Will My Natural Teeth be Darker than My Composite Veneers?

By: Dr. Ellen Katz

11/30/2022

There are many different reasons for getting dental veneers, though concealing stained, yellow teeth is perhaps the most common. With veneers, countless men and women have restored a beautiful, bright, white smile they can feel proud of. At Maison BE Dental Studio in New York, NY, Dr. Ellen Katz performs a complete suite of cosmetic dental treatments, including the placement of composite veneers, to give patients the confidence they deserve. Here, we’ll explore what patients can expect when getting composite dental veneers, including whether veneers can be created to match or enhance their natural tooth color.

Are veneers right for me?

Veneers are thin shell-like “covers” that are bonded to the front of the teeth with a slight overlap around the back edge of the tooth for stability. Dental veneers are cosmetic in nature and can be used to conceal or correct a long list of concerns, including:

  • Yellowed teeth
  • Stained teeth
  • Dark teeth
  • Dull teeth
  • Chipped tooth
  • Short teeth
  • Small teeth
  • Uneven tooth length

Candidates for composite veneers should have good overall dental and oral health and be interested in cosmetically enhancing their smile. It is important to understand that veneers are not the same as dental restorations – like crowns and bridges – which are designed to replace missing teeth and are often supported by dental implants.

Will composite veneers match my other teeth?

Composite veneers are made of a composite resin material and can be custom-colored to match the shade of your existing teeth as closely as possible. Many patients hope to brighten their smile with veneers, in which case the veneers can be created up to several shades whiter than the natural teeth. However, it is important to consider the proximity of the veneers to your natural teeth when choosing to go several shades whiter with your veneers, as there may be a visible contrast. To avoid this, many patients choose to have veneers placed on all of the teeth that are visible when they smile, even if only a few teeth “need” veneers. During your initial consultation, Dr. Katz will help determine how many veneers may be needed to create your desired look.

Will veneers stain?

While porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, patients considering composite veneers should understand that composite veneers may stain in a similar way that natural teeth do. For this reason, patients should be committed to proper dental hygiene – including brushing and flossing twice daily – to keep their veneers looking fresh and bright for as long as possible. Additionally, patients should avoid dark, staining foods and drinks – like red wine, coffee, and tea. Finally, patients can extend the life of their composite veneers by visiting the dentist regularly for routine dental exams and in-office cleanings. With a healthy lifestyle and proper oral care, composite veneers can keep your smile looking its best for up to a decade.

With composite veneers in NYC, your smile will stun this season

With the holidays right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a smile upgrade. To find out more about transforming your teeth with composite veneers, call Maison BE Dental Studio to schedule your private consultation with top New York, NY dentist Dr. Ellen Katz today.

* All information subject to change. Images may contain models. Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary.