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Beverly Hills Institute of Dental Esthetics
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Brian LeSage, DDS, FAGD, FAACD

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How Many Veneers Do I Really Need?

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I had braces in my teens, 20s, and 30s, plus jaw surgery in the early 90s. Everything looked great for many years, but my teeth have slowly crowded again, and my two front teeth are more noticeable now. I only want veneers on the two upper teeth beside my front teeth to improve my smile. A dentist advised me that I would need veneers on all six front teeth, which feels excessive for what I want and is too expensive. Since this is only cosmetic, I don’t want to go through orthodontic treatment again. I’m also unsure how to share a photo with you. How many veneers might I need? I know it would probably help to see a picture. Thanks. Korry from NY

Korry,

Without seeing your smile in person, we cannot determine whether two or six porcelain veneers would be the better choice.

There are generally two possible explanations for your dentist’s recommendation. One is that two veneers may be enough and additional treatment may not be necessary. The other is that your dentist is trying to achieve the most natural, balanced result possible and believes that porcelain veneers on only two teeth could compromise the final appearance.

Why Might a Cosmetic Dentist Recommend More Veneers?

A porcelain veneer

A porcelain veneer covers the front of a tooth

A recommendation for additional veneers is not always about doing more treatment. It may be about creating a smile that looks balanced and natural.

Dentists who focus on cosmetic dentistry often have high standards for their work. They want patients to be happy with their smiles for years to come, and they also want the result with veneers to reflect the quality of their craftsmanship. If treating only two teeth would leave noticeable differences in color, shape, or symmetry, recommending additional veneers will help produce an attractive result for your entire smile.

Could Your Teeth Continue to Move After Treatment?

Teeth can continue to shift throughout adulthood, even years after orthodontic treatment. One patient in her 50s had a gap between her front teeth that was closed with dental bonding. Within a couple of years, the gap returned because her teeth continued to move. After the bonding was replaced, she was provided with an orthodontic retainer and instructed to wear it every night to help maintain the result.

Your situation may be similar. If your teeth have continued to crowd over the years, long-term retainer wear may be an important part of protecting any cosmetic treatment.

How Can You Tell Whether You Still Need a Retainer?

Reduce retainer wear gradually rather than stopping suddenly. Every patient’s teeth respond differently, and your orthodontist can help guide the process. As you decrease wear, pay attention to how the retainer fits.

After your orthodontist recommends transitioning away from full-time wear, you can generally follow this progression:

  • Wear the retainer nightly.
  • Gradually switch to every other night.
  • Increase the interval if the retainer continues to fit comfortably.
  • If you feel pressure when placing it back in, your teeth have likely shifted, and you should wear it more frequently.

Would a Permanent Retainer Help?

Some orthodontists bond a thin wire behind the front teeth so it remains in place permanently. This type of fixed retainer helps prevent teeth from shifting and can be especially beneficial for patients whose teeth continue to move throughout adulthood. Based on your history, that may have been a reasonable option to consider.

 

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post. Read why his patients say he is the best cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills.

 

What’s the Minimum Age for Porcelain Veneers?

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I had braces twice and have had a lot of dental work done. Most of my teeth are stained and worn out. My smile looks 20 years older than I am. What’s the youngest age for being eligible to get porcelain veneers? Thanks. Bethany from TX

 

Bethany,

Porcelain veneers protect tooth structure when a dentist prepares them correctly. Traditional veneers require about 0.3 mm of enamel reduction—roughly the thickness of a fingernail. Because this preparation is limited to the enamel, veneers don’t reach the pulp, even in young adults with larger pulp chambers. Some cases allow for no-prep veneers, so age rarely limits whether veneers can safely protect your teeth.

What’s the Minimum Age for Porcelain Veneers?

Rather than establishing a minimum age for porcelain veneers, the concern is the condition of your front teeth have fully erupted. In younger teens, getting porcelain veneers while teeth are still developing can leave a visible line where the veneer ends. By age 18, this typically isn’t an issue. However, after an examination and X-rays, a cosmetic dentist can determine whether your tooth development is complete.

Why Do Oral Health Habits Matter Before Getting Veneers?

A porcelain veneer

A porcelain veneer covers the front of a tooth

Veneers rely on healthy enamel and gums for long-term success. Before porcelain veneers treatment, a responsible cosmetic dentist will want you to have consistently good oral hygiene.

When staining appears around orthodontic brackets, it often comes from weakened enamel (decalcification). This can occur if plaque accumulates around the brackets for extended periods, resulting in frosty white areas that may darken over time.

Factors That Contribute to Enamel Weakening

Healthy daily habits protect your teeth before and after cosmetic treatment. Some factors increase the risk of future decay:

  • Frequent snacking or sipping sugary drinks throughout the day
  • Inconsistent brushing and flossing around orthodontic brackets
  • Not using fluoride toothpaste or recommended remineralizing products

When plaque accumulates on the teeth, even thorough brushing at night can’t fully offset the constant acid attacks that occur during the day.

How to Stabilize Your Oral Health Before Getting Porcelain Veneers

Before veneers, your dentist may recommend improving the foundation of your oral health. These steps help support stronger enamel:

  • Consistent brushing and flossing, especially after meals
  • Reducing between-meal snacking
  • Fluoride treatments or products that support remineralization

With healthier enamel and gums, you’ll contribute to the success of porcelain veneers that look natural and last.

 

I Agreed to Porcelain Veneers, But My Dentist Placed Crowns

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My dentist and I agreed that he would place six veneers on my upper front teeth. He spent a lot of time shaving my teeth before placing the temporary crowns. I thought it was an extensive amount of time and should have asked about it. Two teeth had root canals over six years ago. I felt pain in a root canal canine tooth, but my dentist said it was temporary discomfort. After seeing an endodontist, I learned that the tooth was infected and required removal. The endodontist did a repeat root canal on the other tooth. The endodontist confirmed that I had crowns, not porcelain veneers. My insurance company confirmed that the dentist submitted a claim for crowns, not porcelain veneers.  I am hurt by the lies my dentist told, but I’ve had so much discomfort and expense with the damage to my teeth. I want to report the dentist, but I don’t know where to start. Thanks. Owen from GA

Owen,

If your dentist led you to believe you were receiving porcelain veneers but instead placed crowns, they may argue for flexibility in the definition of “veneers.” However, if their website accurately describes veneers in a way that contradicts the treatment you received, it indicates a lack of informed consent on their part. Performing a treatment without proper consent or complete information about the procedure can legally be considered assault, for which the dentist could be held accountable.

Porcelain veneers patient photos from Beverly Hills accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian LeSage

Porcelain veneers photos of Dr. LeSage’s patient. The procedure requires minimal tooth preparation.


Porcelain veneer procedures are more technically demanding than crown placement, leading some dentists to avoid them. Some dentists may offer excuses for why veneers aren’t suitable for a patient’s case, while others resort to deceptive practices. For example, some may use the term “360-degree veneers” to misrepresent crowns as veneers. Hopefully, your dentist did not use this tactic, which could have complicated your case.

It appears that the aggressive tooth preparation damaged your two root canal teeth. The complications are unlikely to have occurred if your dentist had conservatively prepared your teeth for porcelain veneers.

You may want to consider consulting a medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your options and report your concerns to the Georgia Board of Dentistry.

Will My Tooth Fillings Prevent Porcelain Veneers from Bonding Well?

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Both of my center front teeth have fillings. I’ve decided to see a dentist about getting porcelain veneers. I hope to avoid replacing the fillings frequently, and I would like porcelain veneers to look more natural than the fillings. Will the bonding for veneers adhere well to my existing tooth fillings, or should I anticipate any issues? Thanks. Adelynn from TN

Adelynn,

We understand your concerns, but you don’t have to worry about getting porcelain veneers if you have fillings on your front teeth. The bonding agent for veneers is chemically compatible with most filling materials. Your filling materials and bonding agent for porcelain veneers will integrate, creating a strong, unified structure.

How to Find a Dentist for Porcelain Veneers

For optimal results with porcelain veneers, we recommend consulting a dentist who has received substantial postgraduate training in cosmetic dentistry. You’ll find a higher likelihood of exceptionally aesthetic work if your dentist is accredited by a respected organization. Consider looking for accreditation from:

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry

Always schedule consultations with at least two cosmetic dentists before choosing a dentist. This will allow you to explore your treatment options and compare pricing.

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.

Smile makeover before and after photos from Beverly Hills accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry Dr. Brian LeSage.

Accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. LeSage of Beverly Hills gave his patient a beautiful smile makeover with porcelain veneers!

Are Dental Crowns or Veneers Best for Tetracycline Stains?

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My teeth are healthy but have severe tetracycline stains. I want porcelain veneers, but I’ve been to three dentists who have recommended crowns instead. I don’t want to insist on veneers, but is it unrealistic to think I can get them to cover tetracycline stains? Thanks. Damien from IL

Damien,

Treating severe tetracycline staining is a complex aesthetic challenge. Tetracycline stains occur when a child with developing teeth (before age 12) takes the tetracycline antibiotic, causing a deep gray-brown discoloration within the tooth structure.

Porcelain veneers present specific challenges in these cases. Achieving a natural appearance requires a degree of porcelain translucency, which can allow the dark underlying stain to show through the veneers. Overusing an opaquer to conceal the stain can create an unnatural, chalky appearance. Inadequate coverage can also result in visible dark margins. Expertise in color manipulation is essential for successful treatment.

General dentists may not possess the advanced skills required for complex aesthetic cases like tetracycline staining. When selecting a dentist, prioritize those who can showcase successful porcelain veneer cases with before-and-after photographs. AACD accreditation is another strong indicator of competence in this area. A pre-bonding try-in of the veneers is essential to the aesthetic outcome. Patients should not accept promises of improvement after bonding; the try-in should represent the result.

Advanced dental laboratories and skilled cosmetic dentists sometimes use opalescent porcelain. These materials possess unique light-scattering properties that mimic translucency while effectively masking underlying color.

General dentists occasionally place dental crowns, an aggressive and less desirable treatment approach. Crowns require extensive tooth reduction and are less aesthetic than porcelain veneers. Furthermore, even crowns may not completely mask exceptionally dark tetracycline stains.

Brian LeSage, DDS, an accredited fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, sponsors this post.

My Temporary Veneers Have a Hump at the Gumline

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I got bonding on my center front teeth in 1998. In 2010, my dentist at the time replaced the bonding with porcelain veneers. The veneers were bulky and made closing my mouth uncomfortable. I found a new dentist in 2022 who replaced the veneers with dental bonding. However, the bonding was lumpy and uneven. Early this year, my dentist said she could replace the bonding with porcelain veneers that would look and feel better. I decided to go with the veneers this month, so my dentist prepped my teeth. I am wearing temporary veneers, but they have a hump at the top. My last veneers didn’t have a hump at the gumline, although they were too bulky. I’ve looked at online pictures, and Durathin veneers seem to have a smoother look. Should I ask my dentist to switch brands before it’s too late? – Thank you! Molly from Reno, NV

Molly,

We understand your frustration and concern about potential issues with the porcelain veneers. It’s good to ask dentists to show their ability to deliver beautiful and functional results. Extensive post-graduate cosmetic dentistry training and experience help dentists produce aesthetically pleasing results.

A noticeable “hump” near the gumline can compromise the aesthetic appeal and oral health. It can create areas where plaque accumulates, leading to gum inflammation and potential long-term dental problems.

Porcelain veneers patient photos from Beverly Hills accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Brian LeSage

Porcelain veneers photos of Dr. LeSage’s patient. He achieves highly aesthetic results.

While different types of veneers (bonding, conventional porcelain, or DURAthins) can all produce excellent results, the key to success lies in the dentist’s skill and experience.

Given your current situation, consider the following:

  1. Insist on new temporary veneers and a try-in: If you decide to give your dentist a chance to correct her work, ask for new temporary veneers without a hump at the gumline. Before permanently bonding the veneers, request a try-in appointment. A try-in will allow you to visualize how the veneers look in your mouth and identify any areas of concern, such as the “hump” or color mismatches.
  2. Don’t Rush the Process: Don’t feel pressured to have porcelain veneers bonded if you’re not completely satisfied with the result. A skilled cosmetic dentist will prioritize your satisfaction and be willing to adjust the veneers until you love your smile.
  3. Communicate Your Concerns: It is crucial to communicate openly and honestly with your dentist. Clearly express your concerns about aesthetic issues. A sincere dentist will listen to your feedback and work to address your concerns.
  4. Consider Switching Dentists: If you’re consistently dissatisfied with the outcome and your dentist cannot meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from a more experienced cosmetic dentist. You may benefit from a second opinion before asking your dentist for new temporary porcelain veneers.

Remember, a successful cosmetic dentistry procedure requires collaboration between the dentist and patient. Your satisfaction should be the goal.

Dr. Brian LeSage, an accredited Fellow of cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, sponsors this post. See examples of Dr. LeSage’s work in his smile gallery.

My Temporary Veneers Have a Hump at the Gumline

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