I have a 16-year-old daughter that is self-conscious about her teeth. They’re not horrible, a little crooked. Her biggest complaint is that her front teeth aren’t exactly proportionate. The teeth to the side of her front teeth look small compared to the others. She hates to have her picture taken because of it and makes sure her teeth don’t show when she does get her picture taken.
I have heard about porcelain veneers and have seen how they look on actors in Hollywood. My daughter has all her permanent teeth in completely, but I wonder if there is minimum age for getting porcelain veneers? Should we wait?
Patrick in Denver, Colorado
Patrick,
Raising a teenager is not easy, but it’s especially difficult when you see your child struggle with being self-conscious when you may be able to help.
Porcelain veneers, when done by a cosmetic dentist with specialized training, can be a beautiful way to correct one’s teeth, whether it is because they are crooked, discolored, or as in your daughter’s case, perhaps misshapen. There isn’t any minimum age for getting porcelain veneers, but you do need to be aware that there is a risk that they may need to be replaced sooner than usual. As we grow, our gums and bones develop, and in adolescents, the jaw hasn’t completely matured. So as your daughter’s jaw and bones finish growing, the edge of the veneers may be exposed and may not look as nice because they don’t fit properly, like they did when they were first placed. And that can be within just a few years of getting the porcelain veneers.
Speaking with a cosmetic dentist that is an expert at porcelain veneers would be wise, as he or she can assess your daughter’s oral health and see if she is a candidate. You can also see what your options are. Perhaps getting veneers on just those smaller teeth may be all your daughter needs to have a confident smile.
After this assessment and getting the opinion of a cosmetic dentist, it still may boil down to your choice, whether it’s worth the risk to get veneers now or wait.
We wish you well with your teen and hope she will have much to smile about.
You may be interested in learning more porcelain veneers.
This post is sponsored by Enfield dentist Dr. William Cummiskey at Generations Dental Care.