Crooked Teeth Veneers Before and After — Transform Your Smile Today

A bright and confident smile is something everyone deserves, but misaligned teeth can often hold us back from feeling great about ourselves. The good news is that the modern world of cosmetic dentistry offers a solution. Veneers are a restorative dental treatment that ultimately transforms your smile. This post will take you through the before-and-after journey for crooked teeth veneers so you can understand what to expect and why veneers are a great option for those looking to improve their smile. 

 

What are crooked teeth? 

 

A: Definition of Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth refer to teeth that are misaligned or overcrowded. They might protrude, twist, or lean in different directions. These issues can affect your bite and lead to difficulty chewing and speaking properly. Crooked teeth can also lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and more severe problems that require orthodontic treatment. 

 

B: Causes of Crooked Teeth

Several factors can contribute to the development of misaligned teeth. Genetics play a significant role in the development of crooked teeth.

If a family member has crooked teeth, their offspring might develop them too.

Other causes include early loss of a baby or permanent teeth, a small mouth, and abnormal jawbone growth. In some cases, crooked teeth might be due to bad habits like thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting. 

 

C: Health Risks of Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth can cause various health risks, including tooth decay, gum disease, and enamel wear. Misaligned teeth are often challenging to clean correctly, leading to plaque accumulation. Plague build-up can cause gum disease, bleeding gums, pus pockets, and tooth loss if left untreated. Additionally, crooked teeth can cause enamel wear, affecting your natural teeth’ overall shape and appearance. 

 

Introduction to veneers 

 

What are Veneers?

Veneers are very thin shells custom-made to fit over the front of a natural tooth, covering stains, gaps, chips, and uneven teeth. Veneers are made from either porcelain or a composite resin material and require little tooth preparation before they are fitted. Once applied, they can give a natural-looking result that will make your teeth look straight and perfect. 

 

Types of Veneers

There are two types of veneers: traditional porcelain veneers and composite veneers.

Porcelain veneers are the most popular type of veneer. They are durable, long-lasting and can resist tooth decay better than composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are custom-made in a dental lab and are fitted onto the teeth by a dentist. This type of veneer requires tooth preparation, which involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel to fit correctly.

Composite veneers are placed directly onto the teeth by a dentist. This type of veneer requires little-to-no tooth preparation, which can be completed in just a few visits. They are more budget-friendly than porcelain veneers but have a shorter lifespan and can be more prone to staining. 

 

How Veneers Help with Crooked Teeth

If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, veneers can be a great way to achieve the perfect smile you’ve always wanted. Veneers can be used to cover gaps between teeth, straighten the appearance of crooked teeth, and cover teeth that are discoloured or stained. However, veneers cannot move your teeth like traditional orthodontic treatment, so braces or other treatments may still be necessary if you have a severe misalignment. 

 

Procedure for getting veneers 

 

 

Consultation and Planning

The first step in getting dental veneers to fix crooked teeth is to schedule an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist. During this consultation, the dentist will evaluate your oral health and examine the condition of your teeth. They will take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to determine if veneers are the right solution. The dentist will also listen to your concerns and discuss the best treatment options for your desired smile makeover. 

 

Preparation of Teeth

Once the dentist has confirmed that veneers are the right solution, tooth preparation is next. The dentist will remove a thin layer of tooth enamel from the surface of each tooth to be treated. This is necessary to ensure the veneer fits perfectly on the natural teeth and creates a smooth, even look. This is typically done under local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. 

 

Fitting and Placement of Veneers

After the preparation phase, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth, which will be sent to the lab to create your custom-made veneers. This process can take up to two weeks. Once the veneers are ready, you must attend an appointment for fitting and placement. The dentist will place the veneers on your natural teeth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the perfect fit. The dentist can sculpt and shape the veneer with composite veneers in just one visit. Once the veneers are properly placed, they will be permanently bonded. 

 

Follow-up Care

After getting veneers for your crooked teeth, taking care of them like your natural teeth is important. This includes maintaining good dental hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using mouthwash. Avoid biting hard foods or objects that could damage your veneers, and do not use your teeth to open packaging or bottles. It is important to continue seeing your dentist for regular checkups to monitor your oral health and ensure the veneers are in good condition. 

 

Cost and maintenance 

 

Cost of Veneers

The cost of dental veneers varies depending on the material, location, and experience of the cosmetic dentist. Traditional porcelain veneers typically cost around $1,000 per tooth. Meanwhile, composite veneers, which are thinner and require less tooth preparation, come in at a lower price, starting from $250. The final cost might also include the cost of tooth preparation and any additional procedures needed, such as gum contouring. 

 

Insurance Coverage

Although veneers are used mainly for cosmetic purposes, they can still be considered necessary in some situations. For example, traditional orthodontic treatment cannot fix a tooth with severe damage or decay. Dental insurance will often cover the cost of some or all veneer treatments, but it’s best to check with your insurance provider before proceeding with any procedure. 

 

Maintenance of Veneers

Maintaining a set of veneers is relatively easy, but it should be done with proper dental hygiene to avoid gum disease or tooth decay. Veneers do not decay, but the natural teeth underneath them might potentially decay, if not adequately cared for.

Brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings are essential for keeping your veneers and any dental work looking and functioning properly.

With porcelain veneers, avoiding hard or sticky foods is necessary as they can damage the veneer or cause it to loosen. Composite veneers may be more vulnerable to staining than porcelain. Therefore, avoiding smoking, drinking coffee, tea, or red wine for the first 48 hours after the procedure is best.

If you notice any damage or chips on the veneers, contact your dentist as soon as possible for evaluation and repair. 

 

Risks and Considerations

Risks associated with veneers

Veneers can be an excellent option for fixing crooked and misaligned teeth, but it is essential to know the risks before deciding. Veneers require tooth enamel removal, which can increase the chances of tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, if the procedure is not done correctly, it can result in sensitivity and discomfort. Porcelain veneers are also very brittle and can break or chip easily, requiring regular maintenance. 

 

Points to Consider Before Getting Veneers

Before you decide to get veneers, you should consider several things. Firstly, ensure that you consult an experienced cosmetic dentist so you know that you receive the proper guidance. It can help if you also research and review before and after pictures of veneers and make sure to have realistic expectations. Lastly, it is crucial to understand that veneers are temporary solutions and must be replaced every ten to fifteen years. 

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, porcelain veneers are a great option if you want to transform your crooked smile. Dental veneers are a form of cosmetic dentistry specifically designed for fixing crooked or misaligned teeth. With veneers, you can improve your teeth’s appearance without using tooth enamel adjustments or braces. The procedure is relatively simple and can be done with just a few visits to an experienced cosmetic dentist. Depending on what suits you best, you can choose from traditional veneers or composite veneers. Additionally, temporary veneers can be worn during tooth preparation to ensure your oral health isn’t damaged. With a smile makeover, you can achieve your perfect smile quickly and gain the confidence to show off your beautifully straight smile without fear of tooth decay or gum disease with the help of our experienced dental team at Dental 266. Contact us on (02) 9051 0600 today to book your first appointment. 

 

 

 

References

Porcelain for veneers
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9893514/

Fracture strength of different veneers on polyetheretherketone (PEEK) frameworks in implant-supported single crowns
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35986930/