Friday, April 29, 2016

Mind The Gap?

It’s not uncommon for adults to have gaps between their teeth, especially the upper two front teeth. While some people find those spaces charming and attractive, many of those with gaps consider them unsightly and embarrassing.

If you’re ready to close the gap, there are there are relatively simple, quick and inexpensive ways your dentist can help. At one time the only solution was braces, but these days, it’s possible to fix gaps cosmetically using dental veneers.

What are veneers? They’re very thin shells usually made of porcelain or composite resin that are attached to the front of the teeth to hide gaps and other imperfections.

To apply composite resin veneers (a process also called bonding), dentists apply a mild chemical to roughen the tooth surface so the resin sticks. Using a composite resin that matches your tooth colour, the composite resin is applied, hardened with a bright light and then shaped and polished to look smooth and natural. It’s easy, quick and relatively inexpensive.

If you decide on porcelain veneers, the process is a bit more complicated, but still simple and cost efficient. It starts with freezing, then a thin layer of enamel is removed. A mold of your teeth is made and temporary veneers are applied. When the permanent veneers are ready, the temporaries are removed and a chemical is used to roughen the surface of the teeth. The porcelain veneers are attached with composite resin cement.

Have a gap to fill? Talk to your dentist and see if you’re a candidate for veneers.