CASE STUDY · SMILE DESIGN AND PORCELAIN VENEERS
An executive assistant in her early 20s had stained front teeth and one dark, short side tooth that had had a root canal. Her teeth were well positioned; colour and shape were the problem.
Drag to compare. Photos of a real Hayat Dental patient, published with consent. Individual results vary.
01
She didn’t like her smile and felt it didn’t match the rest of her face. Her front two teeth had been discoloured since childhood.
Her upper left side tooth (lateral incisor) had had a root canal, which left it looking very dark, almost black.
02
Her teeth were well positioned, so straightening wasn’t needed. The root-canal-treated tooth was dark, short and smaller than the others, with more gum showing above it.
03
We looked for the most conservative way to correct colour and shape without cutting or reshaping the teeth significantly.
The smile design showed what the result would look like, and it also showed exactly how much each tooth needed to be adjusted. That let us remove as little as possible.
SMILE DESIGN FIRST
Before any tooth was changed, we designed the new smile and showed it to the patient. They could ask for changes, and if they didn’t like it, they didn’t need to go ahead. The design also shows us how little of each tooth we need to adjust.
04
1
Smile design
She saw and approved the planned result.
2
Minimal preparation
The four front teeth, from the right side tooth to the left side tooth, were gently prepared.
3
Four porcelain veneers
The porcelain veneers were bonded in place. Only minimal numbing was needed.
About 6 weeks
05
The colour is consistent across the four front teeth, the dark tooth is masked, the teeth are more even in length and shape, and less gum shows above the left side tooth.
When we saw her again 9 to 10 years later, the veneers were still in good condition and the colour was stable. Porcelain resists staining far better than resin, which is why it lasts so well.
06
Wearing a grinding guard at night to protect the veneers from chipping
Regular check-ups and cleans
Remembering that natural teeth can still stain even though porcelain doesn’t
07
Fees depend on how many teeth are treated, the materials used and any work needed first. After your consultation you get a written treatment plan with costs, before anything starts, and nothing goes ahead until you are comfortable with the plan. Payment plans are available for cosmetic treatment.
08
A single tooth that is much darker than the others
Teeth that have been discoloured since childhood
A side tooth that looks shorter or smaller
Straight teeth with colour or shape concerns
If a few of these sound familiar, a consultation is the best next step. We explain your options, including the smallest treatment that will do the job.
This summary is based on the treating dentist’s account of the case. Every mouth is different, so your options, timing and costs depend on your own assessment.
COMMON QUESTIONS
With good care, many years. In this case the veneers were still in good condition with stable colour 9 to 10 years after they were placed. A night guard, check-ups and good hygiene all help.
Composite (resin) veneers are quicker and cost less, but they stain and chip more easily. Porcelain holds its colour and finish for much longer. We explain both for your situation.
Often, yes. Porcelain can mask a dark tooth, although very dark teeth sometimes need a crown or internal whitening. We assess how dark the tooth is and how much healthy structure remains.
Preparation is usually gentle. Because so little tooth was adjusted in this case, only minimal numbing was needed.
TREATMENTS IN THIS CASE
SIMILAR CASES
Before
AfterSmile design and veneersFour veneers for short, worn and discoloured front teethAbout 3 weeks
Before
AfterInvisalign and porcelain veneersFour porcelain veneers for chipped, worn front teeth7 to 8 months
Before
AfterGum work, Invisalign and composite veneersGum reshaping and composite veneers for small side teeth7 to 8 monthsA GOOD PLACE TO START
Book a consultation. We’ll assess your teeth, explain the options and give you a written plan with costs.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
Send an enquiry and our team will contact you. To book an appointment, use our online booking portal. For urgent availability, please call the clinic.
