Can Malocclusion Be Treated with Veneers Without Orthodontics?

Hello. I’m Park Jae-hyeong, the representative director of Wonjin Dental Clinic.

Can veneers be done if I have a protruding lower jaw?

This week, a patient with an underbite also visited after getting veneers.

Fortunately, there were no occlusal problems, so we were able to give the patient a beautiful result.

Many of you may have searched for veneers for malocclusion because orthodontic treatment feels burdensome, but you still want straight front teeth.

If veneers could straighten crooked teeth all at once, they would certainly be an appealing option.

However, this is something that needs to be discussed honestly to avoid regret.

Today, I’ll look at cases in which veneers are possible for malocclusion and cases in which veneers are difficult, together with examples.

Malocclusion and veneers: Is it possible?

First, we need to understand what veneers are.

Veneers are a treatment in which thin porcelain shells are bonded to the surface of the teeth to change their shape and color.

In other words, veneers improve the outward appearance of the teeth; they do not actually move the teeth or correct the force of biting, that is, the bite itself.

This is the biggest difference between orthodontics and veneers.

Orthodontics moves the teeth into their proper positions, whereas veneers refine the visible shape of the teeth.

Therefore, there is no single answer to the question of whether veneers are possible for malocclusion.

Whether they are appropriate depends greatly on the severity of the malocclusion.

Cases that can be improved with veneers for malocclusion

Mild malocclusion can be made to look straighter with veneers.

If the front teeth are slightly crooked, have small gaps, or are mildly rotated, the surfaces can be shaped and veneers bonded to create a more orderly appearance.

In such cases, improvement is possible in a relatively short period of time, without taking as long as orthodontics, so veneers can be a good option.

This is what is commonly referred to as cosmetic tooth reshaping.

However, even in these cases, the result can vary greatly depending on how much tooth structure is removed and how naturally the color and shape are matched.

Therefore, a mild case should not be treated casually simply because it is considered minor.

26.05.14~26.05.22

Cases with limitations when using veneers for malocclusion

The problem is moderate or more severe malocclusion.

This includes cases in which the teeth overlap significantly, protrude forward, or there is a problem with the way the teeth come together when biting.

The case below involved an underbite, in which the bite itself was problematic.

23.02.23

When the upper and lower teeth are already coming into contact, they are likely to continue colliding even after veneers are placed.

This can lead to complications such as the veneers breaking or coming off easily.

Therefore, we improved the alignment as much as possible while adjusting the bite.

25.11.28

In fact, in cases like this, many patients are sufficiently satisfied after orthodontic treatment alone and decide not to proceed with veneers.^^

The patient in the photo below visited for no-prep veneers for undersized teeth, but the more significant issue was malocclusion.

Looking at the front teeth in the photo above, you can see that the areas where the teeth had been contacting were worn down, giving the teeth irregular shapes. (26. 04. 20)

This was an edge-to-edge bite in which the upper and lower teeth collided, wearing down the upper teeth.

We initially recommended orthodontic treatment, but the patient did not want it, and the tooth roots were also relatively short.

Therefore, veneers were used to address the problem of the front teeth continuing to wear away under repeated impact.

In such cases, care must be taken to minimize the amount of tooth reduction and preserve as much enamel—the outermost layer of the tooth—as possible.

Because the veneers were being placed despite the bite not being properly aligned, the bite also had to be adjusted carefully to prevent the veneers from breaking and requiring retreatment.

We proceeded with the veneers while paying close attention to all of these factors.

We reshaped the area that had an edge-to-edge bite and adjusted the bite carefully to protect the teeth. (26. 04. 28)

However, in general, if malocclusion is forcibly corrected with veneers, the teeth may look better at first, but the biting force can become concentrated on one side, causing the veneers to fail to last very long. Preventing this as much as possible is important.

I always tell my patients that it is important to reduce the amount of tooth reduction, bond the veneers properly, and adjust the bite carefully.

If you read the article below, you will understand why these things matter and how to approach treatment. Please be sure to read it.

Problems that can arise when veneers are performed too aggressively

If malocclusion is ignored and veneers are placed regardless, several problems can follow.

First, too much tooth structure may be removed.

Once enamel is removed, it does not grow back, and excessive reduction can lead to sensitivity or the need for root canal treatment.

Second, if the malocclusion remains, excessive force is placed on the veneers.

As a result, they can break or come off easily, and their lifespan may also be shortened.

Although the appearance may improve, the underlying cause remains, so the problem may recur over time.

Some patients actually come to us after undergoing overly aggressive treatment elsewhere because they experienced discomfort or dissatisfaction.

Because teeth that have been filed down are difficult to restore, the initial decision is especially important.

The patient in the photo above came to us for retreatment after veneers previously placed elsewhere had broken. (26.05.06~26.06.10)

Why orthodontics and veneers may both be needed for malocclusion

That does not mean orthodontics and veneers are mutually exclusive treatments in which you must choose only one.

After moving the teeth to some extent and positioning them properly, veneers can be used to finish the treatment. This can reduce the amount of tooth reduction while producing a natural result.

In some cases, partial orthodontic treatment is sufficient.

Rather than choosing veneers in every case or orthodontics in every case, considering both options together can sometimes lead to a better result.

Even if it takes a little longer, this approach is worth considering if it can produce a more stable result while removing less tooth structure.

A case of partial orthodontic treatment for the front teeth

The first step is an accurate diagnosis

Ultimately, to determine whether veneers are appropriate for malocclusion, we first need to accurately assess the severity of the malocclusion.

This is why, during consultations, I thoroughly examine the tooth alignment and bite and honestly explain whether veneers are appropriate or orthodontic treatment should come first.

I believe it is something that should never be done to encourage a patient to proceed with veneers when they are not suitable or to make the amount of tooth reduction sound insignificant.

I believe good results begin not with which treatment is performed, but with choosing the treatment that suits your condition.

These days, there are many cases where clear aligners or partial orthodontic treatment can be used, and because the treatment period can be short, they often place less strain on the teeth.

Even when combining several methods, we should be able to provide the solution that is best for the patient’s teeth.

If you are considering veneers for malocclusion, do not focus only on the result of making your teeth look straighter. First, confirm whether the method is truly suitable for your teeth.

Because you will use your front teeth for the rest of your life, I believe the choice you are least likely to regret is to learn enough about your options and make a careful decision.

Thank you. This was Park Jae-hyeong.