"I Want Veneers" - Why the Answer Isn't Always What Patients Expect

"I want veneers."

These three words walked into my practice attached to a determined young man who had clearly done his research. He'd seen the Instagram transformations, read about instant smile makeovers, and was ready to invest in the quick fix that would give him the confidence he'd been seeking.

What he didn't expect was to leave my practice with a completely different understanding of what his smile truly needed.

The Traditional Approach vs. The PPC System

In conventional dental practice, this consultation might have followed a predictable path: examine the teeth, try and reverse engineer veneers as a possible veneer option (because that’s what he wants), take impressions, and book the next appointment. Job done, patient happy—at least initially. The alternative might be to try and describe in words why veneers are not the best option and in this case would have been very destructive to the patient’s natural teeth – this could have led to a disappointed patient who may have sought treatment elsewhere.

But comprehensive treatment planning demands that we look beyond the obvious request to understand the complete picture. Using the Private Practice Continuum (PPC) system's CODE framework—Capture, Organise, Diagnose, and Express—this case became a masterclass in why systematic assessment changes everything. 

The Reimagined Dental Examination

Rather than immediately focusing on veneers, we began with comprehensive data capture. Using advanced digital technology including intraoral scanning, detailed photography, and smile analysis software, we gathered far more information than a traditional examination would reveal.

The digital tools allowed us to show this patient exactly what his smile looked like from multiple angles, in different lighting conditions, and in relation to his facial features. More importantly, it revealed the underlying issues that simply placing veneers would never address.

What the Technology Revealed

When we organised the diagnostic data, several critical factors emerged:

• Orthodontic concerns: The positioning and alignment of his teeth meant that veneers alone would create an artificial-looking result
• Periodontal considerations: Gum health needed attention before any restorative work
• Occlusal factors: His bite relationship would compromise the longevity of any veneer work
• Missing tooth – he had a missing upper left premolar which was visible in his smile 
• Aesthetic analysis: The comprehensive smile design revealed that different areas of his mouth needed different approaches 

Most significantly, the digital visualisation allowed him to see these issues for himself rather than just hearing about them.

The Power of Visual Communication

Using the Express component of our system, we didn't just tell him why veneers weren't the complete answer—we showed him. The digital smile design revealed:

• How veneers alone would look disproportionate on misaligned teeth, require heavy tooth preparation and leave his gum levels uneven in his smile 
• The improvement is possible with orthodontic alignment first and replacing the missing tooth with an implant
• How addressing gum health would enhance his overall health and the final result 
• The dramatic difference between a "quick fix" approach and comprehensive care

The Comprehensive Treatment Plan

After thorough diagnosis, his optimal treatment plan included:

1. Invisalign orthodontics to properly align his teeth
2. Periodontal therapy to optimise gum health
3. A sinus lift and graft, and after healing, an implant and a crown
4. Four porcelain veneers on the anterior teeth (far fewer than initially anticipated)
5. Direct composite bonding on the canines and premolars for optimal aesthetics
6. Comprehensive maintenance protocol for long-term success

Yes, this plan was more extensive and required a greater investment than his original "veneers only" request. But the digital technology allowed him to see exactly why each component was essential for achieving his dream smile.

The Transformation

The before and after images speak for themselves. But more importantly, this patient understood every step of his journey. He wasn't just buying a treatment—he was investing in a comprehensive solution that addressed all the factors affecting his smile.

His final comment says it all: "I thought I wanted veneers, but what I really wanted was confidence in my smile. This gave me so much more than I ever imagined possible."

Why This Matters for Every Practice

This case illustrates why systematic treatment planning is essential in modern dentistry:

• Patients make better decisions when they truly understand their options
• Digital technology transforms complex explanations into clear visual narratives
• Comprehensive planning delivers superior long-term results
• Treatment acceptance increases when patients see the value of complete care

The Bigger Picture

Too often, we give patients what they ask for rather than what they actually need. This case demonstrates how the right diagnostic approach, supported by digital technology and systematic communication, transforms both outcomes and understanding.

The young man who walked in requesting veneers left with something far more valuable: a complete understanding of his oral health and a treatment plan that would deliver the lasting results he truly desired.

Ready to Transform Your Treatment Planning Approach?

This systematic approach to comprehensive care isn't just possible—it's essential for delivering truly exceptional patient outcomes. If you're ready to move beyond reactive dentistry to systematic excellence, discover how the Private Practice Continuum can transform your diagnostic confidence.

Download our free guide: "Five Critical Treatment Planning Mistakes That Cost You Cases" and discover how to elevate your approach to comprehensive care.

Want to learn more about implementing systematic treatment planning in your practice?

Explore the complete Private Practice Continuum programme and join our community of forward-thinking dental professionals committed to diagnostic excellence.

Dr. Elaine Halley is the creator of the Private Practice Continuum and author of "Smile Analysis."

With over 30 years of clinical experience and expertise in Digital Smile Design, she helps dental professionals transform their approach to comprehensive treatment planning.