You’re not alone if you have crooked, gapped, or overcrowded teeth that make you feel self-conscious about your dental condition. After all, one of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and misalignments are less likely to make a positive impression.
Some patients have heard of veneers being referred to as “instant orthodontics”, leading them to question whether this popular cosmetic service can help straighten their smile. If you’ve been wondering, continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are Veneers?
These are thin shells made from resilient ceramic that are customized to match, or enhance, the size, color, and shape of your teeth. Then, they’re cemented to the fronts of your enamel to mask one or more aesthetic concerns. They’re not intended to be removed once they’re cemented in place, and they’re durable enough to last 20+ years with the right care, making them an excellent long-term upgrade for your grin.
Your dentist can arrange these covers to hide unsightly chips or cracks or stubborn stains, to improve your looks and boost your self-esteem. But can these restorations also help reposition your grin?
Can Veneers Straighten My Teeth?
If you’ve heard a dentist or some other person referring to veneers as “instant orthodontics”, it’s only natural to wonder what they mean. You might even assume that this treatment can help move your teeth to their ideal places, but that’s not the case. Unfortunately, this terminology is misleading because veneers are cosmetic in nature and therefore are not designed or intended to exert enough pressure on your teeth to shift them, which is the purpose of orthodontic services.
However, there’s a chance that your provider can position these shells in such a way that they can hide defects, like minor gaps or slightly overcrowded teeth, to give the illusion of a perfectly spaced smile.
Am I A Good Candidate for Veneers?
Your dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the affected teeth for these prosthetics to fit correctly without causing a bite misalignment or looking overly bulky, so this service may not be ideal for those with more severe damage or decay. Before proceeding, your provider will need to examine your teeth and gums and discuss your concerns and goals with you to determine whether this is the best way to meet your individual needs.
If they find that your condition requires actual orthodontics, they might recommend clear aligners or refer you to a specialist, instead.
Although veneers don’t exert enough pressure to move your teeth, they can often hide misalignments to help improve your appearance!
Meet the Author
Dr. Alejandro Lamas enjoys helping patients improve their daily lives by enhancing their dental condition. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and today, he works diligently to offer a complete menu of services, including veneers and clear aligners, to meet your unique needs conveniently under one roof. He uses state-of-the-art equipment to customize your treatment plan to deliver comfortable, accurate outcomes intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (754) 701-0386.