When this patient first walked into our office at Long Island Veneers, she wasn’t just dealing with cosmetic imperfections. She was also carrying the disappointment of having recently completed a veneers procedure elsewhere, only to be left unhappy with the results.
The shape, shade, and overall look of her smile didn’t feel right. She knew she wanted to try again, but this time, she needed to be sure the result would truly reflect her personality.
This case became about more than just replacing veneers. It was about restoring confidence and trust in the process.
Understanding the Problem
The patient had previously received veneers from another provider but felt the work lacked natural aesthetics. When she smiled, her teeth looked bulky and misaligned. Some veneers were shaped unevenly. Others didn’t follow the natural curvature of her lips. The shade also appeared slightly flat, lacking the vibrancy and translucency of natural enamel.
More importantly, the veneers didn’t feel like “her.” She wanted a smile that looked effortless and elegant, not artificial.
The Importance of Listening First
Before discussing a treatment plan, we took time to listen. We wanted to understand exactly what she didn’t like about her existing veneers. We also asked about her smile goals:
- Was she looking for something brighter?
- Did she want a more uniform shape?
- How important was it for the veneers to look natural in both photos and real life?
Through that conversation, we built a plan focused on three priorities:
- Removing the unnatural appearance
- Enhancing the balance between teeth, gums, and lips
- Creating a look that felt personal, not generic
Planning the Smile Makeover
After careful evaluation, we recommended removing the old veneers and replacing them with a total of 12 new veneers. Eight on the upper and four on the lower arch. This gave us the ability to fully reframe her smile and correct the existing issues with shape, symmetry, and shading.
We used digital mockups and shade guides to give her a preview of what was possible. She responded immediately. For the first time, she was excited about the outcome.
What Made This Case Unique
What set this case apart wasn’t just the technical work. It was the emotional weight behind it.
Unlike patients who are getting veneers for the first time, this patient already knew how frustrating it could be when something felt off. She didn’t want to go through another round of disappointment.
This added an extra layer of responsibility for us and an extra layer of satisfaction when we got it right.
Treatment and Placement Process
We started by carefully removing the old veneers. This process had to be gentle but thorough to preserve the underlying enamel. Once removed, we:
- Prepared each tooth with minimal reshaping
- Took detailed impressions for custom fabrication
- Used temporary veneers to test the shape and bite
Once the permanent veneers were ready, we checked them one by one for fit, contour, and color. Only when the patient felt confident did we proceed to final bonding.
Each veneer was placed using a precision adhesive technique to ensure strength and longevity.
The Final Result
The transformation was immediate.
- The upper teeth now had a soft, feminine contour that followed her lip line
- The color matched her natural complexion, with subtle gradients and depth
- The lower veneers helped complete the frame of her smile without looking overdone
More than anything, the patient’s expression said it all. She couldn’t stop smiling. This wasn’t just a cosmetic improvement. It was a personal win.
Why Customization Matters
This case is a reminder that veneers are not one-size-fits-all. What works for one patient might feel completely wrong for another. That’s why our approach always starts with personalization, not a standard template.
By understanding her concerns, customizing the plan, and crafting veneers that worked in harmony with her face, we were able to give this patient something she never had before: a smile that felt completely her own.
