Veneers help resolve numerous dental concerns, but there are other veneer alternatives that can provide equally good or better results. While dental veneers can help people to resolve numerous dental issues, they also have a number of drawbacks, which may make them not an ideal solution.
Furthermore, not everyone can be a good candidate for veneers. So, what can you do if you are unable to get or don’t want to improve your smile with veneers?
This article delves deeper into this topic by exploring:
- The main concerns that veneers resolve;
- Why veneers may not be ideal for some people;
- The top 3 veneers alternatives to consider.
Understanding Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells made from medical-grade materials like porcelain or composite resin. They cover the front surface of teeth to conceal various dental concerns and improve the aesthetic appearance of teeth.
Although dental veneers are often custom-made at the dental lab and fitted by a dentist, you can also find other dental veneer types over-the-counter, which may be cheaper. However, as a rule of thumb, getting veneers from a qualified and licensed dental practitioner is generally recommended.
Common Uses of Dental Veneers
Here are some of the main issues that dental veneers can help to resolve:
- Correcting tooth discoloration: Dental veneers provide an excellent solution for addressing tooth discoloration and staining. Although teeth whitening can be an ideal solution, there are certain stains that may be resistant to traditional teeth whitening. This is where veneers come in, helping to restore a natural and vibrant smile.
- Fixing chipped or broken teeth: One of the easiest ways to restore the natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance of chipped or broken teeth is through veneers. They can help restore a more appealing shape and size of the damaged teeth and eliminate the need for more extensive treatments, like dental crowns.
- Reshaping irregular teeth: Excessively worn down or misaligned teeth can be transformed using dental veneers. Custom-made veneers can create a perfectly aligned and proportioned dental structure, often providing quicker results compared to orthodontic treatments like braces.
- Closing gaps: Dental veneers can help close up small to moderate gapping between teeth. This is a fast solution compared to others, like orthodontics, which can take years before you get the desired results.
Why Some Individuals May Not Be Ideal Candidates for Dental Veneers
Although getting dental veneers is relatively straightforward, not everyone can be a good candidate.
Here are some factors that may disqualify one from getting dental veneers, forcing them to seek alternative treatment options:
- Poor oral health
People with untreated tooth decay or active oral infections may not be suitable candidates for dental veneers.
These conditions may compromise the success of the veneers, meaning it is essential first to resolve such underlying concerns before turning to veneer treatment.
- Insufficient tooth enamel
A small amount of tooth enamel must be removed when getting porcelain veneers to ensure a stable and long-lasting bond.
However, people with thin enamel or significant enamel erosion may not be ideal candidates for the treatment. This is because further removing a part of the enamel may weaken the teeth.
Nevertheless, you may consider other options like snap-on veneers, as they do not require the removal of the enamel.
- Bite issues
While veneers can address minor irregularities, they are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment, especially in the case of severe misalignment or malocclusion. Individuals with severe crowding or bite alignment issues may have to consider other treatment options, as veneers may not offer them the needed results.
- Teeth grinding
Individuals with a history of bruxism may not be ideal candidates for veneers, as the habit could lead to the premature wearing of the veneers.
It is crucial that you first address the underlying causes of bruxism before pursuing cosmetic treatments like dental veneers.
Top 3 Alternatives for Dental Veneers
Dental veneers have gained widespread recognition as a versatile solution for smile makeovers. However, learning that you may not be a good candidate for dental veneers can be disappointing. Moreover, some individuals may want to resolve the underlying concerns instead of just concealing them using dental veneers.
So, what can you do if you don’t want to get veneers?
Fortunately, alternative treatments can address similar dental concerns and help individuals achieve their desired smile transformation. Here are the top 3 dental veneers alternatives to consider:
Dental bonding
Dental bonding treatment is a popular alternative to veneers, especially for people that don’t have sufficient tooth enamel or do not wish to alter their teeth permanently.
It involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin directly to the surface of the tooth surface to conceal cosmetic issues like discoloration, cracks, minor chips, small gaps, and misshapen teeth.
However, it is essential to discuss with your dentist if this solution is ideal for you, as they are prone to staining and don’t have the same sheen that porcelain veneers would have.
Here’s a comprehensive bonding vs veneers guide to enable you to choose the best option.
- More cost-effective option compared to veneers.
- The procedure requires less tooth preparation.
- The treatment can usually be completed in a single dental visit.
- The bonding material can be prone to staining over time.
- Dental bonding may be less durable and more susceptible to chipping or breaking than veneers.
Dental crowns
Individuals with considerable tooth damage, such as extensive decay or fractures, may find dental crowns a more viable alternative to veneers.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps, also made of porcelain, that cover the entire visible portion of the tooth.
They are unlike veneers which only cover the front surface of the teeth, as they fully encase the entire tooth structure, offering added protection and aesthetic improvement.
Here’s our dental crowns vs veneers cost comparison for your consideration.
- They are highly durable and can withstand significant biting and chewing forces.
- Crowns provide a protective layer around the tooth, preventing further damage and reducing sensitivity.
- With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years, offering a long-term solution for tooth restoration.
- To accommodate the crown, a significant portion of the natural tooth structure needs to be removed. This irreversible process may compromise the tooth's strength.
- Dental crowns can be more expensive than other treatment options due to the materials used and the complexity of the procedure.
Teeth whitening
Veneers are ideal for concealing tooth discoloration and staining. However, they do not resolve the causes of the stains. In most cases, for discolored teeth, the best solution will be to have your teeth whitened.
Teeth whitening is a much quicker treatment that chemically breaks down the stains, giving you a brighter, natural smile.
However, there are instances where traditional teeth whitening products may not fully break down the stains, especially if the discoloration is caused by factors like trauma or tetracycline. In this case, to achieve the ultimate cosmetic appearance, dental veneers may be considered.
- Teeth whitening can effectively remove stains and discoloration, resulting in enhanced aesthetics.
- Professional teeth whitening treatments are non-invasive and do not require altering the tooth structure.
- Teeth whitening can be performed in-office by a dentist or at home using teeth whitening gels, offering flexibility and convenience.
- Professional teeth whitening treatments can deliver noticeable results in a relatively short period.
- Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution, and the results may fade over time, requiring periodic touch-ups or maintenance.
- Teeth whitening may not be effective for all types of stains or discoloration, such as those caused by certain medications or internal tooth damage.
Which One Is For You?
When dental veneers are not ideal for achieving your desired smile transformation, exploring alternative treatments becomes crucial. However, selecting the best dental veneer alternatives requires careful consideration and understanding of your specific dental concerns and goals.
Some of the key factors to consider to arrive at the best veneers alternative that is ideal for you include:
- Consult with your dentist;
- Analyze your budget;
- Understand your dental concerns;
- Consider your long-term goals;
- Review treatment timeline;
- And assess the potential risks and benefits of the alternative treatment.
By considering these factors and making an informed decision, you can select the most suitable veneers alternative treatment to help you achieve the smile transformation you desire.
FAQ
There are several top alternatives to veneers, including dental bonding, dental crowns, and teeth whitening.
You can get your teeth fixed without veneers by considering the best alternatives, such as teeth whitening or orthodontic treatment.
Yes, dental bonding can be a suitable alternative to veneers in certain cases. However, it's important to note that dental bonding may not provide the same durability and longevity as veneers.
Sources
- Crowns (2023). Retrieved 10 July 2023, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/crowns/
- Ceramic Veneers an Alternative to Orthodontic Therapy to Enhance the Esthetics-A Case Report (2022). Retrieved 10 July 2023, from https://shorturl.at/CIY26
- Advances in dental veneers: materials, applications, and techniques (2012). Retrieved 10 July 2023, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3652364/
