How limited are veneers in adding length to a persons teeth? Can they double the length (to restore natural length)?

Question

I am getting veneers bc my teeth are severely discolored warn down to half their original size. However otherwise healthy- not rotting. He insists they can not be lengthened significantly with veneers. Instead he tried to convince me that my teeth are naturally short. They are NOT. They were long and beautiful. I gave my dentist an actual picture of what my teeth used to look like(much longer much whiter) Still he said veneers cant alter much. Is this true? Thank you., Amaya.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Veneers CAN do as you ask, but only as part of a full mouth reconstruction ( can be just an arch if opening bite 2 mm or less, but you describe much more than that).  It is likely that this approach is beyond your dentist's experience or training, or else they would have shared that option.An investment like this can be significant, so choose your provider carefully.

Ira Shapira, DDS · Answer

The answer is a lot more complicated than just the veneers.  There is a physiologic window of health for your bite that includes not just the front teeth but also your head posture, your breathing, swallowing, jaw joints and muscle health.  When teeth are worn it is both front and back teeth that are shortened.  The closer to the jaw joint the less the wear, as you move forward it is magnified.While you can create amazing results with full mouth neuromuscular reconstructions you are much more limited if you are only doing anterior veneers.Full mouth reconstruction is a complex procedure that should only be done by cosmetic dentists who have training in treating TMJ disorder and pain and have a good understanding  of sleep and breathing.When doing a full mouth restoration you should paln on a process with either fixed or removable orthotics for an interim period to idealize physiology.A diagnostic wax up is essential element.There are different schools of thought on the best way to determine ideal.  I am a fan of neuromuscular dentistry approach.  The real neuromuscular dentistry is taught primarily through ICCMO.  Doing just anterior cosmetics is far more limiting and does not achieve the anti-aging effects of reconstruction.Having said that you can achieve excellent results within certain parameters.Consider having multiple consultations prior to making a decision on the best artist/physiologist dentist to do your work.Ira L Shapira DDS, D,ABDSM, D,AAPM, FICCMOChair, Alliance of TMD OrganizationsThinkBetterLife.comDelanyDentalCare.com

James Asaf, DDS · Answer

I am curious as to why your dentist believes your teeth have not worn down to the extent that you are describing. I wish you would have stated your approximate age. For an older patient, I would say that over time it is very likely that your teeth may have worn down. If you are under 30 years of age, I would put more weight into his determination, unless very poor dental care and hygiene have taken place. Do you grind your teeth? This is a common way even younger patients experience the wearing of teeth. I would like more info or go to another dentist for a second opinion.Best of luck,James Asaf, DDS

Dan Hagi, DDS · Answer

Hi Amaya,Before considering which solution is best one needs to understand the problem and the reason the problem occurred.   It is not normal to wear away 50% of the tooth length.  If this is the case then the causative factor needs to be addressed and controlled.  If you wore away enamel you will surely break any dental material as well.   Now porcelain veneers can be used to add length to a tooth.  Again did the tooth loose length at the edge only or did it also move down the bone to compensate for length lost?  If the later happened then a gum lift in combination with the veneers may be the answer.   Bottom line you need to see someone with experience dealing with such cases and get multiple opinions.  Hope this helps and all the best.

How limited are veneers in adding length to a persons teeth? Can they double the length (to restore natural length)?

Answers (4)

Answer: Veneers used to lengthen teeth.

Answer: Veneers used to lengthen teeth.

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Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

How limited are veneers in adding length to a persons teeth? Can they double the length (to restore natural length)?

Answers (4)

Answer: Veneers used to lengthen teeth.

Answer: Veneers used to lengthen teeth.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Porcelain Veneers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.