Having a straighter, more confident smile can be a significant boost for your self-esteem. But if you’re considering veneers to achieve this, you might have some questions. One common concern is: do teeth have to be straight for veneers?
The truth is, veneers can be a great solution for mild to moderate crooked teeth. In this article, we’ll delve into exactly what veneers are, how they can address misalignment, and whether they might be the right option for your unique smile. We’ll also explore if you need to straighten your teeth before veneers and the potential benefits of braces alongside veneers.
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells of custom-made porcelain or composite resin bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They offer a versatile cosmetic solution, addressing various concerns like:
- Chips and cracks
- Discolouration and staining
- Gaps between teeth
- Mild to moderate misalignment
In this article, we want to focus on whether you can put veneers on crooked teeth, but if you want to find out more about Veneers we’ve written loads about them on our Dental Veneers Guide Hub! You can find out about:
And so much more! But for now, on with the article!
What causes crooked teeth?
Several factors can contribute to crooked teeth!
Genetics
You can inherit crooked teeth from your parents! This is especially true if one or both of your parents has an underbite or overbite. You can also inherit certain characteristics that can lead to crooked teeth, such as extra teeth, abnormally large teeth, and misaligned jaws.
Poor myofunctional habits
Myofunctional habits are repetitive behaviours that affect the muscles or functions of the mouth or face. Examples of myofunctional habits that can cause crooked teeth include thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing.
Early or missing baby teeth
When baby teeth are lost too early, the permanent teeth may not have enough space to come in properly. This can lead to crowding and crooked teeth.
Injury
An injury to the mouth can damage the teeth and jaw, which can lead to crooked teeth.
Are veneers a good option for crooked teeth?
Veneers can be a fantastic option for improving the appearance of mildly crooked teeth. By masking the natural tooth underneath, they create the illusion of a straighter smile. However, veneers are not a substitute for orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners) in cases of severe misalignment. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Good candidates for veneers:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Slightly rotated teeth
Better candidates for braces:
- Severely crooked teeth
- Overbites or underbites
- Deep bite
If you’re considering veneers for crooked teeth, it’s important to consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist to discuss your individual needs. We will be able to assess the severity of your misalignment and determine if veneers are the right option for you!
Do I need to straighten my teeth before veneers?
Not necessarily! As mentioned, for more severe misalignment, orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners might be a better first step. This ensures your teeth are correctly positioned for optimal bite function and long-term dental health. Veneers can then be used to address any remaining cosmetic concerns like chips or uneven colour.
Here’s what you should consider before getting veneers for crooked teeth:
Severity of misalignment: If your teeth are severely misaligned or crowded, straightening them first might be recommended by your dentist for the best outcome from the veneers.
Veneer placement: Veneers are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. If your teeth overlap significantly, straightening them can allow for better placement of the veneers.
Should you get braces before veneers?
In most cases, braces aren’t mandatory before getting veneers. Veneers can usually address misalignment and cosmetic concerns without braces, but there are a few advantages to getting braces first!
- By straightening your teeth first, you minimise the amount of enamel that needs to be removed for veneers; when your teeth are already aligned, the veneers essentially act as a cosmetic cover. They won’t need to be as thick or dramatically reshaped to achieve the desired look. (However, when you choose Bespoke Smile for your veneers, we use ultra-thin, minimally-invasive veneers as standard!)
- Braces can correct bite problems like overbites or underbites, which can contribute to long-term oral health issues. Veneers don’t necessarily address these concerns, but having a properly aligned bite can ensure your veneers function well.
- Veneers on straight teeth tend to look more natural and require less modification of the underlying tooth structure. Braces can ensure your teeth are in the optimal position for veneers to provide the best cosmetic outcome.
A consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist is vital! We can assess the severity of your crooked teeth and discuss your desired outcome. In some cases, veneers alone might achieve a straighter-looking smile. However, for significant misalignment, braces will likely be recommended for proper tooth movement before veneers are applied.
Veneers offer a fantastic way to achieve a beautiful, straighter-looking smile, but they may not always be the only solution for crooked teeth. Contact our friendly team today to schedule a consultation and explore if veneers are the right option for you. We offer personalised treatment plans to help you achieve a confident, radiant smile!