Lumineers or Veneers? And for how many teeth? (photos)

Question

With work that I've had on my teeth overtime, my lateral incisors have been shaved down a lot, and on my last visit the dentist shaved down my canines thinking it would look better. I am happy with my two front teeth and feel they are a good size, but the rest of my teeth seem to get smaller as you go towards the back of my mouth. Would lumineers or veneers be better to have more aligned teeth? Also, can I just get them for 4 teeth (my lateral incisors and canines) or should I do my entire mouth

Kiyan Mehdizadeh, DMD · Answer

You should consider 10 veneers on the upper. If you do less, then over time the color match may not be ideal as your teeth change color. Additionally, if you do 10 veneers, then you will have total control over the shape of your teeth and appearance of your smile. Also, the last tooth that you show on your left side (2nd premolar) seems to be a crown - if you want a harmonious smile, then that crown should be replaced, and veneering your teeth back to your 2nd premolars would be 10 teeth. Your teeth and the architecture of your gums are lovely to begin with, so you can do thin veneers and should anticipate a highly aesthetic outcome. Good luck! I'm excited for you.

Peter Boulden, DMD, FAGD · Answer

#1 your pictures are WAY better than most that post on here.  Thus it's easier to give feedback. #2 I would not do just 4 teeth.   Sure  - will it look better than doing nothing-  absolutely!  Yet if you are able to include more teeth like 8 or 10 veneers you can achieve a wider smile (buccal corridor) on sides of your smile.  See how it dips in a little?   #3 By doing more teeth you can get "color control".  Meaning that if you do 4 the dentist would really have to match well to your surrounding teeth.  That might not be your "dream" shade...even with whitening.  Doing more teeth lets you ignore the surrounding teeth (pretty much) and you get to pick the most complimentary shade for your eyes, skin, coloration, etc.

Nargiz Schmidt, DDS · Answer

Dear Raelynn36!Aesthetic treatment depends on the your desires and final goals. Your does not look bad as it is. If you's like to enhance it, then I recommend having more than 4 done. As you mentioned correctly, your lateral incisors and canines are small in comparison with the central incisors. Moreover, i would suggest to have a minor gum lift on those teeth to even out your smile. Since your teeth are of good color and healthy, to avoid unnecessary sensitive tooth structure removal, i recommend lumineers to enhance the whole smile, which means on lateral incisors, canines and premolars. This way your smile will be dramatically improved and looks more proportionate. Make sure you choose a specialist in lumineers. Good luck!

Lumineers or Veneers? And for how many teeth? (photos)

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Lumineers or Veneers? And for how many teeth? (photos)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lumineers

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