Summary
- Dentists often recommend an ABC approach (Align, Brighten, Contour) before veneers to avoid unnecessary tooth reduction.
- Skipping alignment or whitening can lead to bulkier veneers, colour mismatch, and earlier replacement.
- Porcelain and composite veneers differ in durability, maintenance needs, and cost.
Veneers can transform a smile, but timing matters too. Placing veneers on teeth that are crowded, unevenly colored, or poorly shaped may exacerbate problems rather than solve them. That’s why dentists in Singapore follow a simple, structured approach before recommending veneers — often referred to as the ABC treatment plan.
How does ABC work, and how can it help you get the most out of your veneers? Read on to find out.
What Does ”ABC” Mean in Dentistry
At Brightside Dental, ABC outlines the clinical sequence dentists follow to assess and address alignment, colour, and tooth shape before considering treatments like veneers.
A: Align
Alignment refers to how your teeth sit in relation to each other and how they meet when you bite. This includes crowding, spacing, rotation, and mild bite discrepancies.
When alignment issues are present, dentists often recommend correcting tooth position before any cosmetic reshaping. Orthodontic treatment, such as clear aligners, may be used to reposition teeth gradually.
Improving alignment first often reduces the amount of enamel that needs to be removed later and lowers the risk of veneers appearing bulky or uneven.
B: Brighten
Brightening addresses the underlying colour of your natural teeth. This step usually involves professional whitening carried out before any veneers are planned.
Whitening is performed prior to veneer placement so that underlying discolourations on your teeth do not show through the translucent veneers.
Brightening beforehand allows your dentist to work from a baseline when selecting veneer shades or deciding whether veneers are needed at all. In some cases, whitening alone provides enough improvement to change the overall appearance without further intervention.
Unsure if you need whitening or alignment before veneers? Speak to one of our dentists at Brightside Dental to find out the treatment you need.
C: Contour
Contouring focuses on tooth shape, proportion, and surface detail. This includes tooth length, width, symmetry, and how your teeth relate to your lips and facial features at rest and when you smile.
At this stage, your dentist reviews whether minor enamel reshaping can achieve your desired aesthetic outcome or whether restorative intervention is necessary to address limitations in shape or surface structure.
How Veneers Fit Into “C”
Dentists who do veneers may consider them to correct persistent shape discrepancies, worn edges, or surface irregularities that remain after alignment and colour have been addressed. As such, veneers function as a targeted restorative option rather than a primary solution.
Why You Shouldn’t Get Veneers Before "A" & "B"
Veneers involve permanent changes to your teeth. Once a dentist removes enamel and places a veneer, that decision cannot be reversed. Following the ABC sequence helps preserve more of your natural tooth structure and supports stable and longer-lasting results.
Risks of Rushing Veneers
Placing veneers before alignment or brightening may lead to:
- Excessive enamel removal to mask misalignment.
- Thicker-looking veneers to compensate for rotation.
- Colour mismatch if the surrounding teeth darken later.
- Shorter veneer lifespan due to uneven bite forces.
These issues can increase long-term maintenance and replacement needs, which can affect the overall cost of your veneer treatment in Singapore.
Benefits of Waiting for Veneers
With earlier variables addressed, you and your dentist can assess your teeth as they are, rather than as they might be after further correction. Veneers may still make sense, but in some cases, a smaller intervention — such as limited reshaping or bonding — may be enough.
It also helps to give your teeth time to settle after alignment and brightening. This lets your dentist work under more stable conditions and lowers the risk of later revisions.
Difference Between Porcelain and Composite Veneers
Porcelain and composite veneers differ in the material used and how they are placed. These differences affect how much preparation is involved, how the material wears over time, and what ongoing care looks like.
| Factor | Porcelain Veneers | Table Header |
|---|---|---|
|
Material |
Laboratory-fabricated ceramic |
Tooth-coloured resin is applied directly to the tooth |
|
How they are made |
Designed and fabricated outside the mouth, then bonded by a dentist |
Shaped and bonded directly by a dentist during the appointment |
|
Tooth preparation
|
Often requires more enamel adjustment, depending on the case
|
Usually involves less enamel adjustment
|
|
Appearance
|
Offers high translucency and colour stability |
Provides natural results, but translucency may be more limited
|
|
Durability
|
Tends to maintain shape and colour for longer
|
May wear or stain earlier, depending on habits and care
|
|
Repair and adjustment
|
Replacement is usually required if damaged
|
Can often be repaired or adjusted directly
|
|
Timeframe |
Typically completed over multiple visits
|
Often completed in one visit
|
|
Maintenance |
Requires routine dental care and review
|
May require more frequent maintenance over time
|
|
Suitability |
Often chosen for longer-term shape and colour correction
|
Often chosen for minor corrections or interim solutions
|
|
Cost |
$1,530 per tooth
|
$549 per tooth
|
Composite veneers often appear more affordable at first glance, but the upfront price of the procedure is only one part of the picture. You should also consider material durability, ongoing maintenance needs, and the likelihood of future adjustments. These all factor into the total cost of getting veneers.
Let us help you compare these two veneer materials and understand how their price differs in Singapore. We can also explore if you’re eligible for our in-house instalment plans, based on the treatments you need.
What Veneers Can and Can’t Fix
Veneers are effective in treating certain dental concerns, but not all. Here’s what we mean.
Veneers CAN help with:
- Minor chips or uneven edges
- Small gaps after alignment
- Shape asymmetry
- Surface texture issues
- Surface discolouration
Veneers CANNOT fix:
- Active decay or gum disease
- Significant bite problems
- Tooth grinding without protection
- Poor oral hygiene habits
Dentists who do veneers should assess these limits upfront rather than using veneers to mask underlying problems. Schedule an ABC treatment at Brightside Dental today.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers with the ABC Process?
You may be a suitable candidate if:
- Your teeth are healthy and stable
- Alignment issues are mild or have been addressed
- Tooth colour has been optimised
- You understand maintenance requirements
You may need alternatives if you have untreated gum disease, extensive enamel loss, or heavy grinding patterns. The ABC approach helps clarify this early, before irreversible steps are taken.
How the ABC Process Works at Brightside
At Brightside Dental, the ABC framework guides treatment planning rather than replacing individualised assessment.
The process typically involves:
- Comprehensive evaluation of alignment, bite, enamel, and gum health.
- Discussion of alignment options, if needed.
- Professional whitening, where appropriate.
- Smile design planning focused on contour and proportion.
- Veneer recommendation only if it adds value after the first two steps.
How to Care for Your Veneers Properly
Veneers require the same daily care as your natural teeth.
You should:
- Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss consistently.
- Avoid using teeth as tools.
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Go for regular dental checks.
Proper care supports veneer longevity, whether you choose porcelain or composite materials.
Book a Consultation at Brightside Dental
The ABC approach keeps veneer decisions grounded in proper assessment rather than in assumption. Book a consultation to assess alignment, colour, and contour before proceeding with veneers.
