At What Age Can I Get Porcelain Veneers?

My teeth are a mess because of braces. I’ll admit I did not do a great job brushing around all that metal. I’m about to go to college and I want a pretty smile. I’m happy with how straight they are, but don’t like their appearance. I asked my dentist and he said I am too young for porcelain veneers and need to get dental crowns instead. The teeth are healthy, so I’m not sure I want to grind them down. What age CAN I get porcelain veneers?

Edith

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Dear Edith,

I don’t think you’re with the right dentist for your needs. He may be a fine general dentist, but he is definitely not a skilled cosmetic dentist and I have questions about his ethics. If your teeth are healthy, there is no need to do a smile makeover with dental crowns. As you said, it unnecessarily removes healthy tooth structure. His excuse that you’re not old enough for porcelain veneers doesn’t hold water.

You can have porcelain veneers once your teeth are fully erupted. If you were a younger teenager that would be one thing, but by 18, which I am assuming you are because you’re leaving for college, that shouldn’t be an issue. Even if it were, dental crowns would have the same problem.

My guess is he is suggesting crowns because he knows how to do those but does not know how to place porcelain veneers. Don’t try to force him into the veneers though. If he does not have the skills and training to make beautiful porcelain veneers, you’ll end up with a disappointing smile.

My recommendation is that you find a dentist with training in cosmetic work. Check out their smile gallery to see what type of results they produce. You’ll also want to make sure they have a beautiful smile guarantee.

This blog is brought to you by a caring dentist in Douglas, AZ. Dr. Gilberto Tostado.

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