Veneers are thin covers made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of teeth. Getting veneers is an effective and minimally invasive way to improve the look of your smile by changing the color, shape, size, and length of your teeth. But since veneers make alterations to your teeth, it’s natural to wonder if they will change the overall look of your face as well.
Do veneers change the shape of your face?
Getting veneers does not actually change the shape or structure of your facial bones. However, veneers can create subtle changes in the appearance of your facial features by altering your smile and the positioning of your lips. Here are some of the ways veneers may affect the look of your face:
Your smile line
One of the most noticeable effects veneers can have is on your smile line, which is the contour your lips make when you smile. Veneers can lengthen and straighten your teeth, which allows your upper lip to curve up higher and show more of your teeth when you smile. This creates a broader, wider smile line that reveals more of your gums and teeth.
Your lip position
The position and shape of your lips can shift slightly with veneers depending on how much your teeth are altered. Teeth that are longer or protrude more can push your lips forward a bit. Veneers that widen your arch can spread your lips apart more when you smile. These types of small changes to your lip position aren’t drastic, but they can subtly sharpen your facial features.
Your facial angles
If your veneers significantly change your bite by lengthening or repositioning your teeth, the angles of your jawline and chin can look slightly softer or more pronounced. This is most noticeable if your veneers correct an overbite, underbite or uneven teeth. The alterations can strengthen the lines of your jaw and chin, giving your profile a more chiseled look.
Factors that influence changes to facial appearance
How much veneers will alter your facial appearance depends on a few key factors:
How your teeth are changed
The more your veneers lengthen, widen or straighten your teeth, the more they will likely impact your smile line, lip position and facial dimensions. Small dental corrections will cause negligible changes, while significant improvements to severely crooked, damaged or discolored teeth will be more noticeable.
Your facial bone structure
People with stronger jawlines and more defined facial dimensions tend to experience fewer changes to the shape of their face from veneers. Those with softer facial structures may notice somewhat more transformation.
Your age
Younger patients under 30 who get veneers may see slightly greater alterations to their facial appearance over time. Their facial bones are still maturing, so changes to their bite can impact their continuing growth and development.
Simulations can predict veneer results
To get an accurate idea of what your new smile will look like with veneers, your dentist can use dental imaging and computer simulation techniques to preview the results. This involves:
Digital smile simulations
By taking digital scans or impressions of your teeth, your dentist can upload images to smile simulation software. This technology lets you preview how veneers of different shapes, sizes and colors would look on your own smile. You can provide feedback until the design is perfected.
Guidelines and stencils
Clear stencils or acetate guidelines can be placed over your teeth to show you what they would look like with veneers in place. Photos are taken with the guides on and off for comparison.
Diagnostic wax-ups
Mock-ups can be created by molding tooth-colored wax over 3D printed models of your teeth. These are precisely crafted to demonstrate how the veneers will look when bonded to your actual teeth.
Temporary veneers
Provisional veneers made of plastic or bis-acryl can be attached to your teeth with removable dental adhesive. This lets you test drive your new smile for weeks or months before getting permanent veneers made.
Results usually look natural and subtle
In most cases, the facial changes from veneers are quite subtle. When veneers are carefully designed and precisely shaped for each patient, the results look natural and complement the individual’s facial features beautifully. While veneers can strengthen and improve your smile line, the effects are typically not drastic or obvious.
Benefits of improved facial aesthetics
Though understated, the refinements veneers can make to your facial appearance offer important benefits:
More attractive smile
Veneers enhance your smile line, showing off straight, evenly sized teeth and a broader grin that lights up your face with confidence.
Rejuvenated look
Renewed teeth and a refreshed smile can take years off your face, restoring a more youthful facial aesthetic.
Improved profile
Correcting bite issues can bring better balance and definition to your facial profile, giving you a straighter, more symmetrical look.
Increased self-esteem
A smile you feel good about projects an image of success that makes people feel more comfortable and confident socially and professionally.
Downsides to consider
While veneers offer significant improvements, there are some drawbacks to weigh:
High cost
At $900-$2,500 per tooth, veneers are a significant investment. They also aren’t usually covered by dental insurance.
Tooth reduction
Prepping your teeth for veneers requires some removal of enamel. This permanently alters your natural teeth.
Dental visits
Getting veneers takes multiple dental visits over several weeks for the full process of evaluation, preparation and bonding.
Maintenance
Veneers must be cared for with proper brushing, flossing and professional cleaning to prevent damage or decay.
Who are candidates for veneers?
Ideally, good candidates for veneers have:
- Mild to moderate issues with tooth shape, size, color or alignment
- Sufficient enamel on the front of their teeth
- Healthy teeth and gums
- Realistic expectations for the results
Those with severe bite issues, damaged teeth or gingivitis are better treated with orthodontics, crowns or dental implants instead.
The veneer procedure
Getting veneers is a multi-step process:
Consultation visit
This appointment is focused on evaluating your oral health, cosmetic goals, treatment options and cost. Digital smile previews may be done.
Preparation visit
At this visit, your teeth are prepared by slightly reshaping them and removing 0.3-0.5mm of enamel. Impressions are taken.
Placement visit
The veneers are bonded to your teeth with dental adhesive. Your bite and alignment are carefully adjusted.
Follow-up visit
A checkup is done to ensure the veneers are functioning properly. Additional minor adjustments can be made.
Caring for veneers
Though durable, veneers must be cared for properly to achieve longevity. Be sure to:
- Brush gently twice daily
- Floss once daily
- See your dentist for cleanings every 6 months
- Avoid chewing hard items like ice or popcorn kernels
With good oral hygiene, veneers can last 10-15 years or more before needing replacement.
Conclusion
While veneers don’t actually alter your facial structure, they can impact the appearance of your smile line, lip position and profile to a small degree. These subtle changes are due to adjustments in tooth length, shape and alignment from veneers. Digital smile previews give you a sneak peek at how veneers may enhance your unique facial aesthetics before moving forward with treatment. Though understated, the transformations veneers make to your smile can give you a renewed boost of self-confidence.