If your teeth are spaced slightly too far apart, it can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance. How can you close these gaps and improve the way your smile looks? You might assume that orthodontic treatment is required, but depending on the situation, your dentist may be able to offer a simpler solution: lifelike, fully personalized veneers.
What are Veneers, and How Do They Work?
Veneers are thin tooth-colored shells made out of porcelain. They can be attached to the fronts of your teeth in order to hide any imperfections that have been bothering you. The number of veneers used in your case can vary depending on the situation. Some patients may only get one veneer to correct aesthetic issues on a single tooth. Others might receive multiple veneers to transform the entire smile.
Are Veneers an Option for Closing the Gaps Between Your Teeth?
Veneers can effectively close gaps in your smile by making the teeth appear slightly wider. Bear in mind, though, that the size of the gap in question needs to be taken into account. Generally speaking, veneers work best when correcting small or moderately sized gaps. If the space is particularly large, you may need to consider another solution.
Ultimately, you’ll need your dentist’s help to determine whether veneers are truly right for you. Once they’ve had a chance to examine your smile and see how large the gaps are, they can point you toward a suitable treatment.
What are the Advantages of Using Veneers to Correct Gapped Teeth?
If you choose to close the gaps in your smile with veneers, you’ll be able to enjoy the following benefits:
- A Relatively Quick Procedure: Correcting the positions of your teeth via orthodontic treatment can potentially take years. In contrast, the process of enhancing the smile with veneers can often be completed in just two appointments.
- Multiple Corrections at Once: In addition to closing gaps, veneers can also help hide any other flaws on your teeth that may have been bothering you, such as stubborn stains or slightly chipped enamel.
- A Natural-Looking Appearance: You won’t have to worry about your dental work standing out because your veneers will be shaded to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
- Durability: Once your veneers are in place, you can expect them to last for many years provided that you take excellent care of them.
In short, veneers can often be an effective solution for addressing the gaps between your teeth and creating a more confident smile. If you’re interested in pursuing veneers, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with your dentist.
About the Author
Dr. Ryan Shaffer went to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for his dental education. At his current dental practice in Lincoln, South Ridge Dental, he strives to help his patients enjoy state-of-the-art, comprehensive dental care. He has been able to help many individuals transform their smiles with fully personalized, well-placed veneers. If you’re bothered by gaps between your teeth, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Shaffer by visiting his website or calling (402) 423-1616.