Instant Orthodontics with Porcelain Veneers By Mike Meek, DDS on December 23, 2016

If you are like most people, when you encounter the term orthodontics, it probably conjures up images of wires and brackets affixed to teeth, with rubber bands weaving in and out of the works. If you are more up to date with dental trends, then you might think of invisible braces or aligner-based orthodontic systems. However, you probably didn’t think of porcelain veneers, a cosmetic treatment that is widely known as the cornerstone of the most transformative smile makeovers. And why would you? What could porcelain veneers possibly have to do with orthodontics?

The answer, at 38^th Street Dental, is plenty. This is because our skilled dentists, Dr. C. Mike Meek and Dr. David J. Tasch, are able to use porcelain veneers to address minor to moderate bite and alignment problems, while also concealing aesthetic imperfections and rejuvenating smiles. They call this procedure “instant orthodontics” because eligible candidates can bypass months of orthodontic treatment to arrive immediately at the results they desire. By undergoing instant orthodontics with porcelain veneers at our Austin, TX dental practice, patients can ultimately save considerable time and frustration while achieving stunning, healthy-looking smiles.

Are you a good candidate for instant orthodontics with porcelain veneers? To find out, schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Meek or Dr. Tasch today.

How Does “Instant Orthodontics” Work?

At 38^th Street Dental, we use the finest-quality porcelain in our custom-crafted veneers, which helps to ensure their strength and durability. When bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth, they effectively conceal chips, cracks, and stains while blending seamlessly into the smile. Porcelain is the most natural looking of all dental restoration materials because it, like tooth enamel, is translucent. This means that it allows some light to pass through its surface rather than simply reflecting all light.

The aesthetic excellence of porcelain veneers is therefore a given. What many people do not realize, however, is that porcelain veneers are also highly versatile. They can completely reinvent a tooth in terms of its size and shape:

If a tooth is too narrow, a veneer can make it wider. This can help to close gaps between teeth, a common orthodontic problem.
If a tooth is disproportionately short, a veneer can make it longer. This can help to improve problems with the bite, or how the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed.
If a tooth is oriented in such a way that it appears slightly crooked in comparison to other teeth, a veneer can be crafted so that it makes the tooth appear more properly oriented in the mouth. The result is a more uniform, less crooked smile.

Obviously, not all orthodontic problems can be addressed with porcelain veneers. Patients with severe problems or problems such as overcrowding will not be good candidates for instant orthodontics. However, those patients who are good candidates may find this to be the ideal treatment for them.