Do I Need Braces for the Fourth Time?

Posted by AllSmiles

Although I wore braces three times between the ages of 17 and 35, my teeth are crowded again. I wonder if porcelain veneers on my upper incisors can help my front teeth look less prominent. I had a consultation, and the dentist recommended six veneers, which are too costly. Will I need to wear braces again if I can’t afford porcelain veneers?  – Thanks. Justyn from San Bernardino

Justin,

We can’t determine whether two or six veneers would suit you without seeing your teeth, but we can explain the reasoning behind both recommendations. Aesthetically pleassing cosmetic dentistry involves more than just placing porcelain. It requires blending color, shape, and translucency to create a smile that looks natural.

Here are the two possible scenarios:

• Two veneers may genuinely be enough, and your dentist may simply prefer a larger case.
• Your dentist may hold high ethical and artistic standards and believe two veneers wouldn’t create a seamless result.

Skilled cosmetic dentists take pride in their work. They want you to love the outcome, and they strive for each case to reflect their artistry and meticulous attention to detail.

Why Retainers Matter Long-Term

Teeth continue to move throughout adulthood. The only reliable way to control that movement is to wear a retainer after treatment. Many patients require a retainer for only a limited period, but some—like you—need long-term support to maintain their alignment. If you had worn your retainer consistently after your teen treatment, you probably wouldn’t have needed orthodontic retreatment.

To test whether you still need a retainer, gradually increase the time between wearing it. Follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing it full time. Then shift to nights only. After that, try every other night. If the retainer feels tight when you put it back in, your teeth have moved. If it feels comfortable, you can continue spacing out the wear.

Some orthodontists bond a permanent retainer to the back of the teeth to prevent future tooth shifting. That approach might have been a good fit for you.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. Read about what they do to provide some of the best dental care in Chandler.