This patient came to Long Island Veneers hoping to correct several issues that had gradually affected her smile over time. She had visible spaces between her teeth, uneven sizing, and noticeable wear along the edges of her upper front teeth. Her teeth appeared smaller than they should, and the gaps drew unwanted attention every time she smiled.
She wasn’t sure if veneers alone would be enough to fix it. What she wanted was a fuller, younger feeling smile that looked natural and balanced with her face.
Understanding Smile Goals
From the very beginning, the patient’s primary concern was spacing. The most prominent gap was between the two front teeth, but other areas also had slight separation. This made her smile appear disjointed and unbalanced.
At the same time, her front teeth were short and worn, especially at the incisal edges. That gave her smile a flattened, aged appearance, even though her gums and supporting structures were healthy.
She wasn’t looking for perfection. She wanted a smile that looked more put together, more polished, and more expressive.
Starting with Invisalign
To begin correcting the gaps, we first recommended a short course of Invisalign. By gently moving the teeth into better positions, we could reduce the size of the spaces before veneers were placed. This allowed us to use more conservative veneer preparation while improving the overall flow of her smile.
Benefits of starting with Invisalign:
- Aligned spacing: Reduced the size and visibility of gaps across the arch.
- Preserved tooth structure: Less reshaping was needed for veneers.
- Improved bite: Created a more even distribution of pressure and contact points.
This phase lasted only a few months but made a significant impact on how the final results would take shape.
Designing with Proportion in Mind
After completing Invisalign, we turned to the cosmetic phase. We placed eight porcelain veneers on the upper teeth, focusing on the central and lateral incisors, as well as the canines and first premolars.
What made this case unique was the emphasis on tooth proportion. Many of her front teeth were naturally smaller than average and had worn down over time. We needed to rebuild their shape in a way that made them longer and more symmetrical while keeping everything subtle and age-appropriate.
Key design goals:
- Add height: Restored length to teeth with worn edges for a more youthful smile line.
- Balance widths: Matched tooth sizing across the arch to eliminate visual gaps.
- Contour naturally: Used soft transitions between veneers and gums to keep the look smooth and organic.
We also paid close attention to shade. Her goal was a brighter smile, but not something overly white. The veneers were crafted with natural layering to reflect light like enamel and blend seamlessly with her facial features.
A Brighter, More Complete Smile
Once the veneers were bonded, the change was immediate. The spaces were gone. The teeth looked full, strong, and even. Her smile now followed the natural curve of her lips and gave her a softer, more expressive appearance.
What changed most noticeably:
- Closed spacing: No more distracting gaps or uneven alignment.
- Restored length: Teeth looked healthier and better proportioned.
- Improved smile arc: The edges now follow the lower lip, creating a younger looking shape.
At her follow-up, the patient shared how surprised she was at the difference. For years she had focused only on the gaps. Now, seeing the transformation, she realized just how much the shape and size had also played a role in her self-consciousness.
Long-Term Confidence
The results were more than aesthetic. The structural support from the veneers helped restore the function and stability of her front teeth, which had been weakened by wear. The changes to her smile shape also gave her face more balance and lifted her overall expression.
She left the office smiling freely and confidently, ready to show her teeth in every conversation and photo without hesitation.
What This Case Shows
Many patients assume that closing gaps requires braces or bonding. Others think their worn teeth are just something they have to live with. This case is a great reminder that a combination approach, starting with Invisalign and finishing with veneers, can offer a more complete, longer-lasting result.
It also highlights how thoughtful smile design can do more than cover flaws. It can rebuild strength, restore proportions, and bring a more confident version of someone to life.
