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Advanced cosmetic and general dentistry

What Is the Best Age for Getting Porcelain Veneers?

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What is the best age for getting porcelain veneers? I just graduated from high school and early college. I’ve already had braces, but my teeth are not in good shape. I’m working now, so I’m interested in veneers to hide discoloration and improve the shape and size of my teeth. Thanks. Ryleigh from MD

Ryleigh,

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneer

When a dentist places porcelain veneers correctly, they preserve most of the natural tooth structure. Traditional veneers require only about 0.3 millimeters of enamel reduction—roughly the thickness of a fingernail. Because young front teeth have large pulp chambers, aggressive preparation, as used for crowns, can risk damaging the pulp. Veneers, however, stay well clear of the pulp and, in some cases, require no preparation at all. From a biological standpoint, age alone does not disqualify someone from veneers.

When Does Age Matter?

Veneers become questionable only if the front teeth have not fully erupted, which can occur in early or mid-teens. If a dentist places veneers too early and the teeth continue to erupt, part of the natural tooth surface may later appear beneath the veneer. By around age 18, this concern usually resolves.

How Does Your Dental History Affect Treatment Recommendations?

You mentioned that you’ve had braces in the past, and your teeth are not in good shape. Before recommending veneers to restore your teeth, an ethical cosmetic dentist will want to see that your oral health is stable. That means addressing habits that contribute to decay, including frequent snacking throughout the day. Brushing and flossing cannot fully protect teeth if acid exposure continues nonstop.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek. Read why his patients say he is Lowell’s best dentist.

 

How Do I Know Which Type of Porcelain Veneers Are Best for Me?

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Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneer

I’m researching porcelain veneers because I hope to get them in October or November this year. I didn’t realize there were so many types and brands. How do I know what to ask for? – Thanks. Kiara from NM

Kiara,

Wanting to know which porcelain veneer material is best is understandable, but the answer is not always straightforward. A smile makeover combines science, artistry, and technical skill. The material contributes to the result, but the dentist’s ability to design a natural-looking smile is what patients notice most.

We encourage patients to review a dentist’s website smile gallery, learn about their training, and evaluate their experience with cosmetic cases. Membership or accreditation through organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry can be helpful, but it is only one factor to consider.

How Do Feldspathic Porcelain, e.max, and Zirconia Compare?

Each material has advantages, but not all are used in the same way for cosmetic dentistry.

When evaluating veneer materials, it helps to understand what each option offers. The material alone will not determine the success of the case, but it can influence the final appearance.

  • Feldspathic porcelain: Known for outstanding esthetics and the ability to create lifelike color transitions.
  • e.max: Offers an excellent balance of beauty and strength, making it a popular veneer material.
  • Zirconia: Very durable but generally less flexible from an artistic standpoint when compared with layered porcelain materials.

Many highly respected cosmetic dentists achieve exceptional results with either feldspathic porcelain or e.max. Both materials can provide the depth, translucency, and natural appearance patients typically want from veneers.

This post is sponsored by Lowell cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek.

 

Can I Bypass Tooth Preparation for Porcelain Veneers?

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I have dental anxiety and am concerned about the pain of preparing my teeth. Do no-prep veneers work only for people with small teeth? If I can find a way to get veneers without the pain of tooth preparation, I would be relieved. – Thank you. Jada from Nashville

 

Jada,

We will begin by answering a question that many people have about porcelain veneers. This can give you a positive view of the process even if your teeth require preparation for healthy, natural-looking results.

Do Porcelain Veneers Hurt?

Photo of dental forceps holding a single porcelain veneers, from the office of accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Szarek of Lowell, MA.

Porcelain veneer

Quality, correctly placed porcelain veneers do not hurt. However, it takes the skill of an advanced cosmetic dentist to ensure you are comfortable before you begin treatment. A local anesthetic will give you a painless experience. Then, the dentist will prepare your teeth conservatively—removing only a fraction of a millimeter of tooth enamel—and avoid any layers beneath the enamel that may provoke sensitivity.

Are No-Prep Veneers Only for Small Teeth?

No-prep veneers are not only for small teeth. Still, not every porcelain veneer case is eligible for no preparation. A cosmetic dentist customizes your treatment plan based on your goals for your smile. Sometimes, achieving natural-looking results and veneers that fit well from the biting edge to the gumline requires preparation. Factors that determine whether your teeth require preparation for porcelain veneers include:

  • Your smile goals
  • Whether teeth overlap
  • Teeth position
  • Size
  • Shape
  • Teeth alignment

Although some brands of porcelain veneers are advertised as requiring no preparation, skilled cosmetic dentists work to provide highly aesthetic results. For example, if a tooth is crooked, a portion of it may stick out. A cosmetic dentist will trim it to harmonize with the position of other teeth. At the end of treatment, people will notice your beautiful, natural-looking smile and not know you have porcelain veneers.

Do You Have Dental Anxiety?

Consult an advanced cosmetic dentist if you have dental anxiety and are interested in porcelain veneers. In addition to explaining your options for veneers, the dentist will listen to understand your anxiety triggers. The dental team will try to avoid your anxiety triggers and enjoy the experience of getting a smile makeover with porcelain veneers.

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.

My First Premolar Tooth Is Sensitive to Cold

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My upper left first premolar tooth is sensitive to cold and air. My dentist’s diagnosis with the air test was too fast. She did not tell me what had been causing the sensitivity. I fear an infection will affect the porcelain veneer tooth in front of it. Addison from Tacoma, WA

 

Addison,

Sensitivity in a tooth can be easy to diagnose, and an air test is the primary way to assess it. At other times, it is more complicated

Air Test for Tooth Sensitivity

An air test helps a dentist identify unprotected and sensitive areas. A dentist may apply a desensitizing bonding agent to coat the tooth and minimize sensitivity.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity to Cold?

The cause of tooth sensitivity depends on several factors, including the type of pain and the tooth’s condition.

Type of pain

  1. Brief pain – Irritated tooth pulp or nerves can cause brief pain. The irritation will heal.
  2. Lingering pain – A tooth infection causes lingering pain. Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment.
  3. Pain around a tooth filling – Bacteria can leak in any space between a tooth and the filling, causing sensitivity.

Tooth condition

  1. New filling – It is normal to feel sensitivity after a new tooth filling. But if bacteria from tooth decay is left behind during the filling process, the tooth can become infected. Root canal treatment will remove the infection.
  2. Tooth decay – Decay or infection can cause sensitivity to heat or cold. It will not spread and infect your porcelain veneer tooth if a dentist catches the decay and treats it.
  3. Fracture – A fracture from trauma or wear can irritate tooth nerves and cause sensitivity. Untreated pulp damage can require root canal treatment and a dental crown.
  4. Gum recession – If your gums pull away from a tooth, it can be sensitive to cold or heat. You can use desensitizing toothpaste, or a dentist may recommend a gum graft or another technique to restore gum tissue.
  5. Worn tooth enamel – Worn tooth enamel exposes dentin (the layer beneath the enamel). Dentin contains small tubes that lead to tooth nerves that can become sensitive.

Dr. Michael Szarek, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Lowell, Massachusetts, sponsors this post.

I Still Have Gum Disease After Two Years of Deep Cleanings

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After searching for three weeks, I found an affordable dentist to treat me for gum disease. I had called several offices, and their fees were too high. Although I have dental insurance, most fees exceed my budget, so I selected my current dentist. My concern is that in June of this year, it will be 2 1/2 years since treatment started. I go for a deep cleaning about every four months, and I still notice that my gums bleed when I brush my teeth, and some of my teeth are still a little loose. My dentist doesn’t think it is cause for concern.

The situation is a little better, but I still don’t think I made the right choice. I have two missing teeth and need porcelain veneers for two chipped teeth. We were waiting until the gum disease was under control to take care of the issues with my teeth, but I’m beginning to think it will take another two years to complete my treatment. Was it a mistake to choose a dentist with low fees just to get treatment? I’m concerned that I will have to go into debt to get the care I need. Thanks. Kristina from Saginaw, MI

Kristina -Thank you for contacting Dr. Szarek’s office.

The length and frequency of your treatment suggest that although your dentist is making treatment affordable for you, he might not be able to resolve your periodontal disease.

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers or Dental Implants with Gum Disease?

Your gums must be healthy before a dentist places porcelain veneers or dental implants.

  • Porcelain veneers – Custom-made shells of porcelain are made to fit the fronts of your teeth. Your gum tissue will frame the veneers like natural teeth. Bleeding and inflamed gums will worsen with porcelain veneers.
  • Dental implants – Healthy gums and bone support dental implants and keep them stable. Unhealthy gum tissue can prevent your dental implants from healing.

Gum Disease Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding, sore, and inflamed gums
  • Infected or inflamed gums
  • Gum recession
  • Gum tissue separates from teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breaths

If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms, they must be controlled before you get cosmetic dentistry treatment or dental implants.

What Can You Do If  Gum Disease Will Not Go Away?

If you are still experiencing discomfort and some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease after a series of deep cleanings, it is time to ask your dentist for a referral to a periodontist (gum specialist). If your dentist is unwilling to refer you to a specialist, you can self-refer if your dental insurance allows it or get a second opinion.

Does Affordable Treatment Result in Low-Quality Care?

Drastically lower fees may indicate that a dentist takes shortcuts or lacks the skills or experience to resolve specific issues. Still, even dentists with high prices can provide inadequate treatment if they don’t have expertise in an area.

A porcelain veneer held next to a tooth

You need healthy gums for porcelain veneers

We recommend getting a second opinion. A conscientious dentist will let you know if they can resolve the issues with your gums. If not, the dentist will refer you to a periodontist—a specialist in diagnosing and treating problems with your gums.

Find a dentist who will provide care yet work with your budget. But look for dentists with advanced training in treating periodontal (gum disease). There are several ways a dentist can make care affordable for you, including:

  • Completing dental work in phases whenever possible
  • Offering payment plans
  • Offering financing options

The condition of your teeth and your gums are closely related. After your gum disease is controlled, a cosmetic dentist can let you know your options for improving the appearance of your smile with porcelain veneers and dental implants. For now, it’s crucial to get a second opinion. Remember to check with your dental insurance company for dentists and periodontists within the network. It will help you avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.

 

Lowell, Massachusetts, accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Michael Szarek sponsors this post.