When people ask us about veneers, almost everyone says the same thing: "I want to look better, but I don't want anyone to be able to tell I've had veneers." We agree. The veneer we are proudest of is the one that blends in with the teeth beside it so well that you can hardly tell it is a veneer. So here is a case we finished recently.
An older patient, a chipped front tooth, and minimal-preparation veneers
This patient is an older adult who had a fall and broke one front tooth. We chose minimal-preparation veneers on the two central front teeth. We removed very little tooth; almost all of the original enamel is still there.
For color, shape, and length, we did not pick the whitest tab on the shade guide. We chose what blends with the neighboring teeth and suits the patient's age, because a tooth made too white stands out.
Why a pair, when only one tooth was chipped? Making a single veneer an exact match for the tooth next to it is difficult. With a pair, it is easier to balance color, shape, length, and proportion across both teeth. The result is hard to pick out as veneers.
What a veneer is
A veneer is a thin layer of material bonded to the front surface of a tooth. It corrects problems on the visible face of the tooth: chips, discoloration that whitening cannot fix, small gaps, or teeth that are short or oddly shaped. If a tooth is too damaged for a veneer to hold, we recommend a crown, which covers the whole tooth, instead.
Ceramic or composite: which suits you?
No one type suits everyone; it depends on your teeth, your budget, and what you expect.
Ceramic veneers are made in a laboratory from a digital scan of your teeth and bonded at the next visit. Their translucency and the way they catch light are very close to natural enamel. The color is stable and does not stain easily with tea and coffee, and in general ceramic is more durable than composite when it is looked after properly.
Composite veneers we shape directly on the tooth. In many cases they are finished in a single visit, and they usually need little or no preparation. They cost less, and in many cases can be repaired in place. The trade-off is that composite stains and dulls more readily, may need re-polishing from time to time, and generally does not last as long. It suits small fixes such as a chipped corner.
We examine your teeth and explain the pros and cons of each option before you decide.
How minimal preparation differs from conventional veneers
Conventional veneers may need the front surface of the tooth trimmed to make room for the veneer. Minimal-preparation veneers use a thinner layer and remove only as much enamel as is needed. We care about keeping enamel because it does not grow back, veneers generally bond well to it, and in some cases keeping it reduces the chance of sensitivity.
Not every case can be done this way. Teeth that stick out a lot, very dark teeth, or crowded teeth may need more preparation, and in some cases we suggest straightening the teeth first.
Why teeth do not need to be bright white or perfectly straight
Natural teeth are not an opaque white all over. They are slightly translucent at the tips, a little darker near the gum, and no two are exactly the same length. Veneers that are bright white and all the same length can make a smile look unnatural. So we choose a shade that blends with the teeth beside them and design the shape to suit each person's face and age.
If you want your whole smile brighter, we suggest whitening first and then choosing a veneer shade to match your new tooth color, because veneers cannot be whitened afterwards.
The veneer process
- Consultation and examination. We check your teeth, gums, and bite, and we talk about what you would like to change.
- Shade and design. We choose a shade to match the neighboring teeth, design the shape and length, and take a digital 3D scan.
- Preparation. We remove only as much enamel as the plan needs and scan again. For ceramic, the scan goes off for the veneers to be made. Composite is built on the tooth the same day.
- Try-in and bonding. For ceramic veneers, we check color, shape, and bite before bonding them for good.
Who suits veneers, and does age matter
Veneers suit people with sound teeth, healthy gums, no untreated decay, and no heavy grinding. If any of those are present, we deal with them first: gum treatment, fillings, or a night guard to wear while you sleep.
Age is not a barrier. As long as the teeth and gums are healthy, veneers can be done at any adult age. We make the teeth suit the person's age rather than trying to make them look younger.
Prices
- Ceramic veneers: 12,000 to 15,000 baht per tooth
- Composite veneers: 3,500 to 5,000 baht per tooth
These are starting prices. We confirm the exact fee after examining your teeth. See the veneers page and the price list.
Aftercare
- Brush twice a day and floss daily. A veneer cannot decay, but the tooth underneath it and the margin around it can.
- Do not use your front teeth on hard things such as ice, bones, or tearing open packets.
- If you grind your teeth at night, wear the night guard we make for you (quoted at your consultation).
- Composite stains more easily, so cut down on tea, coffee, red wine, and smoking.
- Come in for a check-up every six months.
Book a consultation
A chipped front tooth, uneven color, or just wondering whether your smile could be improved? Come and talk to us.
- LINE
- Phone: 098 831 0246
- Open daily 10:00–20:00 (closed Tuesdays)
- Tooth Boutique Dental Clinic, Venice Di Iris, Vacharapol Road, Bang Khen, Bangkok. Parking available.