Smile Spaces: Can Veneers Close Gaps in My Grin?

Did you know that widely gapped or overcrowded teeth can detract from your appearance and your dental health? Not only might you feel self-conscious about your looks, but it’s also harder to clean teeth if you can’t access all their surfaces. Plus, food and other debris can become more easily trapped in wider spaces and attract disease-inducing bacteria.

Your dentist can upgrade your grin with veneers, but many patients are curious whether this cosmetic treatment addresses misalignments. If you’re curious, continue reading to learn more about it!

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are cemented over the front surfaces of your teeth to mask imperfections. They’re made from durable porcelain that reflects light like enamel and can be customized to match your natural pearly whites for seamless results. They’re a versatile solution that can address one or several flaws like chips, cracks, stubborn stains, mild gaps, or slight overcrowding.

That said, for these restorations to fit correctly, your provider must remove a small amount of enamel, which doesn’t regenerate. That means this treatment involves an irreversible change to your teeth that somewhat increases your vulnerability to tooth decay, gum disease, and injuries. Thankfully, your prosthetics are strong enough to shield your smile from further harm and can last 25+ years with the right care.

Can Veneers Fix Misalignments?

Some dentists have referred to veneers as “instant orthodontics,” so many patients have wondered whether they can effectively straighten teeth. This label is misleading because these covers are intended to be a cosmetic service that boosts your looks more than your dental condition.

They don’t exert enough pressure over your teeth to shift them, so they don’t function like braces. Instead, they can be positioned to hide areas of concern to give your grin a perfectly even profile.

How Can I Straighten My Smile?

Veneers can be ideal for masking mild misalignments, but if your teeth are severely crooked or have major gaps, you might want to ask your dentist about other options, like Invisalign. This clear alternative to standard orthodontics utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to gently shift them to their ideal places.

This method is considered less invasive than braces because the trays are removable, so they don’t impact your daily habits and routines as much. For instance, there’s no need for dietary restrictions because you should take your aligners out to eat.

However, you must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your pearly whites from reverting to their previous positions, which can potentially add additional weeks to your treatment timeline. Most patients finish Invisalign within 12 to 18 months of starting.

If you’re unsure of the best way to enhance your smile, you can find out by consulting your dentist!

About the Practice

Patients at Pace Dental of Vienna benefit from two dentists who share 20+ years of combined experience. Dr. Saad and Dr. Jafari work together to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including veneers and Invisalign, at one convenient location to treat patients of all ages. They take the time to get to know you so they can offer personalized, friendly care to boost your dental health and appearance. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art equipment to improve your comfort while delivering accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 705-7476.