Can I Get Veneers If I Have Crooked Teeth or Gaps?

If you feel self-conscious about crooked teeth, uneven spacing, or noticeable gaps, you’re far from alone. These common concerns can affect the look of your smile and your confidence in social or professional settings. Many people considering cosmetic dentistry wonder whether porcelain veneers can correct these issues—or whether orthodontic treatment is required first. The good news is that veneers can often be an excellent solution for patients with mild to moderate misalignment or spacing concerns.

At The Art of Dentistry, cosmetic dentist Robert Rutherford, DDS, provides tailored veneer treatment plans that can transform a range of aesthetic imperfections while preserving a natural-looking appearance. Below, we break down when veneers may work for crooked teeth or gaps, what the process involves, and when orthodontics might still be recommended.

Can Veneers Fix Crooked Teeth?

In many cases, yes—veneers can effectively improve the appearance of crooked or slightly misaligned teeth. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells designed to bond to the front surfaces of your teeth. Since they mask the visible portion of each tooth, they can create the illusion of perfectly aligned, symmetrical teeth without physically moving them.
Veneers often work best for:

• Mild to moderate crookedness – Teeth that are slightly rotated, uneven, or leaning can often be visually straightened with veneers.
• Small discrepancies in size or shape – Veneers can reshape teeth to create a more uniform smile.
• Cosmetic misalignment without functional issues – If your bite is healthy and your misalignment is primarily aesthetic, veneers may be an ideal solution.

When Veneers Alone May Not Be Enough

If teeth are severely misaligned or your bite is significantly off, veneers may not provide the best long-term outcome. Placing veneers on teeth that are too crowded or positioned incorrectly can lead to:

• Over-reduction of enamel
• Difficulty achieving a natural shape
• Problems with veneer durability
• Ongoing bite imbalance

In these cases, Dr. Rutherford may recommend short-term orthodontic treatment, such as Six Month Smiles^®, before proceeding with veneers. Even a brief alignment-focused treatment can create a significantly better foundation for a stunning, long-lasting veneer result.

Can Veneers Close Gaps Between Teeth?

Absolutely. Veneers are a popular cosmetic solution for closing gaps. Unlike orthodontics, which requires physically shifting the teeth closer together, veneers simply widen the visible portions of selected teeth to close or reduce spaces.

Advantages of Using Veneers for Gaps

• Instant cosmetic transformation – Instead of wearing aligners or braces for months, veneers can provide immediate results once placed.
• Customizable spacing – Your veneers can be designed to close the gap entirely or subtly soften its appearance.
• Enhanced shape and balance – Veneers can correct width, height, and symmetry issues at the same time.

When Gaps May Require Other Treatment First

If your gaps are caused by underlying bite problems, missing teeth, or gum issues, veneers alone may not fully address the concern. Gaps resulting from periodontal disease, for example, generally need to be stabilized before cosmetic treatment can be considered. Dr. Rutherford can evaluate the underlying cause to ensure veneers are applied in a way that supports both aesthetics and oral health.

Benefits of Choosing Veneers for Smile Enhancement

Whether you’re dealing with crooked teeth, gaps, discoloration, or worn-down enamel, veneers offer a wide range of benefits:

Natural Appearance

High-quality porcelain mimics the translucency and shine of a natural tooth.

Durability and Stain Resistance

Modern veneers can typically last 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care.

Fast, Predictable Results

Most patients complete treatment in just two visits after their consultation.

Ability to Correct Multiple Cosmetic Concerns At Once

Crookedness, gaps, chips, and color issues can be addressed simultaneously.

At The Art of Dentistry, Dr. Rutherford uses meticulous planning and artistic precision to ensure veneers blend seamlessly with your facial features and smile goals.

What to Expect During a Veneer Consultation

Your journey begins with a comprehensive smile evaluation. During your consultation, Dr. Rutherford will:

• Examine your teeth and bite alignment
• Assess the degree of crookedness or spacing
• Determine whether veneers, orthodontics, or a combination would achieve the best results
• Discuss your cosmetic goals and design preferences
• Create digital previews or models (when appropriate) to help you visualize the outcome

If veneers are appropriate, he will walk you through a personalized treatment plan that outlines how many veneers you may need, the recommended shape and shade, and what results you can expect.

Are You a Good Candidate for Veneers with Crooked Teeth or Gaps?

Ideal candidates usually:

• Have mild to moderate misalignment
• Are unhappy with gaps or uneven spacing
• Have healthy teeth and gums
• Prefer a faster cosmetic solution than orthodontic treatment
• Want long-lasting improvement in tooth shape and color

If you have more severe alignment issues, Dr. Rutherford may recommend a combination approach, such as Six Month Smiles^® followed by veneers, to achieve a result that looks beautiful and functions well.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Ideal Smile

If crooked teeth or gaps have kept you from loving your smile, cosmetic dentistry offers more options than ever. Porcelain veneers can be a transformative solution, often providing straighter, more symmetrical, and noticeably radiant results in just a few appointments.

To find out whether veneers are right for you, contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rutherford. With an artistic eye and a commitment to personalized care, he can help you achieve the confident, stunning smile you’ve always envisioned.