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Dentist or Orthodontist to Reduce My Tooth Gap?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

Should I get a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist to close my gap a little? The gap is between my front teeth, but it’s getting wider by the week. I used to like the gap and saw it as my signature smile. However, it’s getting wider as I age. I don’t want to close the gap completely, nor do I want it to become wide enough to fit another tooth. What are my options for closing a gap? Should I see a cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist to reduce the space? I want teeth whitening afterward, so I know I should see a cosmetic dentist for whitening. Thanks. Anya

Anya– The space between your teeth can be closed with the assistance of a top cosmetic dentist or an orthodontist.

Options for Reducing a Tooth Gap

A skilled cosmetic dentist can explain your options for reducing or closing a tooth gap. Your options may include one or more treatments below:

  • Dental bonding – Depending on the size of the gap and how much space needs to be reduced, it’s possible that a skilled cosmetic dentist can reduce it with chairside dental bonding. A cosmetic dentist can skillfully apply bonding while you relax in a dental chair. Cosmetics dentist stock bonding in various colors to perfectly match the color and translucence of your natural teeth. The bonding will blend seamlessly with your teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers – Accredited cosmetic dentists are skilled in matching veneers to natural teeth to reduce or close spaces.
  • Orthodontic treatment – An orthodontist specializes in tooth and jaw alignment and can provide you with braces. Many cosmetic dentists also offer orthodontic treatment—particularly with Invisalign invisible braces.

Schedule consultations with at least two experienced cosmetic dentists. They will briefly examine your gap and let you know your options for reducing it in a way that looks completely natural and complements your smile. You must complete teeth whitening before dental bonding or porcelain veneers to ensure the veneers or bonding match your bright smile.

Dr. Duane Delaune of Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post. Read why Dr. Delaune’s patients consider him one of the best dentists in town.

New Crowns Affect My Speech and Make My Neck Hurt

Posted on by AllSmiles.

My dentist placed four new crowns on my front teeth. Two crowns got rid of a gap between my center front teeth, and my dentist added two more crowns to even out my smile so the center teeth would not look too large. Since getting the crowns, my mouth does not close correctly, and I have trouble pronouncing some words, like words that begin with “tr.”

Also, my mouth and lips are dry, and I have some neck and jaw pain. I’ve had the crowns for three months, and despite my dentist’s adjustments, I see no improvements. I prefer to go back to my gap because the crowns are so uncomfortable.

My dentist asked me to give him more time, But I am unsure what we are waiting for. So far, I do not have another appointment scheduled with him. What are my options? Thank you. Edgardo from TX

Edgardo,

Your description is a problem that requires the attention of a dentist with advanced training in occlusion and bite. Dentists who study occlusion and bite understand proper jaw function and how your upper and lower teeth should meet when you close your mouth or bite down.

When Dental Crowns Cause Speech Issues and Pain

When a dentist places new crowns, you begin to experience speech issues and neck and jaw pain, so closing your gaps is not the issue. Usually, the problem is that your dentist opened your bit too far.

Several issues can create a bite that opens too far:

  • Crowns are too thick
  • Crowns are too long

Symptoms from Poor-Fitting Crowns

Poor-fitting crowns can prevent proper mouth closure and neck and jaw pain.

  • Lip incompetence – When your lips cannot close naturally without effort, it can lead to dry mouth. And as saliva production decreases, bacteria breeds And black buildup leads to tooth decay.
  • Jaw and neck pain – Upper and lower teeth that do not meet cause jaw strain. Repeated stress results in neck and jaw pain.

Get a Second Opinion for Your Dental Crowns

Schedule an appointment with a dentist who has advanced training in occlusion and bite. Your neck and jaw pain should resolve with new crowns that fit well. Otherwise, if your symptoms continue, the National Institutes of Health’s brochure on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder recommends conservative treatment. A dentist may recommend a custom split to wear and night and help your jaw relax.

Duane Delaune, DDS, an cosmetic dentist of Metairie, New Orleans, sponsors this post.

Before-and-after dental crowns photo

Crowns that fit well prevent speech issues and jaw and neck pain.
Photos are of Dr. Delaune’s patient.

 

when porcelain veneers are an overtreatment

Posted on by writeradmin.

I talked to my dentist about getting my teeth whiter. I was thinking of teeth whitening, but he suggested I get porcelain veneers. He said then he could whiten my teeth and close a small gap I have at the same time. While I like the idea of not having my tooth gap any longer, the price he quoted me is pretty high. Could I whiten my teeth and then get the porcelain veneers later when I have the money?

Macey

Dear Macey,

custom-fitted teeth whitening trays

I am not comfortable with your dentist’s recommendation. To me, if you just want your teeth whitened, porcelain veneers are a massive (and expensive) overtreatment.

Porcelain veneers are a procedure for patients looking for a total smile makeover. It is the go-to procedures for celebrities looking for that perfect smile. They can simultaneously change the shape, size, and color of your teeth.

Yes, they can close your tooth gap, and you could get your teeth whitening done and then later get porcelain veneers, but you could close your tooth gap at a much lower cost with dental bonding. In fact, that’s what I’m going to suggest you do.

I want you to get your teeth whitened. Then, after a couple of weeks when the color has had time to settle, see a cosmetic dentist to close the gap in your front teeth.

Because this procedure is done free-hand, it really needs to be done by a skilled cosmetic dentist.

I’m going to suggest you look on mynewsmile.com to see their list of recommended cosmetic dentists in your area. They prescreen each dentist who wishes to be listed for both technical skill as well as artistry. Any one of their listed dentists will provide you will stunning results.

This blog is brought to you by New Orleans Dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.

Tired of Re-doing my Composite Bonding

Posted on by writeradmin.

I’ve had composite bonding for about six years and I’ve already had to re-do it twice. I do need to do something. I have a tooth gap and three different front teeth are chipped. I’m just tired of replacing them. What are my other options? My dentist suggested crowns, but my teeth are healthy so I’m not too keen on that idea. Are those the only two options?

Helen C. – North Dakota

Helen,

Yes, there is a much better option than either dental bonding or dental crowns. But, it’s generally used for total smile makeovers. Porcelain veneers can change anything you want to about your smile. It can change their shape, size, and color of your teeth. While bonding only lasts a few years, veneers last for many. With proper care, well over a decade. It’s the same procedure that celebrities use to remake their smiles.

I wouldn’t pressure your dentist to do the procedure though. If he didn’t mention it, it’s likely because he isn’t comfortable doing it. If you press him, he may do it to please you and it wouldn’t turn out nearly as well as you’d hope.

That doesn’t mean you’ll have to switch dentists to get this repaired the way you want. I’d just recommend going to an experienced cosmetic dentist for your porcelain veneers and your family dentist for everything else. Just make sure when your dentist does your check up, the hygienist doesn’t use anything like a prophy jet or other ultra-sonic cleaner on the veneers. That will take off the glazing.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Duane Delaune.

Should I get composite filling or porcelain veneers to close my gap?

Posted on by AllSmiles.

I want to close a gap between my front teeth. I know that composite fillings are cheaper than veneers, but how do they really compare? If veneers are really better I don’t want to be too cheap to spend the money for them. Thanks for your help – AnnKatherine

AnnKatherine – It sounds as you’ve done some research on your options. Composite bonding can be used to close small gaps. The composite is less expensive than the veneers, but it still requires the skill of a cosmetic dentist to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth.

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite filling, but they also are more durable and more stain resistant. The veneers can beautifully conceal the gap in your teeth. But matching them to your natural teeth also requires an experienced dentist. If you take care of your veneers, they can last up to twenty years or more.

Discuss the pros and cons with your cosmetic dentist to help you make a final decision.

This blog post is sponsored by New Orleans cosmetic dentist Dr. Duane Delaune.