Porcelain Veneers for Gaps
Dental gaps do not often have a serious impact on the health or function of the smile, but they definitely make a big cosmetic impression. Many people with gaps feel self-conscious about their teeth, and hesitate to laugh, smile, or even talk around others.
One of the quickest and most effective treatments for gapped teeth is porcelain veneers. Dentists can place porcelain veneers for gaps and other imperfections, while maintaining the natural appearance of the smile. Cosmetic dentists James M. Stein and Brett E. Stein are happy to take the benefits of porcelain veneers even further by offering same-day veneers at their Boston, MA, dental practice.
Porcelain Veneers Candidates
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments available, in large part because of their versatility. Porcelain veneers sit over the front surface of the teeth, so they are able to camouflage a wide range of aesthetic flaws, including gapped teeth, dental stains, discoloration, and minor chips or cracks.
Because of their wide range of uses, porcelain veneers are a good option for nearly anyone who wants to enhance the appearance of their smile. As long as a patient has good oral health and sufficient tooth enamel to support the placement of veneers, they should be ideal candidates for this treatment. Our dentists can perform a thorough exam to determine for certain if porcelain veneers are the right choice for each patient.
What to Expect during the Treatment Process
At most dental practices, porcelain veneers treatment requires a minimum of two dental appointments scheduled a couple of weeks apart. At our dental practice, we are able to offer our Boston patients the instant gratification of same-day veneers.
With same-day veneers, patients can complete their entire porcelain veneers treatment in a single appointment. First, we prep the teeth for veneers placement. Porcelain veneers preparation is minimally invasive and should be pain-free. We simply remove a thin layer of tooth enamel so that the veneers can sit flush with adjacent teeth. When porcelain veneers are complete, they are bonded to the facial surface of the teeth, covering up gaps to create an attractive and uniform smile.
We can then take digital impressions of the teeth with an intraoral camera and 3-D imaging technology. Images are uploaded to a chairside computer, where our dentists are able to design the veneers. Veneers can be customized by size, shape, and color, so they blend in seamlessly with each patient’s smile. Once the veneers have been designed, specifications are sent to our in-office milling machine. After the veneers have been fabricated, our dentist can place them on your teeth and adjust as necessary until they are comfortable.
How Long Do Same-Day Veneers Last?
Same-day porcelain veneers are made of the same strong materials as traditional veneers, so they can last for many years. As long as patients maintain good oral hygiene habits and stay away from highly staining foods and beverages, they should be able to enjoy their same-day veneers for 10 years or longer. If porcelain veneers become worn down or damaged, they can be replaced, so that our Boston patients continue to enjoy the benefits of a gap-free smile.
Contact Us
If you are tired of gapped teeth being the focus of your smile, it is time to consider the benefits of porcelain veneers. To learn more about this cosmetic dentistry treatment, and whether you are an ideal candidate, send us a message online at your earliest convenience or call us at (617) 227-6076.
