Fremont dentist explains how to fix the gaps in your teeth with porcelain veneers

There is a treatment for every condition that detracts from the look of your smile at StarBrite Dental. Porcelain veneers represent one of the most multi-faceted treatments available at Dr. Munira Lokhandwala’s office. In her adept hands, these layers of lifelike and durable dental porcelain are placed on the tooth to be treated and molded to cover up stubborn discoloration, smooth chips, and recontouring. They can even be used to create the illusion of a longer tooth or the illusion of straighter teeth. Dr. Lokhandwala can fix your teeth gaps with porcelain veneers in Fremont CA, by covering up the problem. So, veneers are not only the great “multi-taskers” of the dental world, but they’re also the great “masqueraders.”

DON’T MIND THE GAP ANYMORE

Extra spaces between the teeth are a common complaint. Many people may develop a diastema or gap between two teeth, particularly between the upper front teeth. For instance, there may be a mismatch between the size of the jawbone and the size of the teeth. When teeth are too small for the jaw, spaces can arise between them. Likewise, teeth that are too big for the jaw can result in crowding. During critical formative years, how teeth are positioned can be influenced by habits such as forceful, persistent thumb-sucking or pacifier use. Over the decades, untreated teeth-grinding and teeth-clenching, a condition known as bruxism, can contribute to teeth shifting out of place and newfound spaces.

It’s generally estimated that at least 90% of adults experience a shift in the position of their teeth between the ages of 20 to 50. Teeth tend to move forward and become crowded over time, but the prevalence of gum disease also contributes to the high incidence of spacing issues that arise as people age. Advanced periodontal disease causes teeth to splay outward, producing those unsightly gaps. When an extracted tooth isn’t replaced with appropriate treatment (such as dental implant-retained bridges), adjacent teeth tend to shift to compensate for the missing tooth.

Not all issues that have to do with how teeth are positioned require treatment with orthodontic appliances such as braces or Invisalign. Dr. Lokhandwala and Dr. Maryum Tariq will consult with you, to see what option is best to fix your gaps and related issues. After examining your mouth, they may determine that porcelain veneers are an appropriate way to improve the appearance of your smile.

How veneers fix your smile

Conventional braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic treatments are designed to straighten teeth by gradually repositioning them. Veneers create the appearance of straighter teeth, without actually repositioning them. The process of getting veneers is generally the same, regardless of if you’re using these thin porcelain shells to cover up chips or cover up gaps:

• The natural tooth is “prepared” by removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth’s surface.
• Often, the amount of enamel removed to make room for the veneer is so modest that an anesthetic to numb the treated tooth’s surface isn’t required.
• A model or impression of the prepared tooth is made, which will be sent to the dental lab that makes your veneer.
• A second appointment is made at StarBrite Dental, so the permanent veneer can be placed on your tooth.
• If the veneer looks good, it will be permanently bonded to your tooth.

More veneers are required to close larger gaps and maintain natural proportions; for instance, a large gap between two teeth may look best with more than two veneers. The veneered teeth may appear very “fat,” especially when compared to surrounding teeth. Drs Lokhandwala and Tariq are experienced at designing and placing veneers. They will discuss these and other considerations with you during your consultation.

StarBrite Dental is also an authorized provider of Lumineers, a type of ultra-thin veneer made from patented, high-grade Cerinate porcelain technology. When enamel is reduced, there is some risk of tooth sensitivity; however, these risks are minimized because the veneers used by the StarBrite team are so thin. Since less enamel is required to make room for the veneer, a more natural tooth structure is conserved.

Call 510-795-7786 to schedule an appointment at StarBrite Dental. Drs Lokhandwala and Tariq will discuss your options to close the gap, from porcelain veneers and Lumineers to Invisalign.