Why are my veneers turning out the wrong shade/color? (photos)

Question

Had veneers done around '95 but gums receded which created gap, forcing me to redo them. (photo1). I selected BL2 to go whiter. After work was done with E.Max, I ended up with 3 different shades of teeth! (photo 2). Dr said raw tooth was showing through & changing colors. Decided to try BL1 veneers to compensate but as soon as tested with cement, turned BL3. He said options now are to order different type of cement or remove more tooth. Is this normal for it to be such a trial & error process?

Kathy Frazar, DDS, FAGD · Answer

The final shade of your veneers can be affected by the thickness of the veneer, the type of material the ceramist uses, the color of the tooth under as well as the cement.  Photos of the teeth before, without the veneers on and with the veneer trying are useful for the ceramist.  Photography as well as shade taking devices can be used.Before taking more tooth structure off, the lab can mask out the translucency inside of the veneers.  I do not like the look of opaque cements unless I have tried all other options to cover up the darker tooth under.

Debra Glassman, DDS · Answer

When doing veneers the underneath natural tooth color can show thru the porcelain there by creating a stained look... we need to block out these discolorations so we don't see showing thru.  The dentist and lab tech work closely together to achieve a beautiful color without discolorations

Parsa T. Zadeh, DDS · Answer

Trial & Error should be avoided with veneers as it can result in unnecessary surface tooth loss. You can try a different cement, but it is also possible that as you age the dentin and remaining enamel of your tooth is changing color. I would seek a second opinion from another dentist who specializes in porcelain veneers, just to make sure and that there is nothing wrong with the tooth in question. Best of luck.

German Arzate, DDS - Account Suspended · Answer

On every esthetic dental procedure , there are chemicals involved, and this materials no matter if its a bonding, resin, filling will be exposed to different colorants, and pigments, so no matter which restoring materials you set over those teeth, and no matter which color, with time the only think that will happen is that the color will change, due to your receding gums, the best solution, for color shape and size would be porcelain veneers, creating the smile and look you wants, and you can change shape, size, color, etc, It is also another option. Hope this helps

Ana Brightleaf, DMD (retired) · Answer

I am sorry that you are going through so much trouble to get a beautiful smile. One suggestion that I have is to use a layer of opaquer on the tooth which will block out the dark shade. A small amount of tooth structure will need to be removed but it will be insignificant. I have done this when I had a patient with deep tetracycline staining and it worked great. The good news is that you have a doctor who is doing her best to take care of you and get the result you want.

Why are my veneers turning out the wrong shade/color? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Porcelain veneers

Answer: Porcelain veneers

Answer: Why are my veneers turning out the wrong shade/color? (photos)

Answer: Why are my veneers turning out the wrong shade/color? (photos)

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Why are my veneers turning out the wrong shade/color? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Porcelain veneers

Answer: Porcelain veneers

Answer: Why are my veneers turning out the wrong shade/color? (photos)

Answer: Why are my veneers turning out the wrong shade/color? (photos)

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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.