I'm Currently Wearing my Temp Veneers but Feel Like They're Still Too Small for the Smile I Want?

For a esthetic case we always do a mock up first, that is before the preps in order to determine what is the correct length of the teeth ( incisal edge position), once the prep is done and the temporaries are placed that is a blue  print of the final restorations, if you are not happy with them this is the moment to talk to your dentist, there might still be time to make the changes you want, he will be able to tell you if this can be done, sometimes the occlusion (relationship with the opposing dentition) could be a factor that that would dictate the most length that can be done.

Monica,

This is why we always evaluate temporaries after the anesthesia is worn off (usually the next day or so).  The reason for this is it is impossible to determine proper length regarding lip lines when the patient is numb.  A good cosmetic dentist will always start off with a length that is determined by the width of the central, ie optimum height to width ratio.  Somethings can alter this like the bite,  adjacent teeth that aren't being treated,  root length  etc.

Once I have the patient back for evaluation we look at how the soft tissue plays with the temps.  Questions like how do the incisal edges approximate the lower lip?  Is there to much space between the premolars and the inside of the cheeks.  We also look at things like overall size, shape, and position.  Then we add or subtract temporary material until everything is right and communicate this to the lab so the can duplicate in porcelain.  Sometimes they're perfect and don't need a thing, sometimes significant change is needed.

So to answer your question, Yes.  Not only can they be altered,  they should be evaluated for change before making the final veneers.

 

Hope this helps,

John Schmid DDS LVIF

If you are unhappy and concerned with the size, call to schedule an appointment with the dentist providing this treatment. When the temporaries are placed they are the model used to create the permanent veneers. There is still time to discuss making corrections/adjustments to make them look more natural! Once you are happy then you can move forward with the permanent veneers.

Have you and your dentist looked at your temporary veneers and discussed any changes that you want?  Reason I ask this is that many good cosmetic dentists use the temporaries as your "test drive", or prototype or template of what the permanent veneers will look like.  For instance, in my cosmetic practice I will have the patient return a few days after placing the temporary veneers, AND BEFORE sending the case to the dental laboratory (dental ceramist).  At that time we discuss what the patient "likes and doesn't like"? 


How do they like the length?  Is it just right, need the teeth to be shortened or lengthened?

How about the shape of the teeth?  Teeth too square, too rounded or cuspids too pointed?  There are some basic smile styles from a tooth shape library that can help with this.

The color (dentists call it "the shade")?  Right on, need teeth to be whiter or less bright?

Is there any asymmetry?  Are the teeth longer on one side of the mouth and adjustments as too the alignment need to be made?


After this discussion, I will adjust the temporary veneers if possible.  Shortening and rounding them are easy.  Adding length is a little more difficult, but can be done.  As to the color (shade), if not happy with the color we have the patient view different shades from the dental shade guide and choose the color.  Any additional changes that the lab may need will be noted.  Then, after coming to complete agreement as to how the final veneers will be made, the patient will sign off on the smile design.  The photos, measurements, final shade and a model of the corrected temporary veneers will all be sent to our ceramist.  Now....NOW......NOW...the ceramist has a very detailed blue print of precisely how to make your new porcelain veneers.

So, if you and your cosmetic haven't come to this agreement already, I suggest you call him immediately.  Tell him to call the dental ceramist and put "a hold" on the case until you come in and communicate with your dentist the changes you require before accepting your new porcelain veneers.

At the link below you will see examples of the "trial smile" and how we utilize the protocol I just described.