teeth alignment is a must-have if you’re considering veneers. This is because misaligned teeth exert uneven pressure when you bite down. Under these conditions, veneers would be more prone to splintering and cracking.

You Have Good Tooth Enamel

Bonding glue or cement is used to affix veneers to your teeth. This means you’ll need to have good tooth enamel so the veneers can form a secure fit.

If you have more questions or wish to schedule a consultation, please don’t hesitate to call our Miami Beach, FL dentistry office today.