A single porcelain veneer
In August I’ll start my senior year of high school, and I want porcelain veneers. I’m 17 years old and I live with my dad. He says it is okay for me to get them, but my mom doesn’t want me to have them because she thinks I’m too young. She lives in Seattle and I rarely see her, so I’m not sure why she cares so much. I guess I’m looking for some reasons that I can give my mom to convince her that it’s okay for me to have veneers. If I get braces instead, all of my senior events and pictures will show a smile that I’m not proud of. Am I too young for porcelain veneers? – Janae
Janae – Although teenagers can receive porcelain veneers, if you’re receiving them for a complete smile makeover, there are several things to consider.
Determining If You’re Too Young for Porcelain Veneers
- Is your jawbone growth complete? – If you’re still growing, your teeth and jawbone movement are not complete. The growth will eventually affect the way your porcelain veneers look and feel. A noticeable space between your gumline and the veneers can develop. In addition to the space detracting from your smile, bacteria can leak in and promote decay. After your jawbone growth is complete, you might not like the way the veneers look. They will need to be replaced.
- How many porcelain veneers do you need? – The cost for porcelain veneers is per tooth. If you have one or two teeth that need improvement and you receive a veneer for each of them, the cost of replacing them in a few years after your jawbone has fully developed can be kept to a minimum. But if you need eight to ten porcelain veneers, replacing all of them will be costly.
- Is there a way to know if your bone growth is complete? An examination, x-rays, and a review of your family history can help determine if your jawbone growth is near completion. A cosmetic dentist can’t guarantee that your growth is complete, but at least you will have an idea of what to expect if you receive porcelain veneers now.
Porcelain veneers are an investment in your smile. If you and your parents decide you can receive them, only allow them to be placed by a skilled cosmetic dentist. You’ll get predictable results that will last.
This post is sponsored by Bonnie Rothwell, DMD, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Hilton Head, SC.
