Can veneers give me more horizontal support to the lips/philtrum area?

Question

I have a big space beetwen my teeth and my lips, so my lips have a sunken/frown look due to the lack of bone support. Would thicker veeners fill out this empty space and give me more bulk and horizontal projection in this area? Basically something similar to the effect braces have on the mouth area - pushing out soft tissue outwards and softening the paranasal area.

Sarah Thompson, DMD · Answer

You can expect about 1/3 or 1/2 the horizontal support to the lips/philtrum area as metal braces would give you.  A photo would give me a much better idea of whether it would add noticeable support in your case, but I can say with certainty that if you desire a greater amount of horizontal support, you will require a bone graft, gum surgery, or a dermal filler in your lips that adds fullness.  Veneers are what I do, so "Follow" me if you have more questions about them.Sarah Thompson, DMD

Charles Sutera, DMD · Answer

It is excellent that you have a high level of dental knowledge and such high demands for your facial aesthetics. The short answer to your question is...veneers can help to balance and support the lips, making them appear more or less protruded. The long answer, however, is that it depends on the case. Sometimes patients will have a request similar to yours and we determine that it can be corrected by veneering the teeth, and other times we determine the bone or gums of the maxilla need to be altered to change the presentation of the lip. Do some research of dentists in your area with an exceptional aesthetic reputation. This type of request would require a dentist with an experienced eye in dental plastics. Feel free to provide a picture if you would like a more in-depth review. Good luck and best wishes.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

Probably not a whole lot.  You would get additional lip support if you have thicker veneers all the way back to your second bicuspids, a total of ten upper veneers, which cosmetic dentists do routinely.  However, oftentimes if they are made TOO THICK and BULKY to support the lips the veneers will then look unnatural.  Make sure you aren't trading one problem for another.I would suggest that you also consider going to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist or esthetician and having them try using fillers in your lips and/or in your philtrum.

Can veneers give me more horizontal support to the lips/philtrum area?

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Can veneers give me more horizontal support to the lips/philtrum area?

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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.