Veneers for Chipped and Decayed Teeth?

Question

My teeth are decayed and chipped. As bad as my teeth are, I will probaly have to get 90% of them pulled. Are these veneers the way to go, and if not what are my other options? Since I'm under 30 years old, I would prefer something more permanent.

Arthur Glosman, DDS · Answer

Hello,
You are so young to have to have 90% of your teeth pulled. I would do all I could to save as many teeth as possible. Get your teeth professionally cleaned , fill all the cavities, remove all severely decayed and un restorable teeth as needed, and then whiten your teeth. After you've re established a healthy mouth you can now decide what cosmetic options are in your best interest, whether it's beautiful porcelain veneers or all porcelain crowns.  Another long term option is implants for your missing teeth, that can have all porcelain crowns put on top. You should find a dentist who can take care of all your needs and restore you're entire mouth. Choose carefully and look at the doctors previous work to make the best educated decision.

Best of luck
Dr. Glosman

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

The biggest thing is how much money do you have to invest in your smile/mouth reconstruction and makeover?  If money is not an issue, then get all of your teeth fixed first (decay elimination with root canal therapies, fillings, etc.), gum disease treated, then crown all of your previous bad teeth.  If money is an issue where you can't come up with $20K, then getting your teeth pulled and then dentures will be your only way.  Even with your teeth extracted and dentures, you're still looking at $10K+ Either treatment options, keep your teeth and get them fixed versus get rid of your teeth and get denture, both routes will be expensive.  Tough tough case.  Young patient that needs a full mouth recon.

James Malouf, BDS · Answer

Dental Veneers can be a great option to restore chipped or decayed teeth. Composite veneers might be a suitable short-term option or you could consider porcelain veneers as a better long-term option. However before veneers could be placed, the underlying teeth should be as healthy as possible. I would certainly advise against pulling your teeth out wherever possible, this option should be reserved as a last resort.

Anjali Rajpal, DMD · Answer

Because you're so young, I highly recommend doing whatever it takes to save your remaining teeth. Teeth should only be pulled as an absolute last resort. If you have some small chips and small decay, you can fill in the decay with filling and place a veneer on top of the tooth still. However if there is severe deep decay, into the nerve, you may require a root canal and crown to save the tooth. You will need a proper evaluation with x-rays to determine the condition of each tooth and see which may need only fillings, or others that may require crowns or veneers.

Benjamin S. Fiss, DDS · Answer

Absolutely &ndash; They can rebuild and beautify any tooth. Dont rely on cosmetics to fix everything though, theyre no point to veneers if theres no teeth to fix, maintain a healthy mouth, believe me you do not want to get implants if you can help it dont let your teeth get that bad. But in extreme cases veneers are placed on implants as well.

Joseph W. Worthington, DDS · Answer

It sounds to me that you probably have not been to a dentist in years or even had your teeth professionally cleaned. First things first. Get in to see a dentist and have your teeth evaluated with a full set of digital x-rays. I say digital because they can be easily emailed to any professional you may need to see or consult with. Once this is done you can start your fact finding mission and understand what modalities you can consider.

Daniel W. Schiavone, DDS · Answer

Alissa,
Venners are new surfacing for the front sides of your existing teeth.  If you "pull" your teeth then the only way to put teeth back is with dentures or implants.  It is always best to keep your natural teeth and restore them if that is possible.  Consult a dentist to see if that is a feasible alternative.

Victoria Veytsman, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

In answer to your question, porcelain veneers would be a great option for you in achieving a more symmetrical, even, and brighter smile. The amount of veneers you need depends on how widely you smile and what your goals are. In most cases  8 or 10 veneers will achieve a beautiful complete result.The procedure takes multiple office visits. It starts with a planning phase where take impressions and photographs and we get a mockup from the lab where we can create a trial smile. You can actually see in our mouth what your smile with veneers would look like. Then after your teeth are prepared you wear temporaries for a few weeks and come in for your final restorations to be cemented permanently. The best candidates for veneers are those with already generally healthy teeth--this may include those with already existing restorations that need to be replaced.  Good luck!

Daniel Melnick, DDS (retired) · Answer

Veneers are like fake fingernails for the teeth.  They work best to cosmetically enhance generally healthy teeth.  It sounds like you may have more rampant decay if teeth are fracturing.  In that case in order to both cosmetically enhance them and make them stronger, full crowns would be recomended.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD - Account Suspended · Answer

While you say they may need to be pulled, you may find that they CAN be saved.  As a rule of thumb, if they CAN, then it is a good idea to do so.  Veneers are great to fix chipped, worn and decayed teeth.  If there is a lot of decay, a crown may be more appropriate, but the result is very similar. 
If the teeth are pulled, there are no teeth to put veneers on, so you may be looking at dentures as the only alternative.  Your treating Dr would be able to help

Veneers for Chipped and Decayed Teeth?

Answers (10)

More Porcelain Veneers Questions

Do Dental Veneers Look Fake?

Can a Veneer Be Darkened?

How Long Do Porcelain Veneers and Crowns Last?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS