Dental Veneers: Does Age Really Matter?
Category: Dental Veneer Tips
“How old do you have to be for tooth veneers? “ is a common question that we get here from those young individuals looking to get veneers. Some say age is merely a number – this is not the case with dental veneers. If you are planning to get veneers, it is crucial that you wait until the right time. Veneers on young people don’t always work out. Getting veneers at too young of an age can mean consequences later in life. If you want your veneers to last as long as they should, be wise when choosing an appointment date.
Like any other part of our body, our teeth go through significant changes as we grow. As such, we often find that our teeth shift positions until the start of early adulthood. While changes in tooth position are not serious, they can certainly keep you from experimenting with dental veneers.
When porcelain veneers are done on someone whose teeth are not permanently fixed in position, the person will find that when they get older, the veneers will draw away from the gum line. As you may have guessed, this can create quite an unsightly smile. This issue can prove to be especially unpleasant to those with veneers not color-matched to their existing teeth. The shifting veneers will create a dark area just under the gum line – a very distracting look if you ask me.
Despite what was said earlier, it is still possible for people under an ideal age to get veneers. While porcelain veneers are certainly not an ideal option, composite veneers can drastically improve the smile of anyone who’s not quite ready for porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are done by applying a bonding agent to the surface of your existing teeth. The composite veneers are far more resistant to tooth shifting than porcelain veneers, and are thus far more suitable for younger people.
If you’re extremely fixed on the idea of getting porcelain veneers at a young age, there is still hope for you. If finances permit, you can get the dental veneers done at a young age and then have them redone in the future. Again, this is not an ideal option for those not looking to spend excessive amounts of money.
Another thing to remember is that dental offices will handle veneer procedures on a case by case basis. Often times, offices will refuse cosmetic services to those who are not yet adults (as younger people are prone to mistreating their teeth). It is best to consult your local cosmetic dentist to see if you qualify for a veneer procedure. If your dentist advises against it, care should be taken before making any sort of rash investment.
Below we have complied some questions which may interest those who are unsure whether they are fit (age-wise) for dental veneers.
How do I know if I’m too young for veneers?
A person can’t really determine themselves whether they are too young for veneers. This determination must typically be made by a dentist who has experience with tooth growth and shifting. However, as a general rule of thumb, if you’re not 18 quite yet, it might be a good idea to wait before getting veneers. You could always go in for a veneer consultation shall you feel that you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
What is the average age of people with veneers?
There is no reported average age of people with veneers. However, most who do opt to undergo the procedure tend to be well into adulthood.
Is the required age for dental veneers higher than that for Lumineers?
No, both Lumineer and dental veneer patients tend to be adults. Both procedures require that tooth growth be stagnant or nearly over. If either of these procedures were to be performed on adolescents, results wouldn’t be long lasting as tooth growth would allow the veneers or lumineers to retract from the gums. The end result would be a strange looking smile. Thus, you shouldn’t expect the required age for Lumineers to be any different from the required age for dental veneers.
Why is the recommended age for porcelain veneers different from that of Porcelain veneers?
The age for porcelain veneers varies from that of composite veneers as both veneer procedures can be polar opposites in terms of costs and flexibility. Porcelain veneers are the more expensive of the two and can’t be feasibly replaced in the event that they recede from the gum line. On the other hand, composite veneers are much more affordable and can thus be replaced in the event that they malfunction. Composite veneers are also more advantageous for younger individuals as they are shaped while directly on the patients tooth.
Will dental offices offer the procedure to patients not of age for veneers?
No, most cosmetic dentistry offices will not allow someone who is underage to undergo a veneer procedure. Those that do are likely only after your money. Whatever veneers they do end up outfitting you with are guaranteed to have problems later down the line.