Porcelain veneers offer a transformative solution for those seeking to enhance their smile. These ultra-thin shells of ceramic material bond directly to the front surface of your teeth, creating a natural-looking, beautiful smile makeover. If you’re considering this cosmetic dental procedure, understanding whether you’re an ideal candidate can help you make an informed decision about your dental care journey.
At Imagine Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina, we provide personalized porcelain veneer treatments designed to fit seamlessly into your unique smile goals. Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs has over 20 years of experience and has received a Charlotte Magazine Top Dentists Award from 2016 to 2024. Dr. Coambs uses amazing dental technology to create customized treatment plans, helping patients achieve confident, beautiful smiles!
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers may be an excellent option if you’re looking to address multiple cosmetic concerns with a single treatment. While each patient’s situation is unique, several factors make someone well-suited for this procedure.
You might be an ideal candidate if you have good overall oral health. Before placing veneers, Dr. Coambs will evaluate your dental health to ensure you don’t have untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or other conditions requiring attention. A strong foundation of healthy teeth and gums ensures the long-term success of your veneers.
Another important consideration is having sufficient healthy tooth enamel. Since a small amount of enamel may be removed to place veneers, you need adequate enamel to support this process. During your consultation, Dr. Coambs will assess your tooth structure to determine if veneers are appropriate for you.
Common Dental Issues Veneers Can Address
Porcelain veneers are versatile and can correct multiple aesthetic concerns:
- Teeth with permanent stains or discoloration unresponsive to whitening
- Chipped or fractured teeth needing restoration
- Gaps between teeth that you’d like to close
- Misaligned or unevenly shaped teeth
- Worn teeth due to grinding or aging
The ideal candidate typically has mild to moderate cosmetic concerns rather than severe structural or functional problems. If you have significant alignment issues or severely damaged teeth, Dr. Coambs may recommend other treatments before or instead of veneers.
Lifestyle Factors to Consider
Your habits and lifestyle play an important role in determining your candidacy for porcelain veneers. Carefully consider these factors when deciding if veneers are right for you.
Veneers require a commitment to maintaining excellent oral hygiene. While porcelain veneers themselves don’t decay, the teeth underneath them can. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups are essential to protect your investment and maintain your oral health.
If you habitually clench or grind your teeth (bruxism), you may need additional treatments before getting veneers. Constant grinding can damage porcelain veneers over time. Dr. Coambs may recommend a night guard to protect your veneers while you sleep, or she may recommend full-coverage crowns for support and stability
Patients who play contact sports (like football or basketball, or boxing), or who engage in activities with a high risk of facial injury, should take precautions. While veneers are durable, they can chip or break under significant impact. Wearing a mouthguard during these activities helps protect your veneers.
Understanding the Veneer Process and Commitment
Porcelain veneers are a permanent cosmetic dental solution requiring a clear understanding of what the process entails before moving forward.
The veneer procedure typically involves multiple appointments. During your initial consultation, Dr. Coambs will take photos, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan. Next, we have your actual treatment appointment. A small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of your teeth, and a digital iTero scan is taken. While your custom veneers are being created, you will wear temporary veneers to evaluate the esthetics and day-to-day function of your new trial smile. At your final appointment, the permanent porcelain veneers are bonded to your teeth and adjusted for a perfect fit.
It’s important to understand that veneers are not a reversible treatment. Once enamel is removed, you will always need some form of restoration on those teeth. Modern veneers are designed to last 10-15 years or longer with proper care, but they may eventually need replacement.
The financial investment in porcelain veneers is another consideration. While they provide significant aesthetic improvements, veneers are typically considered a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by your insurance. At Imagine Dentistry, we will file your insurance as a courtesy, and we offer financing options to help make this investment fit your budget.
Start Your Journey to a Beautiful Smile
If you’re interested in learning whether porcelain veneers are right for you, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Coambs. During this appointment, she’ll evaluate your oral health, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine if veneers are the best solution for your unique smile.
At Imagine Dentistry, Dr. Ann Blaine Coambs brings over 20 years of experience. She has received Charlotte Magazine’s Top Dentist Award from 2016 to 2024 and Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite Award from 2019 to 2024. We offer financing options for patients seeking to enhance their smiles with porcelain veneers. To schedule your consultation, call us at (704) 540-7600 or complete our contact form.
