What is wrong with my veneers? (Photos)

Question

I model for a living, so my teeth and the way they look when photographed is incredibly important. I had great teeth before, but decided that a few things could be fixed to make them even more aesthetically pleasing. I went to an expert cosmetic dentist and paid a fortune to have veneers put on my top ten teeth. I loved my temporaries, but my final result looks nothing like them. I am going to a different cosmetic dentist to have them fixed. Can you help tell me what's wrong with them? They look so bad.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Not all dentists are equal when doing veneers, and not all veneers are equal.  The material the lab uses makes a difference.  However, fantastic labs can make average materials look great....  If you found a great dentist, they should be able to help.  We get pts from all over the world coming to us, so you may need to do some homework.  Ask what LAB is being used as well.

George Tsangaroulis, DDS · Answer

I'm sorry about your experience, that is disappointing.  I see that your occlusal/incisal plane is canted, meaning that if you draw an imaginary line where all the tips (edges) of your upper teeth are, it comes down or lower as you go from your right to your left.  This plane should be parallel to horizon.  It's important to have what we call an initial facebow record with a diagnostic waxup prototype prior to treatment.   It's also important to have a facebow record of the temporaries to transfer to the lab, along with a model of the temporaries - whether it's a 3D computer scan or impression.  A facebow record is a reference point of your eyes, jaw and teeth to achieve parallelism.  A skilled dentist will know what a facebow is, and how to use it. 
They do appear bulky, and I would also add some mild texture to make they appear more natural.   
The gum levels are asymmetrical;  (highest extent of the porcelain) on your upper right central and lateral incisors are higher up than the matching teeth on the left side.  This may involve a consult with a Periodontist (gum specialist), or perhaps an Orthodontist to see what can be done to align the gum levels.  
There even appears to be a very slight gap between the front teeth - the photo gives that illusion.  
You also mentioned you had 10 veneers done?  I personally don't like the position of the back 2nd premolars, there is an inadequate buccal corridor also known as negative space.  It appears that only 8 were done when you smile.  I would have the porcelain of the 2nd premolars bulked out a bit towards the corner of your lips/cheeks to have them aligned with the front teeth and eliminate that black space.  
Based on the photo, I would also suggest to increase the value/make them lighter, they appear a bit dark, however this might be the angle or lighting at which the photo was taken.  
It is important to carefully select an experienced, knowledgeable cosmetic dentist.  I would suggest someone who has had extensive training at educational facilities such as Spear, Kois or Dawson Academy.  The skill of the laboratory technician is also paramount, I would research which labs your dentists are using.   There are thousands of labs available, but there are only a select few that are elite and are a critical part of the planning and outcome.  
This is a bit long and detailed, but hope it helps.  We always pick up on the small details, strive for perfection and our patients' absolute satisfaction.  Ultimately you want your teeth to look amazing, but absolutely natural and appear that they fit your smile and are part of you!  I don't think this will be a difficult fix, Good luck!

Joel Klasfeld, DDS · Answer

Your veneers are lacking certain line angles and appear thick and bulky.  In addition, there is a lack of symmetry with the tissue heights.  They also don't appear to be aligned/positioned well.  Agreed that your temporaries looked better.  I would make sure to choose a cosmetic dentist with experience of delivering excellent results.  Your case appears to be a very easy fix though.

Andy Shieh, DMD · Answer

The main difference I see is that your temporary veneers are thinner/flatter than your real ones. Your real veneers also have this round anatomy about them. They all look like bubbles. Unfortunately this will involve more cost but it will be an easy fix if your new cosmetic dentist uses a better lab/ceramists.

What is wrong with my veneers? (Photos)

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Answer: Go Thinner

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What is wrong with my veneers? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Go Thinner

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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.