Do you have discolored, misshapen, cracked or chipped teeth? Do you want veneers, but are worried that you can’t because your teeth are crooked?

Good news! You can get veneers even if you have crooked teeth! In fact, dentists sometimes recommend them to correct the appearance of crooked teeth. Crooked teeth can detract from the cosmetic appeal of your smile. Veneers are a great way to instantly correct slightly crooked teeth, and can improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, crowded, chipped, small, misshapen, or uneven.

Crooked teeth can create nooks and crannies where food and the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay can hide – yuck! Dental veneers create a smooth surface that is easy to clean.

Made from porcelain or composite resin, dental veneers look and feel like your natural teeth. Veneers are also long-lasting and look great for 10 years or longer before they need replacement. You don’t need braces or even Invisalign to get a great-looking smile!

About Dental Veneers

These are ultra-thin, wafer-like shells that your dentist affixes to the front visible surface of your teeth.

Dentists use them to help patients fix a wide variety of dental problems, including:

• Discolored teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening.
• Minor crowding, gaps and other spacing problems.
• Chipped teeth.
• Uneven teeth.
• Teeth that are misshapen or too small.
• Visible damage from tooth decay.

Do You Have to Have Straight Teeth for Veneers?

No! Your dentist can put them on your teeth even if they are not straight for a perfect smile.

These are a cosmetic solution, which means that they camouflage dental problems rather than fix them. In other words, veneers do not straighten your teeth, but they do make your smile look straight.

Dental veneers are a personalized solution to cosmetic dental issues – your dentist crafts your veneers to match the size, shape, and color of your other teeth. After your initial consultation to make sure veneers are right for you, your dentist will prepare the surface of the tooth or teeth by removing a small amount of enamel to create enough room in your mouth to accommodate the veneer. Next, your dentist takes impressions of your mouth and sends the mold to a dental laboratory, where highly trained technicians make your veneers.

When your veneers are ready, you will return to your dentist’s office. During this appointment, your dentist will bond the veneers to the front surface of your teeth, instantly fixing the appearance of crooked teeth. Once cemented to your teeth, dental veneers can help your teeth look great for 5 to 10 years – or even longer if you take good care of them.

Are You A Good Candidate?

Veneers can hide a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems, but they are not for everyone – some people are better candidates than others. You may be a good candidate if:

• You have one tooth that is crooked.
• You have small gaps or spaces between your teeth.
• You have minimal overcrowding.
• You have enough healthy tooth enamel to accommodate the veneer.

Dental veneers may not be right for your smile if you have:

• Severely crooked teeth that require orthodontic treatment.
• An inadequate amount of healthy tooth enamel.
• Bruxism, which is a condition in which you clench or grind your teeth.
• No interest in maintaining an appealing smile.
• Trouble maintaining your oral hygiene with brushing and flossing.

For more information, consult with your Jacksonville FL dentist at Smiles by Shields. We offer a wide variety of dental services, such as exams and cleanings, fillings, implants, and whitening to keep your teeth healthy and looking their best. We also offer Invisalign clear braces to address crowded or gapped teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite and crooked or turned teeth. Contact Smiles by Shields, your dentist in Jacksonville FL.