Choosing the Right Color for Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin tooth-shaped shells that fit over the front surface of the teeth to hide dental flaws and improve the aesthetics of the smile. Patients considering porcelain veneer treatment will need to make many choices about their treatment plan. One of the most important choices is the color of the veneers.
Porcelain veneers can be made in a variety of shades of white to match the surrounding teeth and provide a natural looking finish. Our dentists, Danny O’Keefe and Jan O'Keefe Belote, work closely with patients in choosing the right color for porcelain veneers at their practice serving Jackson, MS, Flowood, MS, and surrounding areas.
To discuss your options for porcelain veneers, we welcome you to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, read on to learn more about some key things to consider when choosing the color of your porcelain veneers.
Bright White Can Look Unnatural
Many people choose porcelain veneers for their ability to mask dental discoloration and brighten the teeth. When a brighter white smile is desired, it’s common to want the whitest veneers possible, but this can sometimes look unnatural.
While a bright, white smile can work for some people, it’s important to consider what will look more natural and most aesthetically pleasing with your appearance. Sometimes this means a slightly less vibrant white than expected but one that will still make your smile shine.
Consider Your Features
When deciding on the shade of your veneers, it’s helpful to also consider your facial features like the color of your eyes and skin tone.
People with warmer skin tones may want to consider an off-white shade, while those with cool skin tones may find the right balance with a slightly whiter shade.
Consider the Color of the Surrounding Teeth
Those who plan on only getting some of their teeth treated with veneers will need to take the color of the untreated teeth into consideration.
Choosing bright, white veneers when only treating some teeth can make the untreated teeth look more discolored than they are, and make the veneers look unnatural.
If we are only treating the top teeth or a few teeth, it’s more important that they match the untreated teeth to create a seamless match.
Consider the Translucency of Your Veneers
Translucency is another factor that can affect the final color of your veneers. Most veneers are semi-translucent, which allows light to partially pass through them. This quality actually helps to make veneers look more natural since the structure of the natural teeth actually allows some light to pass through.
Because veneers are partially translucent, the color of the underlying teeth can affect the final appearance. When choosing the right color, the translucency and natural color of the underlying teeth should be considered.
Don’t Rush Your Decision
Porcelain veneers provide long term results, often lasting well over a decade. The color you choose for your veneers is something you will live with for a long time. This is why it’s important to take your time when deciding on what color to choose for your veneers.
Schedule a Consultation
The right shade of porcelain veneers can transform your smile and boost confidence. If you’re considering porcelain veneers and would like more information, please contact our Jackson practice to send us a message.
