Any set of veneers should not call attention to itself. The thing is that people see that you are fresh, and it doesn't matter whether they can see what you did. That's why it's important so many people looking for the most natural looking veneers in Seattle aren't just interested in whiter or straighter teeth – but in a smile that looks just like their own – only better. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about this.
What actually makes veneers look natural instead of fake?
Many things distinguish a natural outcome from an obviously "done". The shade matching of veneers is large, too white, too uniform with the patient's gums and face, artificial instead of authentic. The shape and dimensions of the teeth are equally important as the color, for veneers that are too large, too flat or are all the same size tend to lose the natural irregularities that exist on natural teeth. A good provider takes the time to also think about how veneers will work with your lips, gum line, and facial structure and not just with bright dental lighting.
Is there a difference between the appearance of natural veneer based on the material used?
Yes, significantly. Some of the composite materials are as translucent as natural enamel, but porcelain veneers are more convincing in making a material that is translucent look like a real tooth structure versus a flat, opaque surface. However, good materials do not necessarily lead to good results; even the best porcelain can appear plastic if it is not precisely tailored to the shade, shape, and fit of the specific patient.
What could help me determine whether a provider will be natural or not?
One of the most effective tools at your disposal is the use of pre and post photos. Don't only go for the big transformations, but specifically for cases with similar starting features to your own, similar tooth shape, smile width, lip coverage, etc. If a review makes a specific mention of the word "natural" (as in "natural results") instead of the more generic "excellent" or "great," that's another good sign to take note of because these opinions are more likely to actually mean something to the patient than a simple five-star rating.
What would I want to ask in a consultation that would make for a more natural look?
The first question that can be asked is how a provider chooses shade, does they add a smile design that they've tried on others or do they start with a mock-up before applying final veneers and does they take into account your unique facial features instead of applying a template? If a provider is willing and open to these questions, and tells you how he or she goes about doing it, this is usually a positive sign.
Is it always desirable to have a natural look?
Not necessarily, in some patients the transformation is really what they want — a brighter, more dramatic change — and that's also a personal choice. The answer is to be clear about your specific objectives during the consultation, and a provider who is good will design a course of action that fits your objectives and not make generic assumptions that "natural" means the same thing to everyone.
In the end, it's about knowing the specific shade, shape and personalization approach a provider uses to create the most natural-looking veneers in Seattle , reading through before and after photos to see if they're a right fit, and getting a real discussion with your dentist about your goals before getting treatment.