What are veneers?
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. They are an effective way to improve the appearance of teeth that are stained, chipped, misshapen or have gaps between them.
Veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size or length. They mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth and can closely match the color of your natural teeth. Veneers can cover stained teeth, close gaps, make teeth look straighter and change the shape and size of teeth.
Why get veneers?
There are several reasons people choose to get veneers:
Improve the appearance of stained, discolored or chipped teeth
Over time, teeth can become stained or discolored from food and drink like coffee, tea, red wine, sodas or smoking. Teeth also chip and crack from injuries or extensive dental work like root canals or large fillings. Veneers can cover up stains and damage on the teeth’s surface and restore a natural uniform color.
Close gaps between teeth
Some people have unusually small teeth or excessive spacing, leaving embarrassing gaps when they smile. Veneers can lengthen and widen teeth to close these gaps for a full, even smile.
Replace old dental work
Over time, dental work like bonds, crowns and bridges can become stained, chipped or worn. Placing veneers over existing dental work can provide a quick and easy way to update your smile without undergoing extensive replacement procedures.
Fix minor problems with bite or alignment
Veneers can also correct minor issues with the bite or straightness of teeth that orthodontics alone can’t fix. They can help make slightly crooked teeth look straighter and improve the symmetry of the smile.
Strengthen and protect damaged teeth
Veneers can reinforce and protect teeth that are weakened from decay or injury. By capping damaged teeth, veneers can prevent further decay and actually strengthen teeth in the process.
Considerations for 6 veneers
Traditionally, 10-12 teeth are veneered during a full mouth restoration – generally the upper and lower 6-8 front teeth that show when smiling. However, some people opt to only get 6 veneers on their upper front 6 teeth to save time and money. Here are some things to consider with only 6 veneers:
Focus only on the most visible teeth
The main advantage of only 6 veneers is the reduced cost and time commitment. By skipping the lower teeth and 2nd molars that don’t show as much, you can transform your smile for less. The tradeoff is that only your upper front teeth will be improved.
May look unnatural if lower teeth are very discolored or damaged
Getting only upper veneers can lead to a mismatched look if your lower teeth are severely stained or decayed. The upper veneers will look bright and white compared to lower teeth that are yellowed or have old dental work. In this case, lower veneers may be needed to make things blend naturally.
Less preparation needed
Prepping and placing 6 veneers takes less time than a full set, meaning fewer dental visits and procedures. There’s less risk of discomfort, sensitivity or complications when working on fewer teeth.
May not fully balance out your smile
Six veneers focus on the main 6 upper front teeth you see when smiling, but don’t address issues with symmetry, gaps or overlaps on the rest of your teeth. Your smile may look unbalanced or uneven unless other teeth are also corrected.
Won’t change how back teeth function
While six veneers can improve the look of your front teeth, they don’t restore issues with your bite, chewing or speaking the way that 12 or 14 veneers would. Problems with back teeth may remain unaddressed.
Pros of 6 veneers
While 6 veneers may not fully restore your entire smile, there are advantages to doing just the top front 6 teeth:
Takes less time
Prepping just 6 teeth requires fewer dental visits and less time in the dentist’s chair instead of 10-14 teeth. For busy people who want quick results, 6 veneers may be ideal.
Less expensive
Veneers range from $925-$2,500 per tooth. Going 6 instead of 10 veneers means spending $5,550-$15,000 vs. $9,250-$25,000 – a significant savings.
Minimally invasive preparation
For 6 veneers, some natural tooth enamel may be left intact since alterations are only made to the front surface to achieve the desired shape. This conserves tooth structure and minimizes sensitivity or other complications.
Reversible treatment
While 10-12 veneers completely change the teeth’s appearance, 6 veneers make more subtle improvements. If you later want to remove just 6 veneers, your natural teeth will be less affected than with more veneers.
Can test out the results
Since 6 veneers are less expensive and time-intensive, you can see if you like the look before deciding to do more. It’s a good option if you want small enhancements but aren’t sure you’ll like a total smile makeover.
Fix just the teeth you see most
The top front 6 teeth show the most when you smile, talk and eat. Prioritizing these teeth gives you the most bang for your buck if your primary concern is improving visible teeth only.
Cons of 6 veneers
While less expensive and time consuming than 10-14 veneers, there are some disadvantages to just doing 6:
May not fully fix your smile
Six veneers only fix issues with the 6 most visible upper teeth. Problems with lower teeth or the back of your smile may remain unaddressed and detract from the overall look.
Risk of an uneven or unnatural look
If your lower teeth are very discolored or damaged, just doing upper veneers can look strange and unnatural. The different color tones between upper and lower teeth may not blend well.
Limited improvement to function
Six veneers will primarily improve the aesthetic look of your teeth rather than issues with your bite or jaw alignment. Problems with chewing, speaking or TMJ may persist.
Doesn’t address gaps or symmetry
Just 6 veneers may not fully correct gaps between the back teeth or issues with the evenness of your teeth that 12 veneers could fix. Your smile may still look uneven.
Eventual need to replace with full set
Over time, the untouched teeth may age and stain at a different rate than the veneered teeth. You’ll likely need a full set of 10-14 veneers eventually for everything to match.
Partial restorations generally don’t last as long
Experts estimate 6 veneers may need replacing after 5-10 years whereas 10-14 veneers can last 10-20 years. The neglected teeth tend to degrade and require replacement sooner.
What to consider when deciding on 6 veneers
Here are some things to think about when deciding if 6 veneers are right for you:
Your budget
What you can afford is often the deciding factor. If cost is a major concern, 6 veneers may be your best option even if 10 are recommended for optimal results.
The condition of your lower teeth
If your lower teeth are also discolored or damaged, 6 veneers will likely produce an odd mismatch. Plan on lower veneers eventually even if you start with 6 up top.
Your timeframe
If time is limited, 6 veneers require fewer appointments for greater convenience. But if you want the best smile possible, 10-14 veneers done together may be better.
How many teeth show when you smile
People with narrow smiles that reveal mostly the upper 6 teeth are good candidates for partial veneers. Those with wide smiles that show more lower teeth will need 10-14.
Your cosmetic concerns
If you mainly want whiter, straighter looking teeth, 6 is often sufficient. But if you have issues with gaps, overlaps, symmetry or the bite, more veneers may be required.
Your dentist’s recommendation
Listen to your dentist’s professional assessment of how many veneers are ideal for the results you want. Don’t feel pressured either way but seek their expert opinion.
Options besides 6 veneers
If 6 veneers don’t seem like the right solution for you, discuss these alternatives with your dentist:
10 or 12 full veneers
For a complete smile makeover and the most natural-looking results, consider 10-12 full veneers on upper and lower teeth. This fully restores both arches.
8 veneers
An option between 6 and 10 veneers is 8 on the upper front teeth and 2 lower canines. This addresses dark lower canines some people are self-conscious about.
Orthodontic treatment
Braces or Invisalign can straighten mildly crooked teeth and close gaps instead of veneers. This may be an option if you have just minor issues.
Teeth whitening
Whitening treatments like gels, strips and trays can substantially lighten discolored teeth. This may preclude the need for veneers for some staining issues.
Dental bonds
Bonding applies tooth-colored material directly to teeth to fix chips and gaps without the extent of veneers. Bonds cost less but aren’t as durable.
Crowns
Crowns fully cover damaged teeth like veneers but require more removal of natural tooth. They are very durable and often used for teeth with more extensive decay or trauma.
Frequently asked questions
Why not just get 4 or 8 veneers on my top front teeth?
Cosmetic dentists usually don’t recommend any fewer than 6 veneers on the upper arch because it often leaves gaps near your upper canines and doesn’t fully balance out your smile. 6 veneers is considered the minimum for an attractive, natural look.
If I get 6 veneers now, will I need more later?
Possibly. As the untouched teeth start to look worse in comparison, you may want to get lower veneers later on for a complete smile. Many people start with 6 for budget reasons but eventually get 10-14 down the road.
Can I get different types of veneers on upper and lower teeth?
It’s generally recommended to get the same type of veneer material (porcelain vs. composite) on both arches for the most seamless, uniform color match. Mixing may lead to slight mismatches.
Will prep for 6 veneers damage my teeth?
Some natural enamel will be trimmed so veneers can be placed flush on your teeth. But dentists preserve as much structure as possible. Good bonding minimizes sensitivity long-term and teeth are actually strengthened.
How long do 6 veneers last compared to a full set?
Most experts estimate 6 veneers may last 5-10 years before needing replacement, while 10-14 can last 10-20 years since all your teeth age at the same rate. However, good oral care can maximize the longevity of both.
The takeaway
While 10-14 full veneers produce the most complete Smile transformation, 6 upper veneers offer a budget-friendly option that makes noticeable improvements. Six veneers refresh your most visible teeth while requiring less time, cost and prep work compared to a full set. However, issues with lower teeth, gaps and symmetry may persist. Discuss goals and concerns thoroughly with your dentist to determine if 6 veneers are right for your needs or if additional ones are recommended. With realistic expectations of the pros and cons, 6 upper veneers can give you a refreshed smile boost without a dramatic full mouth makeover.