Denise before we addressed her main concern with her recently placed LUMINEER porcelain veneers from another dental practice. She had had her six top front teeth veneered.

Just over an hour later Denise is a very happy lady! Some artistic recontouring of her new porcelain veneers made all the difference to her. See if you can detect the changes below.

Denise  before our smile makeover. She was concerned that the look she wanted had not been achieved. The teeth looked too big, as she stated, "like horse teeth" to her.

We narrowed the teeth, shortened some of the incisal edges, cut back the porcelain at the line angles and margins, deepened the incisal embrasures to make the difference.

Now, after our recontouring and polishing of the porcelain, note the more natural appearance of the teeth at the gum line, the narrower look of the entire group of six teeth, and the difference in the way the light reflects off the recontoured teeth.

Note that the initial porcelain veneers were lacking in definition and individuality. The rounded gum line and square look of the teeth was unattractive to the patient. We agreed with her.

Notice that the teeth look dull and lifeless here. This is because the light is reflected too evenly. Also note that the front six teeth are much longer and much wider than her posterior teeth adjacent to her veneers. This size difference was unacceptable to Denise. Another area of concern to us was the untrimmed margins that were digging into her gums, creating bleeding and swelling. This was a major flaw in the original fitting of these veneers and needed to be corrected to avoid periodontal breakdown.

With careful listening, we determined that Denise wanted smaller appearing teeth, more to match what she had had in the past. This was accomplished and she was very happy with our result. The natural anatomy of the teeth was re-established allowing light to bounce off the tooth in many angles, creating the illusion of reality! Once the bulky, overhanging margins were properly trimmed, the look of the teeth at the gum line improved dramatically and the health of the gums returned within just a few days.

Now, after our makeover of her makeover, she is one happy girl!
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After 30 years of dentistry, we still enjoy this kind of case because it just makes your day to help people feel good about their smiles.

Denise was fortunate that the work done could be rescued without major replacement of any of the veneers. Our only investment in her care was time....time spent listening and time spent performing some artistic recontouring and polishing of her existing veneers.
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Denise and her lovely pearly whites!
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Dr. Williams is a Sustaining Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. Much of the artistry he has learned comes from the teachings of these academies.

Notice that the tooth is nearly straight with little bend at the gum line. This is where the bulk was most severe and overhanging into the gums.

Notice now in the corrected situation (lower photo), the individuality of the incisal edges, the larger gingival embrasures, and the proper emergence of the porcelain from the gum line.