The Key to a Beautiful, Long-Lasting Smile Without Chipping or Fracture

Many people believe that veneers are simply about masking discoloration or making teeth look longer. However, in cases of severe tooth wear, the true factor that determines long-term comfort and durability lies in one critical element: occlusion (bite alignment).

This is the story of Ms. Nhu Tam a clinical case that clearly illustrates why veneers must be designed with proper occlusion in mind to achieve not only aesthetic beauty, but also stable chewing function and long-term durability.

Ms. Tam’s Initial Condition

When Ms. Tam came to Platinum Dental, she presented with generalized occlusal wear on both arches, which made her teeth appear noticeably shorter and altered the proportions of her smile. Chewing no longer felt natural or comfortable, and the overall bite had lost its balance.
Additionally, tooth discoloration left her smile looking dull and lifeless.

Why Aesthetic-Only Veneers Are Not Enough

Although the visible issues were worn biting surfaces and discoloration, Dr. Lan Anh emphasized that simply making teeth “whiter and longer” without correcting the bite would be a serious oversight.

Without proper occlusal planning, chewing forces can be unevenly distributed, placing excessive stress on the veneers. Over time, this often leads to chipping, fracture, or discomfort, and may even cause jaw muscle fatigue as the masticatory system struggles to adapt to an imbalanced bite.

Dr. Tran Lan Anh’s Treatment Philosophy

For Dr. Tran Lan Anh, aesthetics are essential but functional balance is fundamental.

A truly successful smile restoration must allow the teeth, jaw muscles, and temporomandibular joints to work harmoniously. A beautiful smile should also feel comfortable during everyday activities, provide stable chewing, and remain reliable for years to come.

Rather than layering cosmetic veneers over worn teeth, Dr. Lan Anh’s approach focuses first on re-establishing a healthy occlusal foundation, then designing veneers that integrate seamlessly into that balanced system.

Treatment Goals

The primary objective was to create veneers that looked refined and natural, while also being durable, functional, and comfortable.

In other words, the veneers needed to:

• Minimize the risk of chipping or fracture
• Distribute bite forces evenly
• Reduce long-term strain on the jaw muscles
• Support stable, comfortable chewing
  

The Treatment Plan

The most critical step in Ms. Tam’s case was a comprehensive occlusal assessment.

Using in-depth knowledge of occlusal relationships and the interaction between teeth, muscles, and jaw structure, Dr. Lan Anh carefully re-established the vertical dimension and bite balance between the upper and lower arches.

Once the occlusion was returned to an optimal, stable position:

• Jaw muscles naturally relaxed
• Functional comfort improved
• A proper “functional space” was created for veneer design
  

This stable occlusal foundation allowed the veneers to be designed slightly longer enhancing the smile’s youthful appearance without overloading the ceramic material.

Aesthetic improvement was achieved without compromising structural integrity.

Results After Treatment

With a properly established bite:

• Ms. Tam experienced greater comfort during daily jaw movement
• Chewing function improved noticeably
• Her smile appeared brighter, more youthful, and naturally balanced with her facial features

Most importantly, the veneers were designed in harmony with her occlusion, significantly reducing the long-term risk of chipping or fracture and providing peace of mind for years to come.

At Platinum Dental, veneers are never just about making teeth look good.

Each case is fully personalized, combining aesthetic design with precise occlusal planning to restore balance across the entire oral system. This approach ensures that the jaw muscles function smoothly, the bite remains stable, and the results are both beautiful and long-lasting.

If you are experiencing worn, shortened, or discolored teeth and are seeking a conservative veneer solution that prioritizes durability and function, you are welcome to contact us for a comprehensive consultation.
Dr. Tran Lan Anh will personally evaluate your bite, perform an in-depth occlusal analysis, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your long-term oral health.