Are porcelain veneers not possible if my teeth stick out forward?
That's right — if the teeth already stick out forward, I don't do veneers placed without trimming. Even thin porcelain makes them look more prominent by the amount added. When people ask, “I want front-tooth veneers — what do you look at?”, I look first at where the body of the tooth sits, rather than the shape of the edge.
If the teeth sit inward or are small, thin porcelain blends naturally with the neighboring teeth. If they stick out or overlap, part of the surface needs to be contoured, or it's better not to bond veneers at all. A skeletal protruding mouth, where the jawbone itself pushes forward, is also not something I solve with veneers.
Can porcelain veneers cover up all yellow color?
It depends on which layer the color is in. Surface stains, like those from coffee or tea, come off with stain removal; color in the dentin inside the tooth is brightened with whitening or covered with porcelain. The color of old composite fillings doesn't respond to whitening agents.
So if the teeth are yellow overall, we sometimes do teeth whitening first, wait 1–2 weeks for the color to settle, and then match the porcelain shade. If you only raise the brightness without knowing the cause of the color, the inner color can show through and give a grayish tint.
What if my gumline is uneven?
If the gumline heights on the left and right differ, one side looks longer even if the teeth are made the same length. I consider gum contouring alongside only when the gums cover the teeth excessively, and I don't include it as a standard item.
On the other hand, I don't fill in roots exposed by gum recession with porcelain. Receded gums don't grow back, and forcing the margin under the gums makes inflammation likely.
Why do you look at where the edges meet the lower teeth?
Because if only one tooth touches first when the upper and lower teeth meet, force concentrates on that porcelain and it chips easily. Even if the position, color, and gumline are right, if the edges don't meet properly, I don't place them. If there is grinding, that force is factored into the plan and we look at a protective guard as well.
| What to check | What we look at | If it doesn't fit |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth position | Whether the teeth stick out or sit inward | Not placed, or orthodontics first |
| Layer of color | Surface stain or inner color, or old composite fillings | Stain removal or whitening first |
| Gumline | Left-right height, how much the gums cover the teeth | Gum contouring only when needed |
| Edge contact | Whether the lower teeth hit one spot first, grinding | Change the design, protective guard |
How we do it at Wonjin Dental
We check size, alignment, gumline, and bite with intraoral photos and scans, and decide together on the length and brightness you want. We first map out where the finished teeth will sit, then contour only where needed. Front-tooth veneers are done with Brinate, placed without trimming, with no anesthesia and no temporary teeth.
| Brinate | Thickness | Time | Per tooth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 0.3mm | Same day possible | ₩330,000 |
| Build-up | 0.1mm | About 1 week | ₩550,000 |
| Platinum | 0.1mm | About 2 weeks | ₩990,000 |
As of September 2026, VAT included (cosmetic treatment). Other items can be found in the full fee list. I don't place them on teeth that stick out, and if it can't be done, I tell you that first.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need cavity or gum treatment before porcelain veneers?
Yes. If there are cavities or gum inflammation, we treat them first. Bonding while there is inflammation makes gaps at the margins or swollen gums more likely.
If I do just one front tooth, will the color match the neighboring teeth?
When doing just one, the translucency of the neighboring teeth also has to be matched, which makes it trickier. Placing translucent porcelain on a tooth with a dark base lets gray show through, so we look at the base color and thickness together.
How do I care for porcelain veneers after bonding?
Clean the margins with a toothbrush and floss, and don't repeatedly bite through hard things with your front teeth. At regular check-ups, we check not only the porcelain but also the bonded areas, gums, and any changes in the bite.
How many front-tooth veneers should I get?
It's decided by how many teeth show when you smile and the color difference from the neighboring teeth. Sometimes just one small tooth needs matching; to change the overall color, it looks more natural to do the teeth that show when you smile together. I don't decide the number first.
