When this patient first arrived at Long Island Veneers, she had a clear desire to improve her smile. Years of wear and deep discoloration had taken a toll, and she felt that her teeth no longer reflected how vibrant and healthy she felt inside.
The challenge was more than cosmetic. The wear patterns and discoloration suggested long-term functional stress on the teeth. We needed a treatment plan that didn’t just brighten her smile but also rebuilt its foundation and protected it moving forward.
Assessing the Wear and Discoloration
From the initial examination, it was clear that this was not just a matter of stains or uneven color. Her teeth had visible erosion, shortened edges, and a dull yellow tone throughout. The enamel had thinned in several areas, especially along the front teeth, leaving the smile looking flat and aged.
There was also evidence of grinding or clenching. Some surfaces were flattened, and the edges of the front teeth had lost their natural contour.
This was a case where form and function had to be addressed at the same time. Cosmetic improvements alone wouldn’t last unless we corrected the structural wear.
Designing a Full Smile Rehabilitation
Given the extent of damage and the patient’s desire for a complete refresh, we proposed a treatment plan involving 14 restorations across both the upper and lower arches. This included a combination of veneers and onlays, customized to each individual tooth based on its level of damage and visibility when smiling.
What we used and why:
- Veneers: Applied to the most visible front teeth to restore color, shape, and contour. Veneers helped rebuild what had been lost while enhancing the natural appearance.
- Onlays: Used on teeth where more structure was worn down. These restorations added strength and protection while maintaining aesthetics.
The goal was not just to brighten her smile, but to rebuild it in a way that protected against future wear.
Artistry and Durability
Color matching was especially important in this case. The patient wanted a brighter smile but didn’t want something that looked unnatural or artificial. We worked with our lab to design veneers that had soft opacity, natural light reflection, and slight variations in translucency to mimic real enamel.
We also rebuilt the vertical dimension of her bite, giving her teeth more visible length and improving the proportions of her entire face. This subtle change had a dramatic effect on the smile’s appearance and helped support her lips and facial structure.
The final restorations added volume and youthfulness to her smile while respecting her personal style.
Supporting the Long-Term Outcome
Since this patient had signs of bruxism and had experienced so much enamel wear, we recommended proactive steps to preserve her results. After the restorations were placed, she began wearing a night guard to protect the veneers and onlays from grinding pressure during sleep.
She also continues to receive regular Botox injections in the masseter area. This helps reduce clenching and tension, further minimizing wear on the teeth and improving facial harmony.
Ongoing protection plan:
- Custom night guard: Helps prevent damage while sleeping.
- Botox maintenance: Reduces jaw pressure and protects against future enamel breakdown.
- Routine checkups: Allows us to monitor the health of the restorations and make adjustments as needed.
Thanks to these combined efforts, she’s been able to maintain her new smile without setbacks.
Emotional Impact and Patient Response
The transformation was dramatic. Her smile was now brighter, fuller, and better aligned with her facial structure. The worn-down appearance was completely gone, replaced with teeth that looked strong, healthy, and vibrant.
She was thrilled with the results. For the first time in years, she felt confident smiling openly. She even shared that she looked forward to taking photos again and felt like she had regained a part of herself that had been slowly disappearing over time.
What was once a source of quiet discomfort became a feature she now celebrates.
Why This Case Matters
This case is a reminder that smile makeovers aren’t always about small cosmetic fixes. Sometimes, they are about restoration. Rebuilding what’s been worn down. Protecting what remains. Giving patients a second chance at a strong, functional, and beautiful smile.
For this patient, the combination of veneers and onlays offered the perfect balance. The treatment honored both her aesthetic goals and the structural needs of her teeth. It also gave her a clear path forward with maintenance, so she could continue enjoying her results for years to come.
