Why Do Some Veneers Look Natural and Others Look Artificial?
Cosmetic imperfections such as discoloration, chips, cracks, fractures, and gapped teeth can detract from the smile’s beauty. Veneers conceal blemishes to enhance the smile’s appearance and boost a person’s self-confidence. Veneers can make a dramatic difference, but people often worry whether their restorations will look natural or artificial.
Unfortunately, some veneers look phony, which can usually be attributed to poor design choices and subpar customization. Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen discusses factors that make some veneers look fake and what he does to ensure his Fountain Valley, CA, patients receive attractive and natural-looking restorations.
Veneer Shape
The shape of porcelain veneers has a significant impact on their overall appearance. Similar to a fingerprint, each tooth is unique. The size and shape of the teeth vary from one person to another. It’s essential to design veneers that closely match the shape of adjacent natural teeth. It’s also necessary to consider the size of the teeth and proportions regarding the gums and facial features. Veneers that are misshapen or poorly sized stand out from natural teeth and have an artificial appearance.
Veneer Color
Most individuals desire a bright white smile, but there is such a thing as too white. When it comes to porcelain veneers, color selection is essential to creating a natural-looking smile. Aging and natural wear and tear mean few people have startlingly white teeth. Veneers that are too brilliant or white won’t usually blend in with adjacent teeth and fail to look natural. Natural-looking veneers brighten the smile without being blindingly white.
Veneer Thickness
Veneers are extremely thin restorations, roughly the same thickness as a contact lens. However, some veneers are made of substandard materials. Lower-quality veneers are thick and can appear opaque rather than translucent. Thick veneers may not sit flush with adjacent teeth, don’t reflect light like natural teeth, and are more likely to look artificial.
Inexperienced Dentist
All the above mentioned factors usually come down to one thing - an inexperienced dentist. Inexperienced dentists are likely to make poor design decisions that don’t take into account the overall appearance of the smile. Dentists with less experience may also use lower-grade materials that result in phony-looking veneers.
Ensuring Natural-looking Veneers
Few dentists have the same level of experience, expertise, and skill as Dr. Mortensen. His knowledge and artistic eye enable him to create custom, natural-looking veneers for his Fountain Valley patients. Dr. Mortensen considers the natural appearance of this patient’s teeth as well as their facial structure and facial proportions when designing veneers. Design specifications are sent to a trusted dental laboratory that uses medical-grade porcelain to fabricate veneers that allows light to shine through the teeth for a beautiful and natural-looking finish.
Contact Us
Porcelain veneers address a wide range of cosmetic flaws to enhance the smile’s appearance while blending in seamlessly with natural teeth. If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers treatment and whether you are an ideal candidate for these dental restorations, send a message to our Fountain Valley dental practice.
