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The ideal age for porcelain veneers is different for everyone. Most people choose to have porcelain veneers later in life, but young adults and teenagers often want a smile makeover to fix the issues that braces couldn’t. It’s best to wait until you’re 18 or older to ensure that your teeth have settled into their permanent places. Otherwise, you might run into some dental trouble as you get older.
The only way to know if you’re too young for porcelain veneers is to see our cosmetic dentists in Las Vegas. Drs. Chin can help you decide if veneers are your best option. But there are three main questions to ask yourself before you undergo an irreversible dental procedure like this.
1. Have your gums, jaw bone and teeth finished growing?
If you have porcelain veneers at a young age, you run the risk of shifting teeth. This will cause your veneers to move as well which may reveal a dark line along the ridge of your gums as the veneers pull away from the gums. You most likely will need to have them replaced a couple of times as you age, which becomes costly.
2. Have you already tried Invisalign® or traditional braces?
Crooked teeth, overcrowding and gaps can usually be corrected with Invisalign® or traditional braces. Clear or metal braces can’t correct all issues though. If you have small gaps left over or chipped teeth, you might be eligible for porcelain veneers.
3. Will you want to return to your natural teeth in the future?
Porcelain veneers are permanent. Your teeth must be modified in order for these ceramic shells to fit. This includes shaving the surface enamel off of your teeth. You will not be able to go back to your normal teeth. This is why it’s best to try alternative methods before deciding on porcelain veneers.
There is not a perfect age for porcelain veneers. It comes down to whether your gums and bones have finished growing. You can always have a smile makeover down the road, but there’s no going back and perhaps you won’t want to. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, look natural and can last as long as 20 years.
If you’re looking for a Las Vegas dentist, call Drs. Chin today at (702) 445-7075 to schedule your consultation. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry in Las Vegas, Summerlin and Henderson, Nevada.