Why are lower porcelain veneers approached differently from upper ones?
Because the tooth size and the forces they take are different. Many people get their upper teeth done first and then ask about the lower ones, saying, “Since I only brightened my upper teeth, my lower teeth look even more yellow.” As the lips loosen with time, the lower front teeth can also become more visible. The lower front teeth are narrow and thin, so shaving even a little more exposes the dentin beneath the enamel, causing sensitivity and weakening the bond; that is why I am even more careful about shaving on the lower teeth.
| Category | Upper teeth | Lower teeth |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth size | Relatively large and thick | Small and thin |
| Room for shaving | Relatively more | Little, so the dentin is easily exposed |
| When closing the mouth | Cover the lower teeth from the front | The tips touch the inside of the upper teeth first |
| What the design looks at first | Color and shape | Bite and thickness |
When are lower porcelain veneers possible?
When the position of the lower front teeth is fine and only the color, worn edges, or size and length are uneven. The same applies when the upper teeth have already been done and you want to match the lower color. Even then, the length, thickness, and contact points with the upper teeth need to be set together for it to feel comfortable after bonding.
This is also when we discuss whether there is room to refine minor gaps or alignment differences at the same time. Some people's lower edges hit the inside of the upper teeth when closing or chewing, and if there is tooth grinding, that force repeats during sleep.
When shouldn't lower porcelain veneers be done?
| Current lower teeth | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Position is fine; only color, edges, or size differ | Bond, or reshape very slightly |
| Need to match the color of upper restorations | Match the existing upper color |
| Large overlap, rotation, or tilt | Move them first |
| Strong grinding with one tooth touching first | Look at the bite and habits first |
If teeth overlap or are rotated severely, I don't correct them with porcelain; I move them first. What's possible is covered in Partial orthodontics for lower teeth. I also don't bond veneers when creating the desired shape would require a lot of shaving. On narrow lower teeth, that room runs out even faster. I also don't place veneers on lower teeth that stick out or on a skeletal protruding mouth. If something can't be done, I tell you so up front.
How is the color matched with upper porcelain veneers?
It's not about choosing a new color but about matching the brightness and translucency of the existing upper teeth. A color that looks fine on its own on the lower teeth can look off next to the upper teeth, so before bonding, we check it in the mouth, even trying different adhesive shades.
The number of teeth is determined by the area visible when smiling. For some people the four front teeth are enough, while for those whose canines show, the range widens. If the lower teeth are barely visible, it's also common to do only the upper teeth and leave the lower ones.
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
Rather than pretty edges, I first look at which lower tooth touches the inside of the upper teeth first. I set the length and thickness to avoid that point and adjust the bite again after bonding. If there is tooth grinding, we also discuss a night guard. Once porcelain is bonded, the tooth isn't exactly the same as before even if it is removed, so I talk about a bite that is comfortable to use before shape. If the lower teeth can take veneers without shaving, I discuss Brinate, which comes in Basic 0.3mm (same day possible), Build-up 0.1mm (about 1 week), and Platinum 0.1mm (about 2 weeks), with no anesthesia and no temporary tooth. Prices can be found in All fees.
Frequently asked questions
Do lower porcelain veneers break more easily than upper ones?
They can if the design isn't right. I first check whether force concentrates in one spot when you close your mouth and adjust the length and thickness.
Can't the lower teeth be matched with whitening alone?
If the lower teeth are natural and the discoloration isn't severe, whitening can bring them close to the brightness of the upper restorations. When whitening isn't enough, we look at veneers.
Can the color be matched exactly to the upper teeth?
We check brightness and translucency and match as closely as possible. Depending on the material, when the veneers were bonded, and your current tooth color, a slight difference may remain.
Does chewing feel different after lower porcelain veneers?
With added thickness, the feel of the front teeth's edges touching may be unfamiliar for the first few days. If one tooth touches first or the discomfort continues, the bite is adjusted again.
