Can Dental Veneers Correct Crooked Teeth?

When most people think of treatments to straighten crooked teeth, traditional metal braces or the more modern Invisalign® clear plastic aligners are some of the first — and potentially only — solutions that come to mind. However, you may be surprised that certain cosmetic and restorative dental treatments, which aren't necessarily considered orthodontic services, can also help address crooked teeth and give you the straighter, more beautiful smile you've been dreaming of. At Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates, Dr. Angela Ferrari and our skilled team of dental specialists are committed to offering the most comprehensive and technologically advanced dental and orthodontic treatments available today to give patients the opportunity to achieve their dream smile in the most convenient and personalized way possible. Keep reading to discover whether porcelain dental veneers, specifically, could be right for your crooked teeth.

What are my options to straighten my smile?

In today's world, patients have more options than ever when it comes to addressing crooked or crowded teeth and getting a straight, beautiful smile. However, not all of these options may be appropriate or suitable for everyone, as each patient's dental structure, oral anatomy, dental history, type of dental misalignment, and other factors are unique. Generally speaking, some of the most common treatments for straightening a crooked smile — which are often used in conjunction with one another — include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Invisalign clear plastic aligners
• Dental expanders
• Tooth extraction

For patients with mild to moderate crookedness, rotation, unevenness, and other cosmetic or structural issues, cosmetic and restorative dentistry services may offer an alternative to the traditional options listed above. Dental veneers, in particular, are highly popular for concealing mild cases of misalignment and more to create a beautiful, customized, straighter smile that patients can feel confident about.

How do veneers straighten your smile?

Porcelain dental veneers, which are highly durable and customized to match the patient's existing teeth or the look they desire, do not physically straighten or alter the position of the natural teeth themselves. Instead, dental veneers can be used to create a straighter smile by being placed over the visible surface of the tooth — much like a shell or cover — to mask inconsistencies. In this way, patients can "hide" their crooked teeth beneath beautifully straight, even restorations for a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing smile. In addition to crookedness, porcelain veneers can be used to conceal a variety of other dental concerns, such as:

• Cracked tooth
• Chipped tooth
• Gaps between teeth
• Short teeth
• Small teeth
• Uneven tooth length
• Gummy smile
• Stained teeth
• Mild tooth rotation

How long do dental veneers last?

With proper care and healthy habits, your straight and beautiful smile with dental veneers can last for decades. To preserve the strength and appearance of your newly enhanced smile for longer, use these helpful porcelain veneer care tips:

• Brush and floss twice daily, and use mouthwash or rinse as recommended
• Do not smoke
• Avoid hard, sticky foods and candies
• Visit your dentist for regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams
• Do not bite your fingernails or chew ice
• Wear a protective mouth guard during sports and a night guard while sleeping

With these tips, you can ensure your straight, white, beautiful smile lasts for years or even decades to come.

Get straighter teeth the easy way with custom dental veneers in Farmingdale, NY

Don't let a crooked, discolored, or subpar smile keep you from looking and feeling your best any longer. Take the first step toward getting the celebrity smile you deserve by calling Ferrari & Aldieri Dental Associates to schedule your consultation with Farmingdale, NY cosmetic dentist Dr. Angela Ferrari today and discover more about the life-changing benefits of dental veneers.