Porcelain veneers are amazing in that they can correct several issues at once, and instantly — change the color of your teeth, correct the appearance of slightly crooked teeth, and fix fractured or broken teeth. Those thin little covers for your teeth can hide any imperfections, or so it seems. But is there a point where it wouldn’t be able to hide the crookedness of your teeth? The answer is very much a resounding yes; but read on to find out why.
Extremely Crooked Teeth Can Pose Health Risks
Undoubtedly, crooked teeth are not attractive to look at, but this is not the main problem! Severely crooked teeth are actually serious threats to your oral health. As the teeth are not aligned, there are many nooks and crannies formed by the crookedness which makes it difficult to clean teeth, especially to get at food particles stuck in hard to reach areas. Such a situation is a surefire recipe for cavity creation. Crooked teeth also are not aligned in an optimal way to handle pressure, such as chewing and tearing, so the teeth may end up pressing against each other and wearing themselves down, or potentially chip or break by accident. In this case, the teeth need to be aligned and corrected before any porcelain veneers can be considered. Speak to a dentist about options for aligning your teeth, to set a good foundation for potentially other work to be done.
Slightly Crooked Teeth May Be No Issue
If your teeth are only slightly out of alignment, this could be good news for you. Porcelain veneers will actually help to correct the alignment of your teeth if they are very slight. This is not possible if you have problems with your bite, however. But if your bite is not problematic, and the misalignment is purely cosmetic, the veneers would be heaven sent for you. Of course, you need to let the dentist decide whether or not your teeth are not too crooked that they do not need aligning beforehand.
Other Methods For Straightening Teeth
There are several methods available for patients with crooked teeth that need to be aligned. Porcelain veneers may not be the best method if your teeth are too crooked, and they also offer several other cosmetic benefits, plus they are extremely long-lasting. On the other hand, some patients opt for dental bonding, which can also correct minor misalignment and has the benefit of coming with a lower price tag, though it does not last as long as veneers do.
For more severe crookedness, more heavy duty corrections need to come into play, such as Invisalign clear braces which can help you achieve even rows of teeth without the hassle and embarrassment of having metal braces in your mouth.
Whichever the scenario, do speak to a dentist about your intention to get porcelain veneers, as with a consultation in person, the dentist would be able to advise you on what procedure would be best for you.