If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your smile due to gaps between your teeth, you’re certainly not alone! Many people wish they could close these spaces and achieve a more uniform, confident smile without needing to undergo years of orthodontic treatment. However, the good news is that there are other options for addressing these types of laws, including veneers. Here’s more about this exciting treatment and how it might be an ideal solution for your smile.
What Exactly Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, customizable shells made from porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They’re designed to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth, meaning that they can completely transform the look of your smile. For many patients, veneers are an excellent solution for addressing cosmetic flaws like chips and cracks, staining, and oddly-shaped teeth, but they’re just as capable of addressing gaps between teeth.
How Are Veneers Used to Fix Gaps?
For patients with mild to moderate spacing or gaps between their teeth, which are sometimes called diastemas, veneers can be a very fast and aesthetically pleasing answer. Rather than moving your teeth, such as braces or clear aligners would, veneers visually close these gaps by slightly widening the shape of your teeth to create a seamless, symmetrical look.
Your dentist will carefully design each veneer to mimic your natural teeth and fill in each space, and they will only remove whatever enamel is necessary to make room for the veneers. Once bonded, the gaps will be instantly closed, and you will be able to enjoy a beautiful, perfectly aligned smile without the wait! Assuming you’re able to take care of your smile, you can enjoy these gorgeous results for a decade or more—and if one is ever lost or damaged, it can easily be repaired or replaced.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Ever the Better Option?
Although veneers can correct gaps quickly, they aren’t always the best option for everyone. If your spacing issues are caused by bite misalignment, rotated teeth, or other complex issues, your provider might suggest traditional orthodontic treatment (like metal braces or clear aligners) as a better long-term solution. Remember, orthodontics addresses the root cause of the problem by repositioning the teeth, whereas veneers only offer a cosmetic solution for making them appear more symmetrical. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your teeth, bite, and smile goals to help determine whether veneers or orthodontics are right for you.
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Lauri Barge, our team has proudly served patients and families in the North Texas community for several years, offering a wide variety of services, including custom-made porcelain veneers for those who’d like to improve their smiles without the hassle and fuss of traditional orthodontics. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our Flower Mound office to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, please reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (972) 539-3800.