Why do some peeps look as if they have dentures after dental work?

Question

I have noticed people which have dental work sometimes look as if they have dentures? Bruce Jenner aka Caitlyn to name one or name two to be politically correct. Is it due to lack of bone? Seems to me their mouths sink in somewhat. Personally, I want veneers but do not care to look as if I have dentures. Thanks Docs!

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

Hello Country Girl,No, veneers should not look like dentures.  However, many do and this is why.  Not all general dentists are cosmetic dentist.  Most dentists know how to place crowns and veneers (because they learned this in dental school), but not all dentist know how to place those crowns and veneers in away that form a picture perfect smile.  The way the veneers look greatly depends on the way the teeth are prepped before the veneers are placed.  Many patients think that veneers are all about the type used, but most use a good quality anyway, so this is not the issue.  If you are seriously considering veneers, I would highly recommend looking around online at the before and after photos of patients that certain dentists have treated.  This will give you the best indication of how your teeth will turn out.  Good luck and I hope this info helps you. Follow me if you have more questions.Sarah Thompson, DMDSt. Louis, MORealSelf100

Kenneth A. Barton, DDS · Answer

I think you have made some very good points. The secret to dental restorations is to make them as natural looking as possible. Dentures are an extremely poor substitute for missing teeth. However, if, unfortunately the patient has not properly taken care of his teeth this is often the result. It is always better, and less expensive, to do preventive dental work rather than patch work repair.

Gerry Curatola, DDS · Answer

A major concern for many patients considering porcelain laminate veneers to improve their smile is the fear that they will appear unnatural, as if their teeth were a denture. Your reference to Caitlyn Jenner is a good example, and one which I discussed in an interview with the NY Post with Richard Johnson in the attached article. Here are the most important considerations to insure that your smile is not stripped of its natural personality and gender:A thorough assessment by a skilled cosmetic dentist will include photos and diagnostic waxups in the planning stage to create a smile that is both gender appropriate, natural looking, and it captures the unique personality of each patient's smile.During the preparation and temporization stage, provisional veneers are fabricated to modify and characterize the teeth for the desired appearance and then communicate this to the dental ceramist through additional models and photographs, including a consultation with the dentist, ceramist and patient together.A try in and placement of the finished Porcelain Laminate Veneers should be done to insure that the dental ceramist followed the guidelines and unique characterization for your smile prior to permanent cementation.By following these steps with a good cosmetic dentist who understands Dentofacial esthetics, including gender differences in teeth anatomy and facial harmony, you can avoid the "androgynous denture look" in your smile and achieve an attractive natural appearance to your teeth.

Why do some peeps look as if they have dentures after dental work?

Answers (3)

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.

Why do some peeps look as if they have dentures after dental work?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.