Cosmetic imperfections can make you feel less confident about your smile. If you have significant space between your teeth, porcelain veneers for gaps can bring balance and beauty back to your appearance. Dr. Byron W. Wall offers this treatment at Cosmetic Dentistry of New Mexico. Here, our Albuquerque, NM, team explores this aesthetic procedure in more detail so you can be well-informed about your treatment options.
Gapped Teeth: Is it a Serious Concern?
Oftentimes, gapped teeth do not pose a threat to oral health. For most patients, gaps are primarily a cosmetic concern. However, there are times when gaps or spaces can throw your bite out of alignment or cause speech difficulties. The only way to know if spacing is negatively affecting your health is to have a consultation with your dentist.
Why Consider Porcelain Veneers for Gapped Teeth?
Veneers are durable hand-crafted restorations made to conceal up cosmetic flaws and fit your unique smile. Unlike a dental crown, which covers the entire surface of a tooth, a veneer is designed to cover only the front surface. In order to place veneers, small amounts of enamel must be removed. Once bonded into place, these restorations conceal cosmetic imperfections, such as chipped, cracked, or gapped teeth.
There are a number of advantages that veneers offer patients, including:
- Strength and durability: Veneers are able to withstand bite and chewing forces.
- Easy maintenance: You can brush and floss porcelain veneers just like natural teeth.
- Long-lasting properties: Veneers are crafted from high-grade, durable dental ceramic. When cared for properly, they can last upwards of 15 years.
- Resistance to stains: Porcelain naturally repels stains so your new restorations will remain white, bright, and natural-looking.
Exploring Candidacy
To qualify for veneers, patients must be free from tooth decay and gum disease. Any oral health concerns must be addressed before veneers can be considered.
It is important to consider that while veneers can fill in gaps, they do not actually change the position of the teeth. Therefore, patients who have extremely large spaces may be better suited to alternative treatments.
Alternative Treatments: What Are My Options?
If porcelain veneers are not the right fit for your goals and needs, our Albuquerque, NM, team can discuss alternative options with you.
Some individuals do not like the idea of permanency when it comes to porcelain veneers. Because the tooth structure is altered during the procedure, this treatment is not reversible. If you have minor gaps or spacing that you want to correct but you do not want to commit to veneers, dental bonding could be a solution for you. This treatment involves applying a tooth-colored composite material to enhance the appearance of your smile. Bonding is completely reversible and can be completed in about one hour.
For large gaps, orthodontic treatment may be necessary – especially if spacing issues are interfering with your bite. Your dentist can help determine if braces or Invisalign® could help improve your oral health.
