Is An Overbite a Problem for Porcelain Veneers?

Posted by writeradmin

I have some questions about something my dentist said. I wanted to get a smile makeover and was hoping to get porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, my dentist said that because of my overbite that I am not the best candidate for veneers. My front teeth completely cover my bottom teeth. He wants me to get dental crowns instead. I have two questions. First, is there no way around the overbite thing? I have one crown on a back tooth and my dentist ground that down to a nub. I don’t want the rest of my teeth ground down as well. Second, if I am not getting veneers or crowns on the bottom teeth, would whitening them be the next best thing? My teeth are stained from tetracycline I took when I was younger. I don’t want them significantly darker than my upper teeth.

Jamie

Dear Jamie,

I am glad you wrote before you ended up with a disaster. First, if you have an overbite like you described then porcelain veneers actually make more sense than dental crowns. This is because veneers only cover the front of your teeth. Dental crowns would have to go around the entire tooth. So, why would your dentist recommend it the other way around?

My suspicion is that he is not an experienced cosmetic dentist. Often dentists uncomfortable in advanced cosmetic procedures, like porcealin veneers, will steer their patients to dental crowns, which they learned in general dental school. There are a couple of problems with that. First, while crowns are taught, making them stunning as people would expect from with a smile makeover, is not taught in dental school. That would take post-doctoral training. To make that even more urgent, the tetracycline stains are one of the most advanced procedures there is for a smile makeover. It would take a cosmetic dentist in the top 1-3% of their field.

Because of that, my suggestion would be for you to get a dentist who has received accreditation through the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Dentists who are AACD accredited have been thoroughly vetted. In order to receive accreditation, they have to pass stringent exams that prove their technical knowledge. They also had a board of examiners look at a large number of cases they’ve personally done in order to show that they are artistic as well.  An AACD accredited dentist will give you a stunning smile. They are the best cosmetic dentists in the country.

As for your question about teeth whitening, that is a good idea, but I suggest you get that done with KöR Whitening. This is much more effective than other teeth whitening options, and has proven to be more effective with tetracycline stains than other options.

This blog is brought to your by Naples, FL Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Long.