Can teenagers get veneers? I just turned 16. After 2 years of wearing braces, I still hate my teeth. No two teeth next to each other seem the same length. Also, I don’t like the shape of my teeth. I love that the braces made my teeth straight, but none match, if that makes sense. I am in early college and don’t want people looking at my teeth. My pediatric dentist wants me to wait until I’m finished growing, but my teeth are embarrassing. I give up. How old do I have to be to get porcelain veneers? Thank you. Jazzlyn
Jazzlyn –
We understand your concerns and being self-conscious about your teeth. Your pediatric dentist’s concerns are valid.
Can You Get Porcelain Veneers as a Teenager?
You can get porcelain veneers as a teenager with your parents’ consent. However, most dentists advise waiting until your jawbone growth is complete. If you receive veneers before the growth is complete, your gums may not fit around the veneers well. You and others will notice a break between the veneers and your gumline, showing the tops of your natural teeth behind the porcelain veneers.
One porcelain veneer can cost $1,500 to $3,500, depending on where you live in the US and the dentist’s fees. You will need eight porcelain veneers to cover your upper teeth that show when you smile. Talk with a parent to help you decide if you want to invest in veneers immediately, although you may need to replace them in a few years when you finish growing.
Is There an Alternative to Porcelain Veneers for Teenagers?
Dental bonding is an alternative to porcelain veneers for teenagers. A skilled cosmetic dentist can use dental composite to reshape and even your teeth. We recommend consulting a cosmetic to explain your concerns about your teeth and what you like and don’t like about them. The cosmetic dentist will explain your options and the results you can expect with porcelain veneers or dental bonding.
David Finley, DDS, a Monroe, Louisiana, accredited cosmetic dentist and Academy of General Dentistry Fellow, sponsors this post. Read about what Dr. Finley, Dr. Henderson, and Dr. Coughran do to provide some of the best dental care in Monroe.
