Dental Veneers for Teens: Yes or No?
Some dentists recommend avoiding getting dental veneers for teens. As teenagers grow, so do their teeth. In cases where veneers are placed on teeth that are not developmentally ready for veneers, it is possible for them to have awkward gaps and other problems as the teeth continue to grow.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits and risks of veneers for teens. There are many cosmetic options that may help your teen achieve the smile of their dreams. First, let’s learn a little more about veneers.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, ceramic casings that cover the front of teeth. Veneers are a relatively old development in cosmetic dentistry’s brief history. While cosmetic dentistry has mostly only been around since the 1980s, dental veneers were actually created in the 1920s. Filmmakers used them to temporarily change the appearance of actors’ teeth. Shortly thereafter, dentists began using them as a temporary fix for teeth.
Today, veneers are widely used to correct small flaws in a person’s smile. These flaws include gaps between a person’s teeth, discoloring, uneven teeth, and more. They’re highly beneficial in inspiring confidence for those who feel uncomfortable with their smiles. These small imperfections sometimes greatly influence a person’s daily life.
By covering the front portion of a tooth, dental veneers can fix almost any cosmetic issue. So far, our teenage patients who have received veneers have been very satisfied. Dental veneers for teens can have a great impact on self-esteem as they begin forming their identities and confidence.
What Problems Can Veneers Be Used For?
Dental veneers are a common fix for many dental concerns. Since veneers look so similar to natural teeth, they are mostly used as a cosmetic option. Veneers can also be used to fix other functional issues with teeth. Below is a list of conditions that can be addressed with dental veneers.
Chipped and Broken Teeth
Veneers are often used to cover up cracks and broken teeth. When small chips or fractures occur on your teeth, sometimes dentists can repair them with fillings or by reshaping the tooth. In some cases, the tooth cannot be repaired by these methods and requires a stronger restoration like a veneer.
Gaps Between Teeth
Some people have gaps between their teeth. Veneers are custom-made to blend in naturally with the rest of the teeth. If there are large gaps between your teeth, veneers can be a great option to close these gaps and create symmetry.
Discoloration
Veneers cover up discoloration and stained spots with a thin layer of ceramic tooth-like material. Over time, our natural teeth can become stained from coffee, tobacco products, red wines, and other foods. Dental veneers do not change color over time and are a great cosmetic option to maintain the brightness of your smile.
Worn-Down Teeth
The majority of kids and adults grind their teeth to some extent. Your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, NE can custom-make veneers to protect teeth from excessive grinding that can cause long-term damage to the teeth.
Uneven Teeth
Sometimes teeth erupt unevenly regardless of whether there is adequate space in the mouth. In severe cases, this can cause problems with speech and chewing and requires traditional orthodontic treatment like braces. In some cases, your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, NE can treat mild unevenness by placing veneers for patients who elect not to do traditional orthodontic treatment.
Are Dental Veneers For Teens Safe or Not?
We believe that it is safe to place dental veneers on teens if your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, NE is skilled at evaluating teeth and each patient’s situation. Each case should be evaluated individually based on the age of your teen and their growth and development. If a teen’s teeth are not ready for veneers, your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, NE will identify this and let you know that it would be best to wait until their teeth are finished erupting. Our facilities use state of the art dental technology, and our team is highly trained.
If you still aren’t sure about veneers, that’s okay! You can direct questions or concerns to any of our locations. We’re happy to talk to you about our process and decide if veneers are a good solution for your teen.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Veneers for Teens
We are happy to answer any questions you might have. However, we might be able to save you some time with the following frequently asked questions about dental veneers for teens.
What’s the difference between veneers and lumineers?
Lumineers are a specific brand of veneers. They’re highly reflective and tend to be slightly more illuminating than regular dental veneers. Lumineers are also slightly thinner than typical dental veneers. For teens, lumineers are often a great option.
They are slightly more costly, but tend to last a long time and have amazing luminescence. If you’re curious about lumineers, be sure to ask your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, NE about them.
Can veneers be removed?
While you can’t remove dental veneers by yourself, your dentist can. However, it’s important to know that veneers will permanently change your teeth. When placing veneers, dentists usually reshape the patient’s teeth. They do this to better fit the veneers on the teeth. This means that most people with veneers have had trace amounts of their enamel removed, causing their natural teeth to appear dull, worn, and sometimes smaller.
On the other hand, some patients elect to have veneers replaced. In this case, the dentist can remove the veneer, re-prepare the tooth, and replace it.
Can veneers be whitened?
Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to whiten dental veneers. The good news is that veneers are naturally very white, so you shouldn’t need to. If your veneers become severely stained, be sure to contact your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln, NE. They’ll be able to replace your veneers.
Where can I find a cosmetic dentist near me?
Luckily for you, Nebraska Family Dentistry has convenient locations all over Lincoln! This guarantees that one of our locations is near you. Since each office is a Nebraska Family Dentistry partner, you can expect the same great care at all of them. Searching for a dentist in Lincoln, NE or a dentist near me? We are confident that you can find everything you are looking for at one of our locations. Each of our locations is listed below. Call us today!
Coddington Dental (West Lincoln): 402-438-5555
NorthStar Dental (North Lincoln): 402-742-0000
Lincoln Family Dentistry (Central Lincoln): 402-467-1000
SouthPointe Dental (Southwest Lincoln): 402-423-3333
Preserve Family Dentistry (East Lincoln): 402-413-7000
South Lincoln Family Dentistry (South Lincoln): 402-413-7700
Nebraska Family Dentistry has multiple Lincoln Dental Clinics!
Choose any location “dentist near me” convenient for you.
