If you aren’t happy with the appearance of your smile, there are numerous cosmetic solutions available to help you achieve pearly whites that you are proud to show off. Veneers are a popular option because of their ability to transform numerous aspects of the teeth at the same time. This includes chips, gaps, staining, misshapen teeth, and undersized teeth, but what about misalignment? Continue reading to learn more!
How Do Veneers Work?
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells of porcelain that are placed over the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to mask imperfections. Dental veneers can be placed in as few as two appointments. During your initial visit, your dentist will carefully examine your smile to ensure that your teeth are healthy enough to support veneers and that they are the ideal option for you.
Next, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of protective enamel to make room for the veneers. Impressions will be taken of your altered teeth to be sent to the dental lab where your final restorations will be made. In just a few short weeks, your new restorations will be ready.
Can Veneers Fix Misaligned Teeth?
Veneers are able to mask a wide range of cosmetic issues. However, they can’t physically move your teeth. Ultimately, if you have severe misalignment or crookedness, veneers could be enough to give you the perfect smile you’ve been hoping for. In some cases, veneers can cover up the appearance of crooked teeth entirely if this issue is mild enough. If you have a significant bite issue, this will need to be addressed using orthodontic treatment. Depending on the extent of your misalignment, your dentist will determine if veneers can help you get the results you are looking for.
How Else Can Misalignment Be Corrected?
If you have significant misalignment, or you are dealing with bite issues, orthodontic treatment, like Invisalign, is likely a better solution. Instead of using metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into their rightful locations. Approximately every two weeks, you will switch to the next set of aligners in the series. The best part is that Invisalign is nearly invisible, so it’s unlikely that anyone will be able to tell that you are wearing them. Completing orthodontic treatment also opens up your cosmetic options in the future, including veneers.
If you have minor misalignment, veneers may be able to help you see the results you are looking for. By scheduling a consultation with your dentist, you can put together a plan that is right for you!
About the Author
Dr. Joshua A. Holcomb is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the College of Dentistry, UT Memphis. Since then, he has remained committed to continuing education, completing well over 100 hours each year. For more information or to schedule a consultation at his office in Collierville, visit his website or call (901) 850-0300.