June 6, 2013 – For years, many people thought of braces as something for growing children. Now, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, the number of adults getting braces to correct their smiles is increasing. At the same time, the number of adults using veneers to correct crooked teeth has also increased.
Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern. St. Augustine dentists also find that crooked teeth can increase the risk of cavities or gum disease. This is because the open pockets where teeth should meet can expose gums to food and bacteria.
Many adults ready to fix their crooked smile consider their options of braces or veneers in St. Augustine. Veneers seem to have the distinct advantage, because the time it takes to correct a smile with veneers tends to be faster than with braces. But before an adult can have veneers put in place, she must first have a St. Augustine cosmetic dentist evaluate the health of her teeth.
When a person gets veneers to correct her smile, the teeth must be filed down to create room for the porcelain shell that covers the natural tooth. For weak, thin, or worn-down teeth, adding a porcelain veneer can strengthen the tooth. However for some people, this may not be an option.
In some cases, it may make more sense to get adult braces instead. If a patient has healthy teeth that are not discolored, veneers may add unnecessary modifications to that person’s natural tooth, which could create future problems.
For adults looking for the best solution for their teeth, it is important to visit a St. Augustine cosmetic dentist for a consultation. During the consultation, the dentist can look at the patient’s smile and offer recommendations for what procedures will benefit the person the most, both in terms of the appearance of the smile and the health of the teeth.
