Veneer Color Chart: How to Choose the Best Color for You

Cosmetic dentistry has made it possible for people to achieve beautiful smiles. Whether they’ve lost a tooth or are unhappy with discolorations, dentistry offers a solution. One such service is porcelain veneers. For those that aren’t familiar with…

Cosmetic dentistry has made it possible for people to achieve beautiful smiles. Whether they’ve lost a tooth or are unhappy with discolorations, dentistry offers a solution. One such service is porcelain veneers. For those that aren’t familiar with veneers, they are a wafer-thin covering that is applied to the tooth’s front. They were designed to conceal or correct imperfections quickly and effectively. 

What can veneers do for your smile? Take a look at just a few imperfections that can be solved with porcelain veneers.

  • Gaps
  • Chips and cracks
  • Minor alignment issues
  • Discoloration (stains, such as yellowing)
  • Poorly shaped or crooked teeth

Veneers come in many options. Surprise! Veneers aren’t a one-size-fits-all application. Instead, there is much more to them. As you’ll discover in this article, there are several features that determine the appropriate veneer.

What is a veneer color chart?

What is a veneer color chart?

Veneers have gained widespread popularity over the years. They are one of the most requested cosmetic procedures in our dental office. But before any veneer can be applied, the right color will need to be chosen. Each patient receives a personalized application for their veneers using a color chart. The color chart ensures a flawless finish. It also helps to create a more natural look. 

The veneer color chart helps to find the best color to fit the specific patient. Just as patients have different skin colors, they also have different face shapes. What works for one person might not be the best fit for another. For this reason, your dentist must select the best color to meet your needs. Veneers come in four categories. These are reddish-brown, reddish-yellow, grey, and reddish grey. Under these categories, there are 11 subcategories to personalize the patient’s results further. Some color systems implement the fifth category. They are known as bleached shades. These are levels of bleached white, similar to what you would have with tooth whitening. 

The color theory applies to most aesthetic services. For instance, stylists will recommend only going two shades lighter or darker for a natural look with hair. When it comes to smiles, the same can be applied. Most dentists recommend two shades lighter from your natural teeth generate realistic results. Though this is something, you’ll want to discuss with your dentist. Every patient’s dental goals are different. The purpose of veneers is to help achieve these goals while providing a natural finish.

Factors to consider when choosing the right color

So how does your dentist decide which color is right for you? Veneers are not all the same, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Let’s take a look at the key factors your dentist will use to determine the best color for you. 

Natural appearance

When speaking of a natural appearance, very seldom will you see ‘blind you’ smile? Bleaching systems or dedicated in-home oral whitening routines are often used to achieve these results. This is especially true for adults. Over time teeth will lose their luster and become dull looking. With veneers, your dentist will brighten your teeth while maintaining a natural appearance. 

Your Facial Characteristics

There are many types of face shapes. These include the heart-shaped, rounded, square, diamond, and the most common, oval. Oval faces tend to look better with square teeth. The reason being is that a square tooth will add fullness to the face where it can often be lacking. Rounded, shorter veneers complement heart-shaped faces. At the same time, round faces do better with longer, more pronounced to add length. Lastly, square-shaped faces with a defined jawline require more rounded teeth to soften the jawline. 

Age

As we age, our teeth naturally lose length. With veneers, you can lengthen teeth to give a more youthful appearance. Also, when bulking your teeth, wrinkles around the mouth will smooth. Many individuals find thicker front veneers; their lips have a more pronounced fuller look.

Gender

Men benefit from having square veneers installed. This provides a more masculine look. Patients that desire a more feminine or softer look may lean more towards rounded veneers.

Tips on choosing the right shade from the veneer color chart

Tips on choosing the right shade from the veneer color chart

Porcelain veneers are considered An irreversible cosmetic procedure. While they can be removed and are permanent, you may have to replace them down the road. When choosing your color, you must select one that best fits your needs. This means you should look for colors matching your facial shape, age, and compliment you. Though, it would help if you discussed with your dentist your veneers and dental goals. Use the following tips to help select the best veneers for you.

Does it look good?

Certain veneer shades will pop out at you. Hold up a veneer to your face and gauge which look more natural to you concerning your facial features. This can help to narrow down the appropriate veneer and shade of white. 

Is the color the same as the surrounding teeth?

Your surrounding teeth can play a huge role in determining the best veneer. Try to match your other teeth in terms of hue. Do they have a slightly reddish cast, or are they more grey in tone? Colors are natural, cool, and warm tones. Identifying which you are based on your other teeth can help significantly. 

Do your research

Before choosing a veneer, do research. There is a lot of information on the internet about veneers, including brands, colors, and more about how to select the best fit. Keep in mind your dental goals, and know that what you choose might be something you’ll wear for the next decade or longer.

Talk to your dentist

Last but not least, talk with your dentist. He or she will be able to choose the appropriate option to fit your needs. In many cases, and if possible, putting your faith in your dentist for selecting a fantastic veneer for you can derive the best results. Most dentists, including Dr. Nozaki, have been performing veneers for years. They have an excellent sense of cosmetic dentistry. This allows them extensive knowledge of selecting the right porcelain veneer for the application. 

Conclusion

Veneers are an excellent way to correct imperfections. From gaps to cracks to discolorations, there is the perfect option to create a smoother, vividly white smile. Choosing the right shade can not only enhance your smile but make it look more natural. Keep in mind your face shape, age, gender, and many other features can play a role in what shade and style veneer you should have installed. Talking with your dentist is the best way to determine the appropriate veneer to meet your needs.

Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers, for improving your smile? If so, contact Image Dental today. You may schedule an appointment online by clicking here or calling our office at (209) 955-1500

Stephen Nozaki, DDS, MPH, DIDIA

Dr. Stephen Nozaki is the owner and lead dentist at Image Dental in Stockton. He is a dedicated professional born and raised in California's Central Valley. With a commitment to his community, he brings advanced dental techniques learned from extensive education and continuous training from around the world. A third-generation Japanese American, Dr. Nozaki has a rich background that includes international living and a deep passion for both dentistry and outdoor activities. His focus in dentistry aligns with his passion for cosmetics and dental implants.