If you are pursuing dental veneers to achieve your smile goals, you need to shop around. Never go to the first dentist you see; always visit at least one other office before beginning your dental veneer procedure. Effective, natural-looking dental veneers are the work of an artistic dentist who will consider your skin tone, hair color, and the shape of your face and lips before creating the perfect veneers for you.

Dental veneers that are too bulky automatically look artificial. They are sometimes called “chicklet teeth,” after the candy, because they look like pieces of gum candy stuck onto the teeth. They will not ever look natural, and can be off-putting.

Poor fit on the veneers can lead to an obvious line at the gums and to swollen, red, irritated gums. Any bleeding of the gums can stain the edges of the veneers, leaving a dark line at the gum line. Improper fit can lead to infection and decay if there is space between the veneer and the natural tooth surface.

Dental veneers that are too long can make the patient look “horsey” and be unflattering. Overly long veneers can also lead to difficulty with bite alignment and gum irritation. Veneers that aren’t long enough can make a patient look old, as though the teeth are worn away with use.

Veneer color and translucency must be chosen carefully, as teeth that are too white don’t look natural. Overly white or shiny veneers do not flatter the face.

Dental veneers should be designed and applied by a skilled dentist. So many factors are at play when choosing color, style and shape of a patient’s dental veneers. Do not go into it believing that it’s just about straight, white teeth. Look for the best dentist you can find. Ask any trusted friends and coworkers if they have a recommendation. It is always better to speak to someone who has had personal experience and to get candid advice.

Do your homework, shop around, and you will find yourself with a smile full of gorgeous, natural-appearing teeth. All anyone will notice is how good you look!