Are you feeling self-conscious about having chips, cracks, or stubborn stains on your teeth? If you’re frustrated by one or more such imperfections, your dentist can potentially place porcelain veneers to mask the imperfections and enhance your appearance.
But if you’ve heard your dentist refer to this treatment as “instant orthodontics”, you might wonder if it can also straighten your smile. Continue reading to learn more about whether veneers can improve your dental alignment!
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are cemented to the front surfaces of your enamel to mask aesthetic concerns, like injured enamel, dental discoloration, and other issues. The durable porcelain they’re made from is customized to match your natural teeth for beautiful results you can feel proud of. This is a versatile solution that can be used to address one or several flaws simultaneously.
Furthermore, they can last 15 to 20+ years if cared for correctly. You can help maintain them by brushing and flossing twice daily, avoiding hard, sticky, or darkly pigmented foods, and visiting your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning.
Can Veneers Straighten Teeth?
Some patients have heard that veneers can function like “instant orthodontics” and wonder whether this procedure can correct their dental or bite misalignments. However, this terminology is misleading. This cosmetic treatment doesn’t exert any force on your pearly whites to shift their positions.
With that said, your provider can place them over slightly overcrowded teeth or arrange them to mask minor gaps between your teeth to create the illusion of a perfectly straight smile.
Are There Alternatives to Getting Veneers?
Although your dentist might be able to use these restorations to correct the appearance of your smile, it’s natural to wonder whether your provider offers options that can actually shift your teeth. Fortunately, many providers provide other services, like Invisalign, that can potentially help.
Unlike traditional braces, this service utilizes clear plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to move them gently. This is considered a more discreet and comfortable treatment, because the smooth plastic material won’t gouge the tender tissues inside your mouth like sharp metal brackets and wires. Not only that, but these clear aligners are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions to worry about, and it’s much easier to keep your teeth clean and healthy.
If you still have unanswered questions about veneers or how to achieve your smile goals, you can learn more by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Faris Waheed has 15+ years of experience helping patients improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental health. He earned his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has since completed continuing educational courses in various topics like Invisalign, sedation, dental implants, root canals, and more. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including veneers, to meet all your needs under one roof. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (850) 890-7990.