What Is Necessary for Porcelain Veneers?

I wanted to get porcelain veneers, but my dentist said I would also need to have Invisalign and teeth whitening done to make that work. Is that really necessary? I thought the veneers could make my teeth look white and straight. What’s the point if I have to do both those things anyway. My teeth aren’t even that crooked. Just a couple of front teeth that overlap each other a little bit.

Emory

Dear Emory,

You are correct that porcelain veneers can make your teeth look white and straight. Which procedures you need will depend on what your goals are. If you are only wanting to straighten and whiten your teeth, you can save a lot of money by just having Invisalign done to straighten your teeth, while using teeth whitening gel inside the aligners to whiten them.

However, if you’re wanting a complete smile makeover that can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth, then veneers would be worth it to you. Based on what you’ve described to me and what is crooked in your smile, you should not need to do Invisalign. It sounds like your dentist is recommending that because he is not comfortable making your front teeth look straight, which is a more advanced use of veneers. I’m going to recommend you go to an expert cosmetic dentist who would  be comfortable doing that. Otherwise, you are not likely to get the beautiful results that you are hoping for.

The teeth whitening is a good idea, unless you are planning to get porcelain veneers on every tooth. That would be crazy expensive and unnecessary, though.  Most people will get their teeth bleached first. Then, get porcelain veneers on between six to ten of their upper teeth. The whitening helps everything to blend in together.

Don’t force your dentist’s hand. As I said, if he’s not comfortable with it, then it means he does not have the skills to pull it off. Instead, you are better off finding the dentist who does have those skills.

This blog is brought to you by Nashville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Wickness.