Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored material, typically porcelain or composite resin, that a dentist bonds to the front surface of the teeth. These restorations are primarily a cosmetic solution used to improve the appearance of the smile by addressing issues like discoloration, minor chips, or uneven tooth shape. Veneers can effectively close small to moderate spaces between teeth, known as diastemas. This cosmetic approach offers a way to achieve a uniform, gap-free smile without extensive orthodontic work.
How Veneers Address Gaps
Veneers close spaces between teeth through a strategic design and bonding process that modifies the visible width of the teeth. The mechanism relies on creating restorations that are slightly wider than the natural teeth they cover. By gradually increasing the width of the teeth involved in the gap, the dentist can effectively eliminate the unwanted space.
Each veneer is a custom-crafted shell, fabricated in a dental laboratory following detailed impressions. The technician designs the veneer to cover the front surface and extend laterally into the gap space. This precise customization ensures the teeth appear proportional and natural, avoiding a bulky appearance. The veneer is then permanently bonded to the prepared tooth surface using a strong dental adhesive, resulting in an immediate closing of the space.
When Veneers Are Not the Best Choice
While veneers are highly effective for aesthetic gap closure, they are not a universal solution for all spacing issues. Their use is limited to closing small to moderate gaps; attempting to close a very large gap can lead to disproportionately wide teeth. Over-widening the tooth can result in a smile that looks unnatural and may lead to bite issues.
Veneers are also not suitable for correcting significant underlying bite problems, or malocclusion, as they only mask the cosmetic issue. If the gap is part of a larger alignment dysfunction, orthodontics may be necessary to reposition the teeth first. Furthermore, veneers may not effectively address “black triangles,” which are spaces near the gum line often caused by gum recession or bone loss.
Alternatives to Closing Gaps
Several established alternatives exist for addressing tooth gaps, depending on the gap’s size and underlying alignment issues. For very small gaps, composite bonding is a common option, involving applying a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth surface. This material is sculpted and polished by the dentist in a single visit, making it a less invasive and more cost-effective option than veneers.
For larger gaps or those associated with overall alignment problems, orthodontic treatment is the appropriate solution. Orthodontics, including traditional braces and clear aligners, works by applying gentle pressure to gradually shift the entire tooth into a new position. This method addresses the root cause of the spacing by correcting the overall alignment and bite.
The Process of Getting Veneers
The process of getting veneers typically involves multiple stages, beginning with a consultation and assessment. The dentist examines the patient’s oral health, discusses aesthetic goals, and determines if veneers are the most suitable treatment option. This initial phase often includes taking X-rays and impressions to create a diagnostic wax-up model to preview the final smile design.
Preparation and Fabrication
Next, the teeth are prepared by removing a minimal amount of enamel from the front surface. This creates space for the veneer and prevents the final result from looking bulky. Following preparation, a precise impression of the teeth is taken and sent to a dental lab, where the custom veneers are fabricated over a period of about two weeks. Temporary veneers are often placed to protect the prepared teeth until the permanent restorations are ready.
Final Bonding
The final stage is the bonding appointment. The temporary veneers are removed, and the custom-made porcelain shells are permanently cemented to the teeth using a strong dental adhesive.