Veneers are a great way to cover surface imperfections and protect the front of your teeth from harm. However, they’re not a good choice for people who are still growing. So, how old do you have to be to get veneers? Let’s take a closer look at this topic and find out.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings placed on the front part of your teeth. Most dental veneers are made from composite resin or dental porcelain, which are relatively affordable and provide a good balance of appearance and effectiveness.
Most people use veneers to straighten slightly-crooked teeth or protect their teeth from further damage. In rarer cases, patients are candidates for palatal veneers, which are used to restore the anterior teeth – the incisors and canines in the front of your mouth. These veneers can help fix damage caused by erosion, or bruxism.
How Old Should You Be To First Get Veneers?
So, how old do you have to be to get veneers? In general, men should be at least 18 years old, while women should be at least 16 years old before getting dental veneers. There’s some leeway with these guidelines depending on individual development and the judgment of the dentist. For example, women as young as 15 may occasionally get veneers.
The main reason to wait this long is that it’s best to avoid veneers until all teeth are in their permanent positions. If dentists install them too early, the veneers could leave gaps near the gum line that create an odd appearance and possibly cause dental hygiene issues.
However, veneers can also help children build confidence in themselves and their smiles, particularly if done at a young age. Depending on the child’s needs, your dentist may choose to apply temporary veneers and give children a sample of what their teeth can look like when they get older.
Other Requirements
You’ve already asked, “how old do you have to be to get veneers?”, but that’s not the only requirement. Here are some other factors your dentist will consider if you’re interested in getting veneers.
Purpose
The purpose is the main reason for applying dental veneers. For example, if you only want your teeth to look whiter, your dentist may suggest a professional whitening procedure. This can help your teeth look brighter without grinding them down and applying a shell on top.
On the other hand, sometimes stains are so deep and dark that even professional whitening can’t remove them. In those cases, veneers are a better choice.
Tooth Structure
Veneers bond to your teeth’s enamel, so the overall health and structure of each tooth is a critical element of determining whether or not veneers are a good option. If your enamel is too weak, your dentist will have to recommend a different treatment instead.
Behaviour
Veneers are not a good option if you grind your teeth. Grinding both weakens enamel and can cause damage to the veneers themselves if you bite down on them. If you do this, you may need to find a way to stop before veneers become a good option for you.