If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in San Diego, veneers may be an excellent option. Veneers, made of incredibly thin, yet durable porcelain, will adhere to the front of your teeth. Dr. Georgaklis can apply veneers to treat a diverse range of aesthetic flaws. However, with so many cosmetic treatment options to choose from, it can be difficult to know if veneers are truly the right choice for you. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your aesthetic goals, overall dental health, and Dr. Georgaklis’ recommendations.
What Do You Want to Change about Your Smile?
To determine your candidacy for porcelain veneers, you will have a complete consultation with Dr. Georgaklis. At this appointment, you should be as specific as possible regarding your cosmetic goals. If you struggle with any of the following aesthetic concerns, you may be a good candidate for veneers:
- Severe discoloration
- Small cracks or chips
- Slightly crooked or misaligned teeth
- Tiny gaps between your teeth
- Unusually shaped, proportionately small, or eroded teeth
Although porcelain veneers can be an excellent solution for these minor cosmetic concerns, they may not be the right option if you have more severe dental damage. For example, a tooth with a large crack or chip may need a full crown. A larger restoration can provide further strength and stability, and it can restore your healthy bite alignment. Additionally, if you have minor dental stains that only affect your enamel, you are likely a better candidate for teeth whitening. This more conservative treatment can enhance your smile without altering the natural structure of your teeth.
How Is Your Overall Dental Health?
Your oral health will also significantly affect your candidacy for veneers. To place veneers, Dr. Georgaklis will need to trim away a small layer of dental enamel. Therefore, if you have suffered enamel erosion, you may not have enough tooth structure to receive these restorations. In this case, your cosmetic dentist may recommend an alternative treatment. For example, LUMINEERS® are much thinner. Therefore, Dr. Georgaklis will need to remove little to no enamel. Bonding is another option that does not require enamel removal. During this treatment, the dentist will apply tooth-colored composite resin to your teeth. Although the material is not quite as durable as porcelain, bonding can perform many of the same functions as veneers.
At your consultation, Dr. Georgaklis will also examine your overall oral health. If you suffer from dental misalignment, this condition can affect the balance of your bite. As a result, pressure on some of your teeth may cause your veneers to break or come off. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can have similar results. Dr. Georgaklis will treat these conditions before recommending cosmetic care.
Schedule a Consultation
The only definitive way to determine your candidacy for porcelain veneers is to schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist. Contact our La Jolla office today to learn more about this treatment and to find out if it is right for you.