Are my veneers too big? How can they be improved? (Photos)

Question

I'm looking for honest advice because I've been feeling really upset about my veneers. I had them done last year, and despite spending a lot of money, I still avoid smiling because I don't like how they look. They just don't feel like *me*. The biggest issues are: * I have a very small face and a small mouth, but my veneers feel **too big and bulky** for my facial features. * They are **too square and flat across the bottom**, and I prefer a much more natural, softer shape with rounded edges and subtle variation in tooth lengths. * I don't like that they all look the same size. I feel they lack the natural anatomy that real teeth have. * When I smile, they seem to dominate my face instead of blending in naturally. * I even feel awkward talking because they feel so large, and I'm constantly aware of them. To make things more complicated, I was **born missing my upper right canine**, so my smile has never been perfectly symmetrical. Before veneers, I had braces to bring my two front teeth into alignment and make the space work as best as possible. Because of the missing canine, the arch of my smile isn't perfectly even, and I feel like the veneers have made this imbalance more noticeable rather than disguising it. My questions are: Is this mainly a problem with the shape and proportions, or do they also appear too wide and bulky? Can veneers be reshaped enough to look significantly more natural, or would replacing them be the only realistic option?

Beau Keller, DDS · Answer

Yes, veneers can often be reshaped to look smaller and more natural, and I would explore that option before automatically replacing them.
From what you describe, several of the things bothering you are related to tooth shape and proportion. Natural-looking veneers generally should not all appear to be the exact same length or shape. Typically, the two central incisors are slightly longer, the lateral incisors are a little shorter&mdash;what cosmetic dentists sometimes call a “lateral step”&mdash;and the canines become longer again with a slightly more defined shape. That subtle variation can make a significant difference in how natural a smile looks.
The square, flat appearance you are describing can also contribute to veneers looking artificial. Softening and rounding some of the line angles and edges can sometimes make veneers blend much more naturally with the face.
If you are already considering replacing the veneers, I think it is absolutely worth trying conservative reshaping first. In many cases, reshaping can be done in a relatively short appointment. An experienced cosmetic dentist may be able to shorten certain teeth, create more variation in length, soften square corners, and refine the overall smile shape without replacing the porcelain.
There are limits, however. If the veneers truly project too far forward, are significantly too wide or bulky, or if the desired changes would require removing too much porcelain, reshaping alone may not be enough. Without examining your veneers and bite in person, it is difficult to determine how much of the issue is shape versus the actual dimensions and position of the veneers.
Your missing upper canine also makes your case more complex because the dentist has to create visual balance despite an underlying asymmetry in the arch. In cases like this, thoughtful smile design becomes especially important.
My advice would be to start with conservative reshaping if it can be done safely. If you are still unhappy afterward and the veneers need to be replaced, have a very detailed conversation about exactly what you want changed the second time around. Whether you stay with your current dentist or seek another opinion, I would look at a large number of that dentist’s veneer before-and-after cases and make sure you consistently see the softer, more natural tooth shapes and proportions you are hoping to achieve.

Christopher Swicord, DMD · Answer

This is a good result! I have to remind myself to not be neurotic sometimes and get too caught up in the details. Nothing is perfect, and everything can be improved. Thesse look good!
The midline is ideal, they seem to follow golden proportions for the anterior teeth, natural color, and they do follow your smile line. 
My recommendation is to smile more and always give a full smile! Don’t hide your pretty teeth! If you see the 4th image, your full smile shows the veneers do follow your smile line. You may need to practice some in the mirror to correct your smile to a full smile. Based on your past, you have likely smiled in a way that hides your teeth. 
I recommend smiling more!

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