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Home/Blog / What Porcelain Veneers Shade & Translucency is Ideal for Me?

Patients who do a lot of research on porcelain veneers before coming to Dr. Michael Kosdon’s NYC cosmetic dentistry office can sometimes jump ahead to specific questions about which material they should pick, what color their veneers should be, how translucent their veneers will look, and other aesthetic inquiries. For Dr. Kosdon, questions like these are best answered after he has had the opportunity to complete a dental exam, discuss areas of concern, perform a cosmetic evaluation, and develop a custom-tailored smile design that can create the patient’s desired look.

Though personal recommendations regarding shade and translucency of veneers will need to wait until he has all the information he needs to make a highly customized treatment plan, the main materials Dr. Kosdon prefers to use are e.max® and feldspathic porcelain—two high-quality materials that can deliver remarkable results. While e.max® tends to have a more opaque quality, feldspathic porcelain typically offers more translucence; however, the thickness of the veneer and the color of the underlying tooth can cause the aesthetics to vary.

During the Smile & Beauty Evaluation, Dr. Kosdon will take into account every aspect of your appearance (hair color, facial features, skin tone, face shape, etc.), and incorporates that with his understanding of your personality, lifestyle, goals, and smile aspirations. He also uses state-of-the-art 3D imaging and digital photography to assist him in the design process. With this technology, he can explain the optimal shade, necessary thickness, and shape of each veneer, as well as discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each veneer material with you.

Having an experienced cosmetic dentist like Dr. Kosdon guide you through this process can help to ensure you end up with the material that aligns most closely with your ideal aesthetic and priorities (i.e. durability, cost, natural appearance, longevity, level of prep, etc.). He will answer all of your questions and assist you in making final decisions that you feel comfortable with. You can even preview a digital rendering of your new smile before you commit to your final treatment plan.

Are you ready for the smile of your dreams? If you want to learn more about custom porcelain veneers, we welcome you to contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kosdon. His expertise, commitment to high-quality cosmetic dentistry, and reputation for excellence makes it easy to trust him with your smile.

Editor’s note: The original version of this post was published on December 11, 2018.