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People who are uncomfortable about small gaps between their teeth can use veneers to erase the extra spaces and bring uniformity back to their mouth. Cosmetic dentistry can restore both function and appearance to teeth when trauma, loss, or discoloring has occurred. Rather than avoiding social interaction, family pictures, or the occasional selfie, look into dental veneers and the benefits that come from closing gaps between teeth.

How veneers can fill in gaps

To address the gap between teeth, veneers may be recommended. These are custom-made shells of either porcelain or a resin composite that are extremely thin and colored to match the teeth. Many prefer to use porcelain for the natural way it seems to reflect light and its stain resistance.

When there are small gaps between the teeth due to misalignment or natural positioning, veneers can correct them by changing the look of the teeth, making them slightly wider or longer to fill in the space. These shells can be used to address more than gaps as well. Other applications include discolored teeth or teeth that are broken or chipped, irregularly shaped, or slightly misaligned.

Tooth preparation

Before a shell can be placed, the surface of the tooth needs to be prepared. The enamel of the tooth may be trimmed as the dentist reworks the surface of the tooth. A model of the tooth is taken, and a laboratory custom forms the shell to fit a specific tooth. Color, shape, and size are all taken into consideration during the manufacturing process. The shell is laid over the front surface of the tooth and securely bonded to form as natural a look as possible. Within just a few office visits, the gap can be permanently hidden.

Tooth maintenance

Though the front of the tooth has seen an adjustment in the preparation process, it does not require a significant amount of work to care for a veneer. Proper hygiene is always recommended for good oral health, even when cosmetic work has been done. Oral hygiene habits should include brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Brush teeth using a nonabrasive toothpaste, and consider using an electric toothbrush to clean the hardest-to-reach places more thoroughly. It is wise to brush after every meal, though twice a day is acceptable.

Flossing is another important area of oral hygiene. Floss can remove food particles that get trapped between the teeth, and if these particles are left in place, it can create dental cavities or lead to gum disease. Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once or twice each day to rinse out any remaining particles. Avoid using a mouthwash with alcohol, as excessive exposure can weaken the bonding agent that is holding the veneer to the tooth.