Are you considering veneers but aren't sure what shade you need? Dental veneers can often look fake, with the bright white smiles clashing with your skin tone or other natural teeth. But it doesn't need to be this way! By reading up on veneer shades, studying the colour chart, and picking up some top tips on how to pick the best shade for your veneers, you can find the perfect shade that matches your natural tooth colour or helps you brighten your smile without it seeming fake. Read our guide below to get the answers you need!
There are several veneer treatments you can choose from, including porcelain, composite, and no prep veneers. We have outlined each type below so you can decide which is best for your smile.
Porcelain veneers use thin, porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth. These permanent veneers are used to cover cracked and chipped teeth, correct minor bite issues, and create a brighter and whiter smile.
Porcelain veneers involve some preparation beforehand, where the front of your teeth is significantly filed to provide extra space and a surface for your veneers to bond to. This makes the procedure irreversible, and you will need to maintain and replace your veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin but very durable and can last for ten to twenty years, depending on how well you care for them.
Composite veneers are a cheaper alternative to porcelain, using a thin layer of resin that is applied directly to your teeth. Your dentist will sculpt the resin into your desired shape, creating your new smile. The resin is cured and polished to help replicate your natural teeth and allow you to use them normally.
For resin veneers to be successful, we usually lightly file the front surface of your teeth, but not to the extent as with porcelain veneers. This helps you to retain more of your enamel and remove the veneers without replacing them if you wish. Composite veneers are more affordable, but you will need to replace them more frequently, often every five to seven years.
Get more information on composite veneers.
No prep veneers are a fast way to enjoy veneers. The ultra-thin veneers are made from porcelain or resin and can be applied instantly without any preparation. We usually lightly etch the front of your tooth to help the veneers attach, but that is it! The goal with no prep veneers is to hide small teeth, discolouration, or decaying teeth with minimal effort.
The prices vary depending on your chosen brand and material, but they can be cheaper than porcelain veneers. The longevity of no-prep veneers varies from five to seven years, but their big appeal is that they can be removed without any damage to your teeth, allowing you to enjoy normal tooth function.
Learn more about our no prep veneers.
Veneers come in different shades to help us match our veneers to our different teeth and skin colours. The variety of shades helps your new teeth to blend seamlessly with our natural teeth without seeming out of place or proportion. Often, when people pick veneers that are unnaturally white, they can make their teeth appear larger than they are, making them out of proportion with your face and giving you that large, horsey smile.
But if you pick the right veneer shade, you can achieve a natural smile that you can be proud of! Choosing the right shade is not without its challenges, though, as you might want to counteract the discolouration of your natural teeth. By selecting a shade a few lighter than your natural teeth, you can brighten your smile without seeming unnatural. When brightening your smile, you might need to add more veneers than you originally planned. This will help you create a smile that is all in one colour, blending the veneers with your natural teeth.
When you pick your veneer shade, you will be given a colour chart. This shows all the shades of veneers available, allowing you to pick the right one for your smile. You can place the colour chart next to your teeth to help you pick the right shade to brighten your smile and remain natural.
We recommend choosing the colour with your dentist, as they can help you consider your facial features and your smile goals to help you select the right shade. There are a few things we recommend considering when choosing the right veneer shade, which we have outlined below.
Using the veneer chart is the best way to pick the right shade for your veneers. Your dentist will place the shade card next to your teeth and help you pick an accurate shade match, allowing us to customise your veneers to match your teeth perfectly.
When selecting your veneer shade, do not rush to make a decision. You and your dentist should consider the shade carefully, ensuring that it is the right shade for your teeth without appearing too bright.
Discuss with your dentist your smile goals to help them guide you to the right shade of your veneers. Your veneers will be attached to your teeth for years, so make sure you take your time to select the perfect shade for your smile. You don't want to regret the colour of your veneers!
We recommend choosing a veneer shade that is close to your natural teeth. This gives your smile a cohesive look, as you don't want one or two teeth to seem brighter than the others.
When deciding on your veneers, look at the teeth next to, above, or below where your veneers will be to help find the perfect shade of veneers. Your dentist can help you with this and how many veneers you will need to achieve your smile goals.
While veneers are an excellent option, they might not be your best option. Before checking your shades, you can discuss other dental treatments with your dentist. It might be that an implant or other whitening treatments are a better choice for you. This is why we always offer a consultation where we can discuss all of your options to help you achieve your dream smile.
Whether your veneers discolour or stain over time will depend on the type of veneer you have. Composite veneers are more likely to discolour over time, like natural teeth. You can prevent this with regular brushing and flossing like you would your natural teeth.
Avoiding foods and drinks that can stain your teeth will also help keep your veneers whiter for longer. Red wine, tea, coffee, soy sauce, and curry can all stain your natural teeth and veneers over time.
Porcelain veneers are designed to be stain-resistant, so you don't need to worry too much about stains or discolouring. However, cleaning them regularly will avoid the chances of stains or discolouration. Stains or discolouring on your porcelain veneers can be a sign of poor-quality veneers. You should contact a dentist immediately if you are concerned about the quality of your veneers.
No, teeth whitening products should not be used on veneers, no matter the type of veneer you choose. The porcelain and resin veneers do not respond to whitening or bleaching treatments, whether provided by a dentist or tooth whitening toothpaste purchased from stores. These should be avoided, as the abrasive substances used in them can harm your veneers' surface.
This is why it is so important that you select the right shade of veneer and care for it so you are not disappointed with the finish or looking for other ways to brighten your smile.
Properly cared for veneers will remain brighter and whiter for longer. They should be cared for as you would normal teeth but with a few additional measures. Your initial and long-term veneer care is outlined below for you.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth in gentle, circular motions
Avoid sticky or hard foods after the procedure, as these can damage or dislodge your new veneers
Try not to bite hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails. The excessive force from biting on these objects can cause your veneers to chip or break
Rinse with water after eating to help remove food debris from your veneer
Floss carefully around your veneers, using a gentle sawing motion to remove food and maintain good oral hygiene
Brush and floss your teeth daily as you would with natural teeth. This will protect your teeth underneath your veneers from any cavities
Avoid chewy or excessively hard foods as these could damage your veneers
Regular dental appointments can help to maintain oral hygiene and identify any issues early on, keeping your veneers protected and in good condition for longer
Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night to prevent any damage to your natural teeth and veneers
Selecting the right shade for your veneer is vital to give you your perfect smile. By using the colour chart, speaking to your dentist, and considering the colour of your other teeth, you can brighten your smile without it seeming unnatural or out of place. You can book an appointment with one of our cosmetic dentists in Melbourne to see what your new smile could look like today!
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