As a cosmetic dentist, I see patients on a regular basis who are looking to improve their smiles with porcelain veneers. During our initial consultation, we will discuss the type of veneers, as well as how many they will need to achieve their dream smile. In addition, the question of color always comes up.
This can be a very emotional decision for patients. Typically, patients want a whiter smile but not too white. However, there is a fine line we must balance to ensure that the smile looks natural and suits their personality.
For patients getting veneers only on their top teeth, the color selection must also take into consideration the harmony with the bottom teeth. Natural teeth can only be whitened a few shades lighter than their natural color, and this must be taken into consideration when choosing the color for the veneers.
With that in mind, patients have two options when choosing the color of their veneers:
- Hollywood White. When you think of veneers, the first thing that may come to mind is Hollywood actors with perfectly straight, white teeth. To achieve this look, you will need eight to 10 veneers placed on your top teeth and an additional eight to 10 on your bottom teeth. If you tend to be a more glamorous, expressive person who loves the limelight, Hollywood white may suit you. However, this cannot be achieved without placing veneers on the top and bottom teeth.
- Natural White. In my opinion, natural white is appropriate for 9 out of 10 people. We can place six to 10 veneers on the top teeth, depending on the patient’s desired outcome and the width of their smile, and then match the veneers’ color to the bottom teeth. This approach will create a natural-looking smile that is sustainable over the years with proper whitening of the bottom teeth to address natural color changes.
Oftentimes, patients will try to push the limit on the color of their top teeth without addressing their bottom teeth, which creates friction in the smile. I highly advise against this. While addressing only your top teeth may save money, it will draw negative attention to your smile. Many will end up getting veneers on their bottom teeth after several years of living with a smile they don’t love.
My job as a cosmetic dentist is to make sure that you are making the right decision for your current lifestyle and that your smile looks natural and polished.
Our goal is not to have people comment on your veneers. Rather, that you have a beautiful smile without knowing you have veneers. For this to happen, your smile must match your personality and have harmony with your face.
Interested in improving your smile with porcelain veneers? Contact our office at (813) 670-7160 to schedule your consultation today.
