CASE · Cosmetic dentistry
Veneers Before and After: Yellow, Uneven Teeth Restored with 17 Veneers (Case Study)
“I want to change everything, the shape and the color.” That is what this woman in her 30s told us at her first visit. Her teeth were yellow, had visible composite fillings, black triangles and an uneven gum line. We treated her with 9 upper and 8 lower CERANATE porcelain veneers plus gum contouring. Because the back of her upper teeth was already worn, keeping tooth reduction low to protect the nerves came first.
Case at a glance
- Concern: Change both the shape and color of the teeth (woman in her 30s)
- Diagnosis: Overall yellow color; large composite fillings on the front surfaces; flared, protruding central incisors; black triangles; uneven gums; worn back surfaces of the upper front teeth; rotated lower incisors with a gap; mismatched midlines
- Treatment: 9 upper veneers (first premolar to first premolar) and 8 lower veneers (6 first, 2 added later), gum contouring, and ceramic composite repair of worn areas at the gum line on the lower left
- Tooth reduction: none where not needed, given the worn back surfaces
- Design: based on reference photos she brought, adjusted to her face
What did the examination show?
We reviewed a panoramic X-ray and facial photos. She has an oval face and a relatively small mouth, and her lower teeth show up to the left canine when she smiles, so the treatment range and design took this into account.
Inside the mouth we found large front fillings, overall yellowing, gaps above and below, notches near the roots, uneven gums, and significant wear on the back of the upper front teeth.
Why was minimal tooth reduction the top priority?
With tooth structure already lost on the back, heavy reduction on the front would leave the teeth too thin and raise the risk of needing a root canal. So we reduced only the two protruding central incisors as needed and kept reduction minimal everywhere else.
What was the treatment plan?
- Reduce the protruding central incisors only as much as needed to align them
- Gum contouring on the central incisors and the left lateral incisor
- Close the black triangles and the lower gap through the veneer shape
- Repair worn areas at the gum line on the lower left with ceramic composite at the same time
- Design the veneers so their edges do not overlap an existing inlay
- Leave two lower left premolars that barely show for later, if she wished
How was the design decided?
She brought photos of teeth she liked: bright white and evenly shaped. Rather than copying the photos, we adapted the shape and color to her facial proportions, mouth size and how much of her teeth show when she smiles.
What did the result look like?
The upper teeth changed from yellow to an even, bright shade, and the old fillings no longer show. The protruding centrals are aligned and the black triangles are closed. Gum contouring evened out the gum line. The lower teeth are aligned, the gap is closed and the worn areas are repaired.
Aftercare and cost
- Avoid biting ice, hard candy or hard nuts directly with the front teeth
- Have the veneers checked every 6 months
- Brush and floss carefully to keep the gums healthy
Our porcelain veneers are KRW 550,000–770,000 per tooth including VAT (about USD 415–581 at USD 1 = KRW 1,325 on 2026-10-23). With many teeth, the schedule also changes, so we give a plan after an examination.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get veneers if the back of my teeth is worn?
Often yes, but reduction on the front has to be limited. As in this case, we plan to protect the nerves.
Can you copy the teeth in my reference photo?
Not exactly, since faces and mouths differ. We keep the feel of the photo and adapt it to you.
How many veneers will I need?
It depends on how many teeth show when you smile. This patient needed 9 upper and 8 lower.
Would whitening be enough?
Not when old fillings or shape are the problem. If color is your only concern, we may suggest whitening first.
This case was treated at our clinic. The article was medically reviewed by Dr. Sunmin Kim, our lead dentist and a board-certified orthodontist.
About the reviewer
Dr. Sunmin Kim is the lead dentist at Ceramic Dental Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, a board-certified orthodontist (Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korea) with a PhD from Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Our clinic is registered with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to treat international patients.
Important information
This is a real case. Results, treatment time and the number of visits vary from person to person.
How much tooth structure is removed for veneers or crowns depends on the case. Some cases can be no-prep or minimal-prep (case by case, decided after diagnosis), others need more. After bonding, sensitivity, chipping, debonding or gum changes can occur, so regular check-ups are needed.
Photos show teeth only and are published with the patient’s consent. Fees are as of October 2026.
Questions about your own teeth?
Send us photos of your teeth for a preliminary opinion. A final plan and quote are given after an in-person examination.
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