When you, your child or grandchild gains confidence to smile broadly at the world, the world smiles big right on back. Veneers give you that boost of self-esteem that can make you or your family truly feel like a million bucks.
You probably already know someone who has veneers or at least know someone who knows someone with them. They’re also likely of adult age who decided to get them for any number of reasons, whether to mask imperfections, discoloration or cover up multiple chipped teeth sustained in an accident.
You may wonder whether there is an age restriction on veneers. In other words, is it possible to be too old or too young? Is there such a thing as an ideal age range?
The truth is every person is different and has a range of unique circumstances that make their teeth unlike anyone else’s. Given this, what may be an ideal period in life for one person to obtain veneers may be something entirely different for someone else.
Teenagers may be candidates for veneers.Teeth form quickly
What comes as a surprise to a lot of people is how early in life people’s teeth fully form. For example, the incisors typically fully emerge from the gum line by the time children reach around 6 to 8 years old. The canines, otherwise known as the cuspids, completely erupt by 10 years of age, although for some it’s as late as 12.
The molars which sit at the very back of the mouth and are the teeth primarily involved in chewing typically take the longest to erupt and reach maturity upon the tender age of 12. Is it possible for teeth to form earlier or later than these ranges? Absolutely — but it’s not at all typical.
All things being equal, most people who get veneers are no younger than their mid-to-late teen years, around 16 to 18. Once people reach this age range, they tend to become more self-aware of their physical appearance and want to improve it, sometimes by cosmetic means.
The same is true on the opposite end of the age spectrum. There is no time in life in which you’re too old to consider porcelain veneers. It really is true; age is just a number. While one person may be well into his or her 80s and whose health is declining; someone else may be of the same age and in peak physical condition for their age group.
It all goes back to each individual being unique. If you or your teenager decide to get veneers or are at least seriously considering going through with the procedure your dentist will want to speak to you to get a sense of your situation and perform a comprehensive evaluation. It’s during this time that your dental health professional will be able to determine if you’re a good candidate and if the reasons why you seek veneers are legitimate. Of course, you’re the one who gets to decide whether veneers are for you, but it’s always good and important to talk about all the factors involved so you ensure that you, your children or other members of your family get veneers for the right reasons.
Here are a few things to keep in mind, which may play a role in your decision:
Veneers are permanent
While there are a variety of cosmetic procedures, there’s at least one thing that they all have in common with one another: They’re permanent. Veneers are no different. In other words, once you get one, two or several, there is no turning back. They’re forever bonded to your teeth. It is possible for veneers to chip or break, but that’s something that can be fixed. Once they’re affixed, however, your dentist won’t be able to reverse course.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is still important after getting veneers — perhaps even more important.You can still get cavities
Veneers so dramatically change the way that teeth appear, it’s almost as if they’re a whole new set of teeth. In reality, they’re very thin shells that are placed on the front of the teeth you already have. In other words, they’re not like implants or dentures. Because of this, you can still get cavities if you start to slack in good oral hygiene, namely brushing flossing at least two times a day and maintaining good overall eating habits by avoiding foods that contribute to tooth decay.
Bleaching may be necessary
Veneers are known for their luminescence, as they’re brilliantly white, considerably so compared to most people’s natural teeth. It’s possible that they may make your current teeth that don’t receive veneers noticeably off-white due to the contrast. Your dentist may recommend whitening so veneered and natural teeth are of a matching shade.
City Dentists is here to help you put a big smile on your face. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.