Porcelain Veneers: Am I a Candidate?

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are one of the most effective procedures you can have. However, it is important to know that not everyone can get porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are as close to permanent as you can get, so before you get them done it is important to know whether or not you are a candidate. When determining your candidacy for this cosmetic dentistry procedure the following should be considered.

A good cosmetic dentist will not allow you to get porcelain veneers if you are in poor dental health. This means that if you have excessive tooth decay, gum disease, gingivitis, extremely crooked teeth, or huge cracks you probably won’t be able to get porcelain veneers. Additionally, people who clench their teeth often or people who grind their teeth are not candidate for this cosmetic dentistry procedure.

It is also important to have realistic expectations when it comes to what veneers can do for your smile. Discuss your expectation with your cosmetic dentist. For example, a porcelain veneer is just a facade. It cannot change the alignment of your teeth or spaces between your teeth. If you have more complex issues, your dentist should discuss your cosmetic dentistry options with you.

It is also important to fully understand the financial cost associated with getting porcelain veneers. Veneers are not cheap and they are also not typically covered by a person’s dental insurance. The average cost of porcelain veneers is about $1,000 dollars per tooth. If you truly want veneers, but cannot afford the upfront cost you may consider financing the procedure through your dentist or another health care financing program.

It is also important to consider your own comfort level with dental procedures when you are considering any form of cosmetic dentistry. If you have a dental phobia, returning to your cosmetic dentist over and over until the process is complete may be difficult. However, it takes at least three visits to complete the porcelain veneer process.