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 in their appearance takes a hit. They may hide a gap-toothed smile. Tooth veneers in Greensboro, NC at the Triad Dentistry office use quality materials and precision planning to allow you to smile freely, without embarrassment, again.
Gaps explained
A common issue our patients face is gaps and spaces of various sizes between their teeth. These gaps are generally caused by teeth that have developed and are too small for the individual’s jaw. Conversely, when teeth grow too large for the jaw to accommodate, the opposite issue of crowding occurs. While a mismatch of size between the jaws and teeth is common for spacing problems, habits formed in a child’s formative years can also result in the same. Some examples of bad habits which may result in spacing problems include forceful thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. When these habits are not intervened with at an early age, spacing problems can occur. At Triad Dentistry, board-certified dentist Dr. Sona Isharani is highly trained at identifying damaging habits and adept at addressing and correcting these habits during early childhood so that misalignment and spacing issues can be avoided.
A majority of adults tend to notice their teeth move forward or shift between the ages of 20 and 50. One reason teeth can face spacing issues during these years is gum disease. Gum disease is a progressive condition that, when left untreated, can eventually lead to teeth that splay outward and create unattractive gaps. When allowed to progress, gum disease or tooth decay will lead to lost teeth. When a tooth is lost, the adjacent teeth on either side of the gap will shift into it. This process highlights the importance of replacing missing teeth sooner rather than later to avoid related dental health issues. Otherwise, you can expect extensive, costly, and time-consuming restorative procedures will be needed.
As patients age, they may develop a condition known as bruxism. This condition is characterized by the constant grinding or clenching of teeth, typically overnight as the patient sleeps. For some who suffer from bruxism, these symptoms may occur subconsciously throughout the day due to stressful situations or moments of concentration. The pressure put on teeth due to bruxism can be so severe that it causes teeth to shift or become damaged through chips, wear, and cracks.
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).
Dental Veneers at Triad Dentistry
A lot of patients are unhappy with the shape, color, and size of their teeth.
For years we have been doing Veneers. Your teeth can be modified and made any color that you want.
At our practice, we are able to show patients actual cases done by us. Veneers can be customized to exactly what the patient wants and its pretty life-changing from self-esteem standpoint.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: VENEERS
Dr. Steven Hatcher
Dr. Chad Merrell
Dr. Sona Isharani
Dr. Victoria Santiago-Coiro
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 Triad Dentistry Greensboro, NC.
