My teeth are stained and blotchy from wearing braces. Some of them look corroded. I’ve had several cavities that my dentist filled earlier this year. I’m tired of having stained teeth. I just graduated from high school. Am I old enough for porcelain veneers? Thanks. Leighya
Leighya,
Porcelain veneers preserve much more tooth structure than crowns. Most require only minimal preparation—about 0.3 millimeters—and some can be placed without drilling.
Conservative tooth preparation is beneficial for younger anterior teeth that contain large pulp chambers. Crowns can endanger the pulp, but veneers do not. From a structural perspective, veneers do not present an age-related risk to healthy teeth.
The limitation for veneers involves tooth eruption, not the patient’s age. If the front teeth are still erupting, placing veneers too early can leave part of the tooth uncovered, with visible enamel later. However, eruptions are usually completed by age 18.
Addressing Your Oral Health Before Getting Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer covers the front of a tooth
You describe significant prior dental work and attribute staining to braces, which often points to decalcification during orthodontic treatment.
Staining around braces usually starts as chalky white areas caused by plaque sitting around brackets. Over time, those areas darken. The outline of the bracket often becomes visible because the enamel around it has weakened.
Before getting veneers to conceal teeth stains and blotches, your teeth and gums must be healthy.
How can you protect your teeth?
- Avoid frequent snacking because it promotes decay regardless of your brushing habits.
- Stabilize your hygiene routine and diet to prevent future damage and protect long-term results.
Once those issues are under control, you can discuss cosmetic treatment with a cosmetic dentist.
Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.