Lower Teeth Show Less But Still Matter
The simple reason fewer people get lower veneers is visibility. When you smile, talk, or laugh, your upper teeth are the stars of the show. Your lower teeth appear much less, often only when you smile very wide or tilt your head back.
That said, lower teeth absolutely show in certain situations. When you talk, especially pronouncing words with “f” or “v” sounds, your lower teeth touch your upper lip. People in conversation with you do see them, just not as prominently as uppers.
I’ve treated patients at our clinics who were self conscious about their lower teeth even though others barely noticed. If something bothers you about your smile, it matters regardless of how visible it is to others. Lower veneers solve those concerns just as effectively as upper veneers do.
When Lower Veneers Make Sense
Most patients who get lower veneers fall into one of three categories. First are people doing complete smile makeovers who want their entire smile perfected. If you’re investing in eight upper veneers, adding six to eight lower veneers creates total harmony.
Second are patients with specific lower teeth problems. I see chipped lower incisors from accidents, severe discoloration on lower teeth that doesn’t match the uppers, or crowding that creates an uneven appearance. Lower veneers fix these issues.
The third group are people whose lower teeth show prominently when they smile. Some facial structures and smile patterns reveal lower teeth more than average. These patients benefit from lower veneers as much as anyone benefits from uppers.
At Picasso Dental Clinic since 2013, I’ve learned to evaluate each smile individually. Sometimes I recommend just uppers. Sometimes I suggest both. It depends entirely on what shows when you express yourself naturally.
The Technical Differences with Lower Veneers
Lower teeth are smaller and thinner than upper teeth, which changes the veneer process slightly. The veneers themselves are thinner and more delicate. Preparation requires extra precision because there’s less tooth structure to work with.
Lower front teeth also experience different forces when you bite and chew. Your lower teeth meet your upper teeth with every bite, creating more wear potential. I use specific bonding techniques and sometimes adjust the bite slightly to protect lower veneers from excessive force.
The good news is that lower veneers last just as long as upper veneers with proper care. I’ve seen lower veneers from our early days at the clinic, placed over 10 years ago, still functioning beautifully. The porcelain is just as durable regardless of which teeth we place it on.
Matching Upper and Lower Veneers
When patients get both upper and lower veneers, color matching becomes important. We want your smile to look uniform, with uppers and lowers complementing each other naturally.
Here’s what I’ve learned works best: we typically make upper and lower veneers the same shade, but sometimes I adjust the lowers slightly. Lower teeth naturally sit in shadow compared to uppers, so an identical shade can sometimes look too bright on lowers.
I use shade guides and digital imaging at our Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City clinics to preview the final result before we commit. We can adjust translucency and brightness to ensure everything looks natural when your mouth is in motion, not just when you’re posing for photos.
If you already have upper veneers and want to add lowers later, we match them to your existing uppers. The porcelain lab keeps records of your previous work, making future matching straightforward.
Lower Veneers: Cost and Timing Considerations
Lower veneers cost the same as upper veneers because the work and materials are identical. The number of veneers needed varies, but six to eight lower veneers is typical for people who want complete coverage of their visible lower teeth.
Many patients at our clinics do upper veneers first and decide later whether they want lowers. This phased approach works well. You live with your new upper teeth for a few months, see how you feel about your lower teeth in comparison, then make an informed decision.
Some patients realize they’re perfectly happy with their natural lower teeth once the uppers are perfected. Others decide they want the complete transformation. Both choices are valid. There’s no pressure to do everything at once.
What Lower Teeth Issues Can Veneers Fix
Lower veneers address the same problems as upper veneers: discoloration, chips, gaps, minor misalignment, worn enamel, and irregular tooth shape. The most common request I see at our Hanoi location is fixing crowded or overlapping lower front teeth.
Lower front teeth tend to crowd more than upper teeth as we age. Even people who had straight teeth as teenagers often develop lower crowding in their 30s and 40s. Veneers can mask this crowding without orthodontics, creating the appearance of straight, even lower teeth.
Gaps between lower teeth are another frequent concern. Whether from genetics, gum disease, or tooth loss, lower gaps bother many patients. Veneers close these spaces quickly and permanently.
If you’re wondering whether lower veneers would improve your smile, I’m happy to evaluate your specific situation at any of our locations in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Lat.
