I just turned 16. After 2 years of wearing braces, I still hate my teeth. I give up. How old do I have to be to get porcelain veneers? – Jazlyn C.
Jazlyn – You can receive veneers as a teenager, but most dentists will probably advise you to wait until your jawbone growth is complete. If you receive veneers before the growth is complete, they will begin to recede at your gumline, and it will be quite noticeable. At that point, you will probably want the veneers replaced.
A single veneer can cost almost $1000—or more, depending on where you live in the country and the skill of the dentist doing the work. Eight veneers are required to cover the upper teeth that show when you smile. So you have to consider if you really want veneers at this point, when you may need to replace them in a few years.
We recommend that you visit a skilled cosmetic dentist. Let the dentist know what you don’t like about your smile. Is it the shape, color, or some other feature? It may be that teeth whitening and/or teeth contouring (reshaping) are all that is needed to enhance your smile. A cosmetic dentist will listen to your goals for your smile, let you know your options, and let you know the right time to do it, based on when your jawbone and teeth are sufficiently developed.
This post is sponsored by top NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.
