Most people think braces are the only solution if their teeth are crooked or overlapping. While this may be true in some cases, there are occasions when porcelain veneers can conceal crooked teeth to give the illusion of a perfectly straight smile.
You may be wondering whether you can get veneers with crooked teeth or will you have to undergo some form of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics is surprisingly common in Australia, with 62% of adults considering treatment, so you’re not alone.
Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer. Every case is different, and only a personal assessment with our experienced dentists can say whether or not dental veneers would be a suitable treatment for your crooked teeth.
This might sound a little vague, but it helps to understand that dental veneers sit beneath the umbrella of cosmetic dentistry. In other words, while they can’t physically straighten your pearly whites, they can give a cosmetic appearance of a straighter, healthier-looking smile.
So, can you get veneers with crooked teeth?
If your teeth are severely misaligned or crooked, it’s more than likely our dentists would recommend braces or Invisalign as a more viable treatment and perhaps look at porcelain veneers after orthodontic treatment.
On the contrary, some people with straight teeth dislike the shape, colour or size and often turn to dental veneers to correct these flaws.
We can make recommendations, but patients often make their own decisions regarding cosmetic dentistry.
Whatever you decide, here’s what you need to know about porcelain veneers.
Whether you pick out each tooth you dislike the look of, or you have multiple porcelain veneers to correct the crooked teeth that show when you smile, a degree of tooth preparation will be required
As a result, porcelain veneers are, in most cases, an irreversible process. This means you will always need to wear them once you have them.
Even if it’s only necessary to remove a tiny sliver of enamel, the dentist will need to etch or scratch the surface of the enamel to help the veneers adhere to the tooth.
On the other hand, composites rarely need much tooth preparation (if any), and when done well, they can usually be reversed. While they are cheaper than porcelain, they last a fraction of the time. According to various studies, they have a lifespan of between 5-7 years as opposed to 15-20 years for porcelain.
So, now we’ve ascertained that in some instances, you can get veneers with crooked teeth; let’s look at the process.
Dental veneers are thin shells made from tooth-coloured composite or porcelain materials. When applied to the front surface of slightly crooked teeth, they can dramatically alter their appearance, concealing flaws and imperfections to create a beautiful white even smile.
Every veneer is customised to fit an individual tooth and shade-matched to the surrounding teeth, so they blend seamlessly into the smile.
Porcelain appears more natural than composite because it has similar translucent properties to tooth enamel, helping create a smile that sparkles. When done well, they look like natural teeth, only better.
Veneers can also improve the smile’s appearance and shape by amending the teeth’ position and look – making small teeth appear larger, closing gaps, and fixing pointed teeth to make the smile more symmetrical.
In essence, veneers are an ideal solution for an individual without extensive tooth damage who wants to enhance their smile in a relatively minimally invasive way.
Veneers for crooked teeth – How do they work?
They work by covering the front of a tooth with a wafer-thin layer of porcelain or composite resin material (the same material used for dental fillings). A small layer of the enamel needs to be removed with porcelain to ensure the veneer sits flush within the smile.
The good news is there’s no need to cover every tooth, just problematic ones and possibly those that are adjacent.
Our dentists use digital smile design software to let patients see how their smiles will look. With an on-screen view of how their new smile will look, patients can better visualise the results and explain their desired outcome. We typically recommend using veneers on the front teeth that other people can see.
What are the primary advantages of tooth veneers?
The main advantage is the treatment time. Composite veneers can be completed in a single dental visit, meaning patients can walk in with a smile they don’t particularly like and exit an hour later with a smile they love.
Porcelain laminates can be completed in two dental visits compared to months of orthodontic treatment to make similar adjustments. Veneers are ideal for an individual wanting a quick smile makeover. It’s hardly surprising they’re often referred to as ‘instant orthodontics.’
Another advantage of dental veneers is they can grow old with you. As the face alters with age, our dentists can customise the laminates without too much hassle to help create your dream smile.
Will the teeth be harmed?
Veneers are a standard procedure in cosmetic dentistry, and when performed by a qualified dentist, they have no adverse effects on the teeth. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t still decay. It’s essential to practice good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups to help veneers remain pristine for years to come.
Do Your Research
Before having porcelain veneers applied to the teeth, it’s best to understand your teeth straightening options.
After all, veneers are a permanent treatment and can represent a significant financial investment depending on the number you require.
Can you get veneers with crooked teeth – the bottom line
In some cases, yes, but only if teeth are mildly crooked. If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and want to learn more about veneers for crooked teeth and other dental problems, why not schedule a consultation with Beyond Infinity Dental by calling us on . Our friendly dentists will be happy to discuss alternative dental treatments so you can make an informed decision.
References
Orthodontics Australia – Aussies Want to Improve Their Teeth
https://orthodonticsaustralia.org.au/aussies-want-improve-teeth/
PubMed Central – The Success of Dental Veneers According To Preparation Design and Material Type
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311473/
