Closing the Gaps on Imperfection

By: Stephen Price DDS | Tuesday, July 30th, 2019 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Veneers

Tuesday, July 30th, 2019

Ok. Maybe you don’t expect for your smile to be 100 percent perfection. However, if gaps between the teeth that make up your smile are causing self-consciousness, they have to go. A skilled dentist has several ways to make this happen. Fortunately, none of them are particularly complicated. If you are ready to see the smile you have always envisioned for yourself, one without gaps, read on to discover your options.

Bonding

Dental bonding is a relatively common cosmetic procedure intended for the correction of minor flaws. For example, a dentist may apply composite resin bonding material to a tooth that has chipped or cracked. The bonding material is the same that is put into a cavity to restore damage without affecting the natural appearance of the tooth. While there are advantages to direct bonding, using this technique for a gap may not be ideal due to the bite force that occurs in front teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers have become a popular cosmetic technique to address a wide range of smile concerns. Where dental bonding can last as little as a few months or as long as about 8 years, porcelain veneers have a lifespan of up to 15 years or longer with excellent care. To cover a gap with veneers, we schedule two appointments. The first is reserved for preparation and impressions. After slightly reducing surface enamel, we take impressions to obtain a model of the teeth the surround the gap. Veneers are then made in a dental lab to be slightly wider than natural teeth. Where natural teeth stop, the new veneers will meet at the center of the gap. The final product is bonded to teeth during the second and final visit.

Invisalign

Orthodontic treatment was historically necessary for people who wanted to close gaps in their smile. While we now have more options to cosmetically disguise gaps, there are benefits to physically closing space in between teeth. Fortunately, we can do this without disrupting a person’s life too much. Invisalign treatment is an excellent option for people who want to reposition their teeth permanently. When this approach is taken, the only form of maintenance that is needed is general upkeep to oral health.

We can help you love your smile. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Price, call (703)-935-2879.