Porcelain Veneers for Gaps By Danny O'Keefe D.D.S. on October 31, 2020

Do you have a gap in your teeth that you’d like to fix? Is the gap affecting your smile? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you should look into porcelain veneers for gaps. This treatment involves thin yet durable pieces of ceramic that are placed over teeth to close gaps and fix other cosmetic issues. With porcelain veneers, the teeth are left straighter for a seamless, more beautiful smile.

In Flowood, MS, Doctors Danny O’Keefe and Jan O’Keefe Belote consult with patients and examine their mouths to determine if porcelain veneers are the best choice. If veneers are selected, your dentist customizes them to match your natural teeth. The mission of our practice is to help patients achieve an attractive smile that they can be proud to show off.

Who Are the Best Candidates?

While veneers are a great way to transform your smile, a gap cannot be too large for the treatment to be effective. Patients also need to have good oral health before having veneers bonded. This means that patients should not have gum disease or tooth decay.

Since it is viewed as a cosmetic treatment, individuals need to have realistic goals and understand that the actual space between teeth is not changed. Instead, the gap is only disguised. For patients with larger gaps, they may require orthodontic treatment to improve their teeth. During a consultation at our Flowood practice, we can determine the best option to leave you with an enhanced smile.

How Are Veneers Placed?

Once your dentist approves you as a candidate for porcelain veneers, the treatment typically takes place over two appointments. The process is significantly shorter compared to braces and InvisalignÒ since they can take six months to a year or longer.

At the patient’s first appointment, the patient and dentist work together to customize the veneers. Factors such as color, size, and shape are considered to blend in with your natural teeth. Additionally, the teeth are prepped at this time, which involves removing a small amount of enamel to provide enough room for the veneers to fit. Next, impressions are created. These impressions are sent to the lab, where they are used to design your veneers. In most cases, veneers are ready in about two or three weeks.

Once the lab is finished fabricating your permanent porcelain veneer, you will return to our office. We first check to make sure it meets our specifications. Next, the dentist uses a thin layer of a strong dental bond to adhere the veneer to the tooth. To complete the process, the doctor uses a light to harden the bond to ensure the veneer is secure.

How Do I Maintain Veneers?

To ensure that you maintain the attractive look of your smile, you need to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups. Even more importantly, you need to follow a good oral hygiene routine. You should brush and floss at least twice daily to keep your smile white, dazzling, and healthy. Porcelain veneers should last at least 10 years with proper care.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you want to learn more about porcelain veneers for gaps, you can call our Flowood office at 601-936-2526. You can also schedule an appointment online. Our team is ready to explain the process and answer any questions you may have.