Gapped Teeth: Porcelain Veneers, Invisalign®, and Bonding
If you have gapped teeth, you may feel self conscious about the appearance of your smile. Even small spaces can be noticeable, and you may avoid smiling or laughing in front of others. You might think that obvious metal braces are the only way to correct this aesthetic concern. However, there are a number of subtle cosmetic treatments that can improve your smile. Invisalign® is perhaps the most obvious choice. However, you may be surprised to learn that porcelain veneers are also a good option for gapped teeth. Finally, affordable dental bonding can fill in those spaces in your smile. Dr. Siegel will discuss your goals, health needs, and budget to find the right option for your gapped teeth. To learn more about gapped teeth treatment options, contact our Rockville practice today.
Porcelain Veneers Can Make Over Your Smile
Though porcelain veneers are not an orthodontic treatment, they can be an excellent way to close small spaces between your teeth. Dr. Siegel will attach these thin shells of porcelain to the front of your teeth. Because they will be custom-designed, he can provide veneers that are slightly wider than your teeth. The veneers can then close the small gaps, giving you a straight, uniform smile. Veneers can also improve other cosmetic flaws at the same time. For example, they may be a good way to conceal stains, cracks, worn edges, and similar concerns.
In addition to traditional veneers, Dr. Siegel offers minimal-prep LUMINEERS®. However, these veneers are thinner than traditional restorations. They can be slightly see-through, and, therefore, they may not be the optimal way to correct gapped teeth. With a careful examination, Dr. Siegel can determine which type of veneers are most appropriate for you.
Dental Bonding Is an Affordable Option
With cosmetic bonding, Dr. Siegel will use composite resin to achieve similar results to porcelain veneers. Rather than filling in gaps with custom-designed porcelain shells, he will coat your teeth in composite resin. He can apply the material slightly beyond the edges of your teeth. Once it hardens, it will fill in the small spaces in your teeth. Composite resin is available in many different shades, but it does not have the same natural sparkle that porcelain provides. Nevertheless, when applied by an experienced dentist like Dr. Siegel, the treatment can be a great way to improve your smile. Bonding can be especially appropriate if you are on a budget.
Invisalign® for the Most Comprehensive Results
Invisalign® may be the most appropriate treatment if you have larger spaces between your teeth. This option can also be a good choice if you want to correct other forms of misalignment at the same time. Invisalign® can improve overlapping teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and related concerns. Using digital models of your teeth, Dr. Siegel will design a set of aligner trays. These clear, plastic trays will fit securely around your teeth, and they will be discreet. As you change to a new aligner every six to eight weeks, the trays will reposition your teeth. It will typically take nine to 18 months before you see your final results. In general, treatment will take longer if you need to correct more dramatic misalignment.
Learn the Best Option for Your Gapped Teeth
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and find out the most appropriate solution for you.