Dental Veneers
Triad Dentistry frequently treats patients who want to fix gaps between their teeth. It’s not uncommon for patients to have uneven or large spaces between teeth for as long as they can remember, or gaps may develop over time. Unfortunately, these gaps often present between the upper two front teeth. When gaps exist between these central incisors, they can be hard to miss. Patients’ confidence about their appearance takes a hit. They may hide a gapped-tooth smile. Tooth veneers in Greensboro, NC at the office of Steven L. Hatcher, DDS use quality materials and precision planning to allow you to smile freely, without embarrassment, again.
Gaps explained
Patients commonly have gaps or extra spaces of varying sizes between their teeth. Sometimes, the teeth that develop are simply too small for the jaw. Conversely, when teeth are too big, the jaw can’t accommodate them, and the opposite problem of crowding arises. In addition to a mismatch in size between the jaws and teeth, habits during a child’s formative years can result in spacing problems; for instance, forceful thumb-sucking and tongue-thrusting can affect the positions of the teeth without proper, early intervention. Triad Dentistry’s board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Sona Isharani, is skilled at identifying and addressing damaging habits and problems in early childhood to help avoid misalignment and other spacing issues.

A majority of adults tend to notice their teeth move forward and shift between the ages of 20 and 50. Gum disease plays a role in the development of tooth spacing issues over time. As a progressive condition, periodontal (or gum) disease can eventually cause teeth to splay outwards, which produces unsightly gaps. Additionally, should teeth be lost to untreated, advanced gum disease or tooth decay, neighboring teeth tend to move toward the extraction site – compensating for the lost tooth. This process underscores the importance of replacing teeth sooner rather than later to avoid unwanted complications and the need for more extensive, costly, and time-consuming restorative procedures.
As patients grow older, they may develop bruxism. This condition is characterized by persistent grinding and clenching of the teeth, usually at night during sleep. But some bruxers may grind their teeth subconsciously throughout the day, during episodes of stress or deep concentration. The pressure bruxers place on their teeth can be so severe that it contributes to teeth shifting out of place, as well as other types of damage such as chipped, worn, and cracked teeth.
Bridging the gap, with veneers
Conventional braces and other “brace-less” orthodontic treatments (such as Invisalign) are designed to straighten teeth, using measured forces to gradually reposition them. Veneers are thin shells of high-quality dental porcelain, which Triad Dentistry dentists apply to the surface of each tooth in the smile zone to create the appearance of straighter, more even teeth – without actually moving them through bone. These durable and lifelike shells cover up not only spaces between teeth, but they also camouflage other cosmetic dental concerns, such as very dark stains that resist teeth whitening, or teeth that are chipped from bruxism.
The process of receiving veneers is generally the same, regardless of if you want to close gaps, or add height to a worn-down tooth:
- Preparation – A small amount of enamel is removed from the natural tooth (or teeth) to be treated. By reducing each tooth slightly, there is sufficient room to place the veneer in a way where it looks and feels natural. Usually, the amount of enamel that is removed is so small (about as thick as a fingernail or contact lens), that anesthetic to numb the treatment site isn’t necessary. If tooth sensitivity is a concern, your dentist will discuss options to assure comfort well before the appointment date.
- Fabrication – To make your veneers, Triad Dentistry collects as much information about your mouth and its unique specifications and characteristics as possible. Impressions are created, which are then used as a model for the dental ceramicists to make your permanent veneers. We partner with trusted outside labs that use skilled artists to create veneers that are indistinguishable from natural and healthy teeth.
- Placement – As soon as your veneers are completed, typically in around one to two weeks, you’ll return to Triad Dentistry’s Greensboro, NC office. Your dentist confirms that you are happy with the appearance and feel of your veneers. Small, precision adjustments may also be made at this time, and before the veneers are bonded to your teeth.
- Love your new look – We’ll go over how to care for your veneers. Dental porcelain is as strong as it is beautiful; with consistent and good home care and regular check-ups and professional cleanings at our office, you can enjoy your veneered, gap-free smile for years to come. Patients also love that, unlike natural tooth structure, veneers are stain-resistant! So, go ahead and enjoy that latte.
Schedule an appointment at Triad Dentistry to discuss your options to close the gap, or to correct other cosmetic issues. All elective treatments must be performed on healthy mouths, and we’ll assess conditions that may need to be treated before veneers are applied (such as bruxism, which can damage stunning dental porcelain).
What are Dental Veneers by Dr. Steven Hatcher

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: VENEERS

Triad Dentistry
Dr. Steven Hatcher
Dr. Hatcher is a passionate and driven professional who strives to preserve and enhance natural beauty in every dental treatment. He is keen on developing an individualist approach when it comes to treating his patients to ensure patient care is a tailor-made experience for the comfort of each client.
When you look in the mirror, do you just see a gap in your smile, staring back at you? Fear no mirror no more. Triad Dentistry closes your gap (and much more!) with quality porcelain veneers, designed to look and feel like natural and healthy tooth enamel. Call (336) 383-1482 to schedule your appointment at the Greensboro, NC office of Steven L. Hatcher, DDS.