Way to fix gaps in teeth?

Question

I have two gaps in my otherwise perfect teeth. I was looking to get some sort of cosmetic dentistry performed. I was looking at some sort of veneers to cover the bad spots. Is there any other one day procedures available? Where is the best place to look to find a qualified cosmetic dentist? Will they charge for a quotation?

I understand the veneer procedure, complications etc.

Thanks :)

Answer 1

I had veneers done and love the result. If you have a dental college near you I'd find out if any dentists need patients to "practice" on. Don't worry, they are supervised and are there to pass the skills set, not to really "practice." A good dentist will look at your teeth and then write a treatment plan. You can compare plans to other dentists. I'd also look at the teeth of the people working for the dentist, they should all look great because they are advertising for him.

Answer 2

You may have to pay an initial exam fee or more if the dentist requires x-rays and a cleaning for new patients. You may get lucky and only have the exam fee or a consultation fee. If you get really lucky, you could find a softy that will just talk to you for free (I do that sometimes.) An alternative to a retainer, braces, veneers, etc. may be to do some cosmetic bonding. Depending on the shade of the teeth, the size of the spaces, and the angulation of the teeth, sometimes tooth colored filling material (composite) can be bonded to the teeth to fill in the spaces. This can be done in one visit (I actually did it for a teenage boy earlier today - he & his mother were thrilled. I'd done the same for her a few years ago & they're holding up fine.) The way the teeth bite together is a factor and you always have to remember they're there & protect them a little, but the dentist should tell you more about that. Any dentist should be a "cosmetic" dentist. That isn't a true specialty, but it sure looks good on a sign or advertisement. Some people even charge higher for effect. Any dentist who doesn't do cosmetically pleasing work (at least up front in the smile zone) isn't doing anyone any favors. I'd ask around. Most everyone likes their dentist or they wouldn't keep going back, but if you like their smile or know they've had work done & it looks good, find out where.

Answer 3

As long as you understand that it is NOT porcelain and it WILL need to be changed periodically, you can have "direct bonded resin" placed on your teeth to close the gap. This can be done in one sitting, probably under an hour.

Having said that, I have many direct bonded resin veneers that have been in place for over 10 years and they look as good as the day they were done. You just have to understand that your own habits (diet, grinding, hygiene, etc) have as much to do with this success as the material or technique used.

If you stopped in and caught me at the right moment and in a good mood, I'd take a look for free just to answer your question. "Can this gap be fixed with bonding or do I need something else?" I'd give you about one minute to answer that one question and get on with my day without having a huge discussion about it, though. If there were doubts about things, I'd have to express those doubts and tell you we need to check some other things about those teeth, the muscle attachment, etc., and I'd try my hardest not to sound like a used car salesman.

If you were already my patient, I would not hesitate to answer that simple question. Chances are, you don't need to find the World's Greatest Cosmetic Dentist to solve your problem. If it can be done with direct bonding, most dentists are very competent with those procedures.

Answer 4

I'm sure people find..you..attractive?! AHHHHHHH

Answer 5

braces would be best

Answer 6

elastic band.........