I went to see my dentist and told him I wanted to get porcelain veneers. I’ve always been disappointed in my smile and was heartbroken when he said I can’t get them. He said I need dental crowns instead. I don’t know that I want to grind down healthy teeth. What do you think? Is there another option? I really was looking forward to getting a pretty smile.
Alice
Dear Alice,
Porcelain veneers done by an expert cosmetic dentist will give you a gorgeous smile.
I wouldn’t give up yet on your dream of a gorgeous smile. If you have healthy teeth, there should be no reason why you wouldn’t be a candidate for porcelain veneers. Let’s go over some reasons a dentist will say “No” and see what solutions are available.
Reasons a Dentist May Say “No” to Porcelain Veneers
- They Don’t Know How to Place Them
Doing a smile makeover isn’t something taught in dental school. If they didn’t invest the time learning about cosmetic dentistry post-graduate school, they aren’t skilled in the procedure. Some dentists, rather than admit they don’t know how to do something will steer their patients to a procedure they do know, such as dental crowns.
However, there are two things to consider with this. The first you mentioned above. You don’t want to grind down healthy tooth structure. The second is just because he knows how to make dental crowns, doesn’t mean he knows how to create a gorgeous smile with them.
I’d be skeptical of any dentist who didn’t get the additional training for cosmetic dentistry doing anything on my visible teeth.
If this is the case with your dentist, the solution is to get a second opinion by an expert cosmetic dentist. Ideally, you’d want a dentist who is accredited with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. That’s different from just membership. It’s a level that shows they’re skilled and can create a stunning smile.
- You Have Gum Disease
This is a more common (and understandable) reason to say you’re not a candidate. However, gum disease can be treated. If you’re willing to invest in a smile makeover, then start by getting aggressive at treating your gum disease and having a healthy mouth so you’ll be ready to get that celebrity smile.
I don’t think this is your case, because you indicated your teeth were healthy, which likely means your gums are too.
- Teeth Grinding
If you’re a tooth grinder, it will cause your teeth to have problems, including chips, cracks, and even breaks. However, that won’t keep you from getting your smile makeover. If you ask your dentist to make you a night guard, it will protect both your teeth and your porcelain veneers.
In fact, if you’re a tooth grinder and your dentist hasn’t already told you to get a mouth guard, you need a new dentist. You need one who’s looking out for you.
- Severe Malocclusion
There are times when porcelain veneers can make crooked teeth appear straight. When you have severe issues, though, you may be better served to get orthodontics first. These days, getting your teeth straightened doesn’t mean you have to wear a mouth full of metal anymore.
Invisalign can straighten your teeth without anyone ever knowing. Their clear aligners can’t be seen even at a conversational distance.
I hope this helps. The important thing here is you get a second opinion. If for some reason it turns out you’re not a candidate, then there are other options such as composite tooth bonding and teeth whitening. A great cosmetic dentist will be able to give you a gorgeous smile despite any roadblocks, as long as you’re willing to do your part.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.
