Veneers give you the power to instantly transform your smile. Whether you’re concerned about the color or shape of your teeth, their crookedness, gaps, cracks, or chips, veneers may be the perfect solution. They’re customized to fit your exact smile, and you can choose a shade of white that looks naturally beautiful on you. Perhaps surprisingly, you don’t actually need a veneer for every tooth in your mouth. So, how many veneers do you need?
Selecting the Right Number of Veneers
So, how many veneers do you need?
The answer depends on the size of your smile, the current condition of your teeth, and your aesthetic goals:
- Size of Smile: If you were blessed with a wide, megawatt, Julia Roberts-esque smile, you might need more veneers than someone with a smaller mouth, whose smile reveals fewer teeth.
- Current Condition of Teeth: If you’re concerned with multiple aspects of your teeth (discoloration, chips, gaps, etc.), you may wish to get more veneers than someone whose teeth are generally good but have a few minor imperfections.
- Aesthetic Goals: To enhance your smile in a natural and harmonious way, you may want to consider symmetry, balance, and your aesthetic goals. For example, instead of restoring just one front tooth, you might want to replace both so that the single veneer doesn’t draw the eye. Or if you’re concerned about your veneers drawing attention when you smile widely, you may wish to add more than six veneers.
In general, people wanting a smile makeover typically choose to get between six and ten veneers, giving their top front teeth a makeover. Requesting six to eight veneers is common for an average mouth, and ten is common for a wider mouth.
Keep in mind that a full set of veneers isn’t always necessary. In some cases, you may simply want a single veneer to restore one problematic tooth. For example, if a tooth is chipped or discolored, you can use a veneer to improve its appearance.
Is it common to get veneers on the top front teeth only?
Yes. Veneers are typically used to replace the top front teeth because they’re the teeth most visible when smiling. In addition, veneers placed on the lower teeth have a higher risk of damage because they may hit against the back of the upper teeth, causing a chip or fracture. However, you might choose to get veneers on your bottom teeth if you wish to restore their appearance as well, especially if your bottom teeth are quite visible when you smile.
Will my veneers look fake?
If you work with a reputable dentist, rest assured that your veneers will look beautiful and natural. Your dentist will carefully review your entire smile, and help you select veneers that resemble your other teeth in size and shape, providing a flawless result. Keep in mind, however, that the color of your natural teeth may change over time. You may wish to whiten your teeth in the future to match your veneers.
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Veneers provide a wonderful way to enhance your smile, but remember that they’re not your only option! Depending on your concerns, you might also be interested in teeth whitening, bonding, Invisalign, or a crown. Your dentist can help you explore your options.
Are you interested in using veneers to revamp your smile? If you live near Springfield, Missouri, visit Keen Smiles Family Dental. We are committed to your comfort and proud to offer a relaxing office environment while providing the care you need for a happier, healthier smile. If you’re ready to set up an appointment or if you have questions you’d like to go over first, please give us a call at 417-708-0556 or click here. We look forward to hearing from you!
