Are all natural teeth the same? Obviously not, so porcelain veneers should be designed for the individual and designed differently for different patients. These after photos are pictures of the same case in which we used different smile designs to show how important artistry is when working designing porcelain veneers. These are two differently designed and contoured veneers for the same patient. We did this to demonstrate that there is a true artistry with our porcelain veneer designs.
Note the following in the after photos:
1) Shape: Figure 2 has more rounded teeth on the surface and edges, while Figure 3 is more square and flatter
- This influences how wide the teeth appear, this is one way we can alter ones teeth to look larger or smaller
2) The texture on front surface of the teeth is different in both cases, notice the difference in light reflection.
- This can affect how white and natural the appear
3) Observe the amount of space between the teeth on the edges. We refer to this as embrasure spaces
- This can influence how natural the teeth look and give the teeth an individuality. Some like this style, and others like to minimize this appearance
4) Angulation of the porcelain
- The first case (Figure 2) has porcelain that is curved or “rolled”inward so as to create a less protrusive look
- The second case (Figure 3) has porcelain “built out” so as to create a full appearance
There are numerous other factors including the amount of glaze on the porcelain which determines how much shine will be present. These factors and numerous others are some elements of a true artistic smile for the individual.
If you have questions about cosmetic dentistry, please feel free to call the Houston office of Ronald W. Konig, DDS, FAGD, LVIF, at 713-668-2289.
