One of my best friends and I both received porcelain veneers about six to eight months apart. But my veneers make my teeth look thick and bulky. We went to the same dentist, and he used the same veneers on both of us. My friend got veneers to make her teeth look larger, but I wanted veneers because my teeth were inconsistently shaped and uneven at the edges. My friend’s smile looks beautiful, which is why I used her dentist. She received no-prep veneers, so I asked for the same type.

I’m disappointed with the results from my smile (eight upper veneers) because my teeth look thick and bulky. The dentist explained that sometimes that happens with no-prep veneers. But if the dentist knew the results, why wouldn’t he tell me how they would look? And yes, I did try on temporary veneers, but I let the dentist convince me that I would get used to my “fuller” smile. Why did I get such drastically different results? Will I have to start over with veneers? Thank you.  Kennedy from Memphis, TN

Kennedy,

From your description, it seems that your friend’s case was successful because her teeth were small, and she wanted to enlarge them. The results of no-prep veneers vary with each patient. And not every patient is a candidate for no-prep veneers.

Thick and Bulky Porcelain Veneers

Your porcelain veneers can make your teeth look thick and bulky if you have average-sized or large teeth and your dentist doesn’t prepare them first. Even ultrathin veneers—as thin as 0.3 mm—add thickness to your teeth and slightly extend their length. Cosmetic dentists with advanced training in aesthetics use several brands of veneers and select one to match your case and your smile goals. And they work with master ceramists to ensure give you beautiful results.

Although Dr. Brooksher would need to examine your teeth, minimal preparation is probably the solution to helping your veneers fit well and look natural.

Correcting Thick or Bulky Veneers

If you want to correct the look of thick or bulky porcelain veneers, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with an advanced cosmetic dentist. You can ask your dentist to redo your veneers, but based on your experience, you will probably be disappointed with the results again.

• Look for a dentist with accreditation from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) or the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry (AAED).
• Read the dentist’s patient reviews about porcelain veneers and the results.
• Ask to see the before-and-after photos of the dentist’s patients who had cases like yours.

A cosmetic dentist will explain your treatment options. And unlike your current dentist, they won’t try to convince you that you will eventually like your smile. Skilled cosmetic dentists don’t bond veneers to your teeth unless you are confident that your smile is exactly as you want it.

Best wishes for a beautiful smile.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, sponsors this post.