Porcelain Veneers for Gaps
Tooth gaps pose a number of health and cosmetic issues that are important to consider. They may be linked to issues with malocclusion, meaning that your teeth are crooked and poorly aligned. Even if your teeth are otherwise straight, major tooth gaps can be the source of serious self-consciousness, and could make you feel awkward whenever you smile, speak, and laugh around others.
Thanks to porcelain veneers, people in the Boston, MA may not need to worry so much about tooth gaps. Dr. John D. Meola and the cosmetic dentists at Dental Associates of New England have placed numerous veneers over the years to address unsightly gaps between the front teeth. Let’s explore this treatment option below.
How Porcelain Veneers Work
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are affixed to the fronts of people’s teeth. When in place, porcelain veneers mask smile imperfections from view, giving each treated tooth a perfect and pristine appearance.
In addition to treating tooth gaps, cosmetic dentists can use porcelain veneers to treat the following flaws affecting the teeth:
- Tooth stains and discoloration
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Size and shape issues
Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers
The best candidates for porcelain veneers to treat tooth gaps are people who have a spacing problem that is aesthetic in nature. If the problem involves poor overall dental alignment, porcelain veneers would not be the most ideal solution. Candidates for veneers are in otherwise good dental health, with healthy tooth enamel in place.
How Many Porcelain Veneers Will I Need?
That can vary. Most patients will need two veneers to address a tooth gap between the two front teeth. However, some patients may only need one veneer if a tooth is smaller in size and that contributes to the gap.
During your consultation with our Boston dentists, we can determine how many porcelain veneers are the right for you.
The Porcelain Veneers Procedure
When placing porcelain veneers, a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed from the tooth or teeth being treated. An impression is then taken of the prepped tooth or teeth. This impression is sent to a dental lab so the custom veneers can be created. Patients will wear temporary veneers in the meantime.
After about two weeks, patients will return to get the permanent veneers placed. The temporary veneers are removed. Dentists will check the permanent veneers for fit one last time before they are adhered in place.
The Results of Getting Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers look incredible when they are on, and are a great option for cosmetic tooth gaps. Patients’ smiles look perfectly aligned and pristine. Since the veneer material is color-matched and semi-translucent, the veneers will blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth. Even up close, no one will realize that you have porcelain veneers in place.
Speak with Our Cosmetic Dentists
If you have tooth gaps and wonder if porcelain veneers would be right for you, be sure to contact a skilled cosmetic dentist about smile makeover options. You can reach our practice in Boston by calling (857) 320-3405 and our location in Waltham by calling (781) 890-4900.
