When this patient first came to Long Island Veneers, she was visibly discouraged by her smile. Several of her upper teeth were either missing or broken, and the ones that remained were chipped, worn, and discolored.
Her front teeth, in particular, had become thin and uneven. The damage made her hesitant to speak or smile openly, and she expressed how much it impacted her confidence.
She didn’t just want a cosmetic fix. She needed a functional and lasting solution that would give her both strength and beauty.
Understanding the Challenges
This case presented multiple layers of complexity. It wasn’t just about fixing color or reshaping one or two teeth. The patient had:
- Missing teeth: Spaces along her upper arch disrupted the continuity of her smile.
- Broken teeth: Several teeth were fractured or structurally compromised.
- Chipped front teeth: Her central incisors had uneven edges and visible wear.
- Deep discoloration: Yellowing and staining were present on many remaining teeth.
Before we could move forward with aesthetic planning, we needed to assess which teeth could be preserved, which needed replacement, and how to unify the arch with a seamless result.
Choosing the Right Treatment Plan
After careful evaluation and a full set of imaging, we created a plan that would give the patient strength, stability, and a beautiful appearance. The treatment involved:
- Dental bridges to replace the missing teeth and rebuild gaps in her arch.
- Porcelain veneers to restore the shape, color, and balance of her remaining visible teeth.
By combining both types of restorations, we were able to rebuild her smile with structural support while achieving a natural, bright aesthetic.
Replacing and Rebuilding
The bridgework allowed us to fill the areas where teeth had been lost. Using healthy surrounding teeth as anchors, we replaced those gaps with custom-made restorations that blended into her smile.
Each bridge was fabricated to match the look of natural teeth. They were shaped and shaded to match the veneers, creating a smooth transition across the arch. No one would be able to tell which teeth were natural and which had been replaced.
At the same time, we designed veneers to cover the front teeth that were chipped and worn. These veneers restored the original length and shape of the teeth while adding a healthy level of brightness.
Combined benefits of bridges and veneers:
- Functional strength: Bridges added durability and completed her bite.
- Aesthetic consistency: Veneers gave us control over shape and color for the visible part of her smile.
- Unified smile line: The restorations worked together to create a continuous, natural look.
A Transformed Smile
The final results were dramatic. What had once been a smile defined by missing and broken teeth became a smooth, complete arch with even tone and shape. The chips and cracks were gone. The spacing was corrected. And for the first time in years, the patient could smile without hesitation.
Visible improvements included:
- Natural proportions: Each tooth was sized and contoured to fit the patient’s face and lips.
- Clean, healthy color: The restorations eliminated staining and dark areas.
- Structural balance: The patient could bite and chew with comfort and confidence.
The emotional reaction said it all. She shared that she hadn’t smiled like this in years and felt like a new version of herself.
Restoring More Than Teeth
This case wasn’t just about fixing what was broken. It was about rebuilding confidence and giving the patient back a part of herself she thought was gone for good.
She had lived with the discomfort and embarrassment of a damaged smile for too long. Now, she could move forward without feeling self-conscious in professional, social, or family settings.
Every part of the treatment was personalized to her goals and comfort. We worked in phases, ensured every fit was perfect, and involved her in every decision along the way.
