Braces Removed - How Long Until I Can Get Veneers?

Question

I started with a cross bite on my left side. I underwent SARPE surgery to widen my palate and then followed that with 10 months in braces. My arch and bite are corrected now, and I will be getting the braces off in a month. How long must I wait after the braces are removed to get veneers? I'm worried about the teeth shifting after veneers are placed, thus altering or damaging the appearance of the veneers. Will a new retainer (after veneers) prevent this? Thank you.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

While one COULD start sooner, the requirements to keep teeth in place during veneer fabrication run the risk of non compliance.  You are wise to be concerned about shifting after the braces come off.  In your case, it is likely that any shifting would be minimal, but ANY might be too much for you.

	Three months is a normal conservative approach.  Even after the veneers are complete, wearing something for retention (a clear retainer or something similar) will help keep everything in place.

Brad Lockhart, DDS · Answer

If you were my patient I would put you in retainers for three months before doing veneers. Current research on orthodontic retention indicates there is no added benefit to retention after three months. In other words, the teeth take roughly three months to "settle" following orthodontic movements. You will need to consider some form of lifetime retention after the veneers are done to ensure that your teeth remain straight for the rest of your life.

	Good luck!

Michael J. Thomas, DDS · Answer

Veneers can be done soon afer braces because in your case it sounds as tho they were put on to stabilize your bite during surgery to open your palate and correct your cross bite. If your 6 front teeth were not moved much during your braces then there is no need to wait for veneers. A good perio cleaning of the gums and pocket probings are needed to make sure the gums are healthy and the gum line stable...Dr Thomas

Gerilyn Alfe, DMD · Answer

I usually like to wait about 3 months after orthodontic movement to let the teeth "settle" as well and let the gums recover after all that metal is removed and you can clean your teeth much better!  Once your veneers are completed, I would recommend wearing some sort of retainer or mouth guard at night  (I'm assuming you'd already have one for the opposing teeth).  While you're waiting, you can always bleach first if that's been recommended as well.  Congrats on your commitment to your dental health and smile!

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS · Answer

Congratulations on your major accomplishment!  You have a done a lot for your smile already.  Get out of your braces and let things settle. 

	Get some good Invisalign type retainers.  I like my patients to wait at least 3 months to let their gums improve and then we evaluate how everything  looks to come up with our final dental treatment plan. 

	You can even whiten while you are taking a breather and see how things look.  If you have one ugly crown or a couple, you can always have your dentist do a temporary restoration(s) so you look good but are waiting for your treatment of choice.

	Have fun-Enjoy!!

Braces Removed - How Long Until I Can Get Veneers?

Answers (9)

Answer: After my braces are removed, how long to wait before veneers?

Answer: After my braces are removed, how long to wait before veneers?

Answer: Give your smile a chance to settle after braces

Answer: Give your smile a chance to settle after braces

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Braces Removed - How Long Until I Can Get Veneers?

Answers (9)

Answer: After my braces are removed, how long to wait before veneers?

Answer: After my braces are removed, how long to wait before veneers?

Answer: Give your smile a chance to settle after braces

Answer: Give your smile a chance to settle after braces

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.