While a crooked smile can be cute and charming on baby teeth, most grown-ups would prefer an even row of bright white teeth. When your smile is healthy but not what you’d like to see in the mirror, veneers for crooked teeth can help. Here’s how.
Can you get veneers for crooked teeth?
Dental veneers are an excellent option for a variety of cosmetic issues. These thin shells made out of porcelain or composite resin are affixed to the outside of otherwise healthy teeth and are a good choice for front teeth. They can help cover deep stains or discoloration and fill in minor gaps and cracks.
But can you get veneers for crooked teeth?
In a word, yes. It will depend on the extent of alignment issues and other factors, but whether you need veneers for one crooked tooth or for several, veneers can often improve the appearance of crooked teeth. They will not actually straighten teeth or fix alignment or spacing issues, but they can give the appearance of straight, even, beautifully bright teeth.
Benefits of veneers
Dental veneers are used mostly to address cosmetic issues, but they come with a host of other benefits.
Because veneers are placed on top of healthy teeth, the natural tooth itself can be preserved. It is always best to preserve as many natural teeth as possible. Veneers also prevent further damage if teeth are chipped or cracked. This decreases the need for more (or more intense) dental work or smile reconstruction.
When it comes to bite, dental veneers may not straighten crooked teeth, but they can be made so that the bite is better aligned. This improved alignment may actually address the jaw pain that often occurs from a poor bite.
I need crooked front teeth solutions: can veneers help?
As noted above, if you have minor misalignment and need crooked front teeth solutions, veneers may be a good option.
If your smile is severely misaligned, though, getting veneers only covers up the issue and may cause more problems down the road. In this case, it’s always best to ask your dentist about other crooked front teeth options.
Other dental options
If you are not eligible for veneers, you still have options.
For stained or discolored teeth, a take-home whitening kit might get good results. In some cases, professional in-office teeth whitening can address more stubborn stains.
If bite issues need to be corrected, Invisalign braces can be a solution for adults who wish to avoid traditional metal orthodontia.
For patients who have underlying oral health issues, a dental crown might be the best way to restore your smile. Veneers cannot be placed on teeth that are not healthy. If you have excessive tooth decay in the crown but healthy roots, dental crowns can be matched to natural teeth to restore your smile.
If one or more teeth need to be removed, dental implants and implant-supported bridges are also good options. These are more invasive procedures but function like natural teeth once they heal.
What can I expect during the veneers procedure?
The procedure for dental veneers usually takes at least three visits.
On the first visit, your dentists will evaluate your smile and determine if you are a candidate for veneers. If you are, you and your dentist carefully design your smile, including determining the best size, shape, and color for the look you want.
For the next visit, your teeth will be prepared. A small amount of tooth material is removed before a mold is taken. AZ Dentist works with two master ceramists who custom-craft our porcelain veneers for each patient.
Between the second and third visits, you will wear temporary veneers to protect your teeth. These will not be the exact color or thickness of your permanent veneers, but they can give you an idea of what your smile will look like.
On your third visit, your dentist will place the veneers and evaluate their fit.
The entire process should be pain-free and easy. If you have concerns or general anxiety about dental procedures, discuss that with your dentist at any time. They should be able to set you at ease and make you comfortable every step of the way.
Recovery time and aftercare
Because getting veneers for crooked teeth is minimally invasive, your recovery time will be short and should be pain-free. You might notice some sensitivity in your teeth for a few days, but it should be mild. If the sensitivity doesn’t go away after a few days, or you have questions, call your dentist.
Getting used to your new veneers may take a few days, too. Even though they are thin and tooth material is removed to fit them, they might feel bulky or unusual. This is completely normal and should pass.
Your veneers are strong and can be used as you would use natural teeth, but there is the possibility of cracking or chipping.
Limit hard and sticky foods. If you bite your nails or use your teeth as tools, these actions can damage your veneers, too. Patients with bruxism may also damage their veneers for the same reason. If you have one, use a night guard to protect them against damage.
To keep your veneers bright and beautiful and to increase their longevity, care for them as you would all of your teeth. Brush twice daily and floss at least once a day. Getting regular dental cleanings and checkups can help you spot any potential issues before they become problems.
Learn more about veneers for crooked teeth
At AZ Dentist, we want to help restore your self-confidence (and your beautiful smile!). We are your family and cosmetic dentist, with convenient hours and locations across the Phoenix Valley.
If you want to see if veneers for crooked teeth are right for you or to explore all of your options, get in touch today!