Fallbrook, CA dentist explains when porcelain veneers can be used for crooked teeth

If you find yourself hiding your smile in the company of others due to crooked teeth, you may be sending the wrong message. Fortunately, patients have more options than ever before for getting a beautiful, straight smile – and with porcelain veneers, it can be done in just a fraction of the time as with traditional orthodontic treatment! At the dental practice of Dr. James Moran, DDS in Fallbrook, CA, we are committed to providing a variety of options to fit the diverse needs of our patients who are interested in improving the aesthetics of their smile. Porcelain veneers are a quick and versatile option for patients with mildly crooked teeth, but are not the best fit for all patients, which is why we also offer orthodontic treatments including braces and Invisalign® for crooked teeth. Below, Dr. James Moran explains scenarios where you may be a good candidate for porcelain veneers. 

When porcelain veneers can be used instead of orthodontics

For people who are interested in fixing the appearance of crooked teeth, porcelain veneers are a good way to rapidly achieve terrific results that are durable and long-lasting. In as little as two visits, your teeth can go from crooked to straight – all without the brackets and wires associated with braces. It is like “instant orthodontics”!

Porcelain veneers can also be a great choice for patients who want to fix multiple issues with their teeth besides just misalignment. For example, dental veneers can hide many types of cosmetic imperfections with just one treatment, whereas orthodontics is focused on the proper alignment of the teeth and jaw. In addition to mild crookedness, veneers can be used to hide:

• Permanent stains and discolorations that are resistant to whitening methods
• Small gaps between teeth
• Asymmetrical smiles
• Shape and sizing of teeth that don’t match the rest of your smile

However, veneers can only be used when there is mild misalignment in the teeth and it is important to understand that it is a purely cosmetic solution – in other words, your underlying teeth will remain crooked with veneers, whereas orthodontic treatment will fix the misalignment. If your teeth have extensive crowding, crookedness, or gapping, or if your jaw is severely misaligned (e.g., overbite or underbite), then orthodontic treatment is likely a better choice. Some patients may also consider cosmetic dental bonding as a way to change the appearance of crooked teeth. This treatment provides rapid results in just one visit and costs less than veneers but does not have long-lasting of results.

Am I a good candidate for veneers?

Dr. James Moran, DDS loves helping patients achieve the terrific smiles they have always wanted. He takes the time to understand what you like about your current teeth, what you’d like to change, and what smiles you admire. He will also perform an in-depth evaluation of your teeth and bite to make sure that porcelain dental veneers are the right choice for you. To schedule your evaluation and consultation, call our Fallbrook, CA office today at (760) 284-8477 or request an appointment online!

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