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We wrote this quick guide to help you pick a veneer shade that fits you perfectly, here are our best tips for finding your ideal color.
Dr. Juan Felipe Guerrero
There are many shade options available for porcelain veneers, especially when you need to match a few veneers to your existing natural teeth or blend them with other dental work like a crown or bridge. Having a full range of colors is essential for achieving a seamless match in these cases.
However, we find that many patients who visit us from the U.S. are looking for a complete smile makeover, often opting for a full set of 20 veneers with our all-inclusive plan. For these patients, the goal is typically a significantly brighter, whiter smile. This post will focus on the most popular white shades chosen for that desired radiant result.
BL1: This is the brightest shade available. It's the choice for those seeking a bold, very white, 'Hollywood' smile that truly stands out.
BL2: Our most recommended white shade for patients who want a smile that is very bright and white, but still aims to look as natural as possible. It offers significant brightening while maintaining a touch more subtlety than BL1.
BL3: A more natural white shade. This is preferred by those who want a whiter smile than their current one, but prioritize a softer, more natural overall look.
Many patients come to us having already done research and might have a specific color in mind. While we value your input, our experienced cosmetic dentists guide you to the best shade for you based on their expertise and several key factors:
Your desires: Ultimately, your personal preference is the most important factor. Whether you know the exact shade number or just know how natural or how white you want your smile to be, your desires are paramount. Your dentist will show you the options and explain everything clearly to help you feel confident in your decision.
Your natural teeth and existing dental work: If you're getting veneers on teeth that are significantly discolored (e.g., very yellow), choosing a sufficiently bright shade is important to ensure the veneer effectively covers the underlying color. If you're also getting crowns or bridges, the veneer color needs to match these restorations precisely. Crowns and bridges are solid pieces, while veneers are thin laminates, so ensuring they look like the same color requires careful planning and execution.
Your skin, lips and eye color: While less critical if you're aiming for the whitest "Hollywood Smile", considering your skin tone, lips and eye color is important if you want the most natural appearance. Very stark, opaque white veneers can look less natural on darker skin tones compared to slightly warmer or more translucent shades. Similarly, individuals with very fair skin might naturally suit a brighter white.
Something many people aren't aware of is that the color of the bonding cement used to attach the veneers can also influence the final shade. Dentists can use different shades of cement, which is a technique often used, for example, to help brighten slightly darker natural teeth underneath or to give an extra boost of brightness to a very white veneer.
Before your porcelain veneers are permanently bonded, your dentist will "try them in" your mouth. This step is absolutely crucial for confirming the color and fit, it's much more accurate than looking at them on a model alone, because porcelain veneers are thin and translucent. Light passes through them, and the color of your natural tooth underneath (or the bonding cement) will affect the final look. On a dark model, a translucent veneer might appear darker than it will actually look once placed on your tooth. This step is especially vital if your treatment includes crowns or bridges, as these are solid and opaque (not translucent like veneers) and need to blend seamlessly.
Always take this try-in step seriously, look at the color in natural light if possible, and speak up if you have any questions or concerns before giving final approval.
Once porcelain veneers are permanently bonded, their color cannot be changed. This is why the consultation, planning, and the try-in steps are incredibly important. Don't hesitate to ask your dentist any questions you have about the color, the process, or the expected outcome before moving forward with permanent bonding.
It's also wise to ask about the clinic's warranty policy regarding the veneers, including potential issues with color or other concerns. At GR Dents, we stand behind our work and are transparent about our warranty coverage (typically one year for porcelain veneers, covering material defects and workmanship).
Our team at GR Dents is here to guide you through every step of your veneers journey in Colombia. Contact us today or explore our Before & After Gallery to see real patient results.
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