We all want a beautiful smile with the most esthetically pleasing looking teeth. Porcelain veneers are often a go-to in cosmetic dentistry for achieving this. They are a great solution for those with broken, worn or discolored teeth. Veneers, however, should not be thought of as a solution to orthodontic problems. They can be referred to as a “quick fix” or “instant orthodontics”, unfortunately it does not yield the same result. If your problem is mainly orthodontic (misaligned teeth, underbite, overbite, overcrowding, gaps or another bite discrepancy) veneers are not going to provide the best solution. It is best to correct the orthodontic problem first before looking to improve the esthetics of your teeth. Remember that veneers last approximately 5 to 10 years, and will have to be replaced throughout your lifetime.

Some will turn to veneers to mask an underlying orthodontic problem, which is not the best for the health of your teeth. If you do opt to get things done “faster” and choose to do veneers early, you risk damaging your healthy tooth enamel because healthy tooth structure has to be removed, which may lead to sensitivity or even a root canal. It is best to address your bite issue first, and veneers can always be done after to further improve your smile. Talk to your orthodontist about the best smile solution for you. Call us at Windermere Orthodontics for a complimentary orthodontic consultation in Suwanee, Brookhaven or Cumming.

– Dr. Michael Gorlovsky