You are a good veneers candidate if you have generally healthy teeth and gums, with cosmetic concerns rather than functional ones. During your consultation, Dr. Kauffman looks for a few key things:
- No active decay or gum disease
- Enough healthy enamel to safely prepare the teeth
- A bite that's reasonably well aligned.
If those conditions are met, veneers can be an excellent way to address chips, discoloration, gaps, or wear.
What to Consider Before Getting Veneers
- Cosmetic, Not Functional — Veneers are not designed to correct bite problems or significant misalignment, and they should not be placed over decay or active gum disease.
- Permanent Tooth Alteration — Placing veneers requires removing some tooth enamel. This alteration is permanent, so once you have veneers, you will always need some type of covering on your teeth.
- Veneers Longevity — With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years or longer. They resist staining well, though Dr. Kauffman still recommends limiting heavily pigmented foods and beverages and avoiding habits like nail-biting or chewing ice that can chip them.
A More Conservative Option: Composite Veneers
If you are not ready to make a long-term commitment, composite veneers may be an alternative. Dr. Kauffman sculpts tooth-colored resin directly on your teeth in a single visit. They require less or no enamel removal and can be repaired or replaced more easily than porcelain.
The tradeoff is that composite veneers typically last 5–7 years compared to 10–15 years for porcelain. They are also more prone to staining. Dr. Kauffman can help you weigh both options based on your goals, timeline, and budget during your consultation.
Call us at (404) 524-1981to schedule.