One of the first things others notice about you is the quality of your smile, and if yours is full of gaps, you might be remembered for the wrong reasons. Overcrowded and misaligned teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious about your appearance, and you might develop anxiety or avoid socializing with others if you’re overly worried about being judged.
Fortunately, your prosthodontist can enhance your appearance with veneers, but many patients want to know if this treatment actually straightens their smiles. Continue reading to learn more about it!
What Are Veneers?
These restorations are thin shells made of durable porcelain that are cemented over the front surface of your teeth to mask one or several imperfections. They’re customized to match the shape, size, and color of your natural pearly whites for seamless results. Plus, they’re coated with a glaze durable enough to resist chipping and staining.
It’s also worth noting that your prosthodontist must remove a small amount of enamel for them to fit correctly. This protective outer layer doesn’t regenerate, making this a permanent change to your grin. Most patients don’t mind the preparation because their veneers provide an additional shield to their pearly whites that can potentially last 25+ years if cared for properly.
Can Veneers Fix Gaps in My Grin?
Some patients have heard veneers referred to as “instant orthodontics,” leading them to question whether this cosmetic service can straighten their smile. This phrasing is misleading, though, because the ceramic covers are a cosmetic treatment intended to improve the way you look. They’re not an orthodontic method that exerts enough pressure over your teeth to shift them into their ideal placements.
However, they can be arranged over gaps in your grin or slightly overcrowded teeth to mask the misalignments. You’ll look like you have perfectly even teeth even though they’re still slightly off-center behind your veneers.
How Can I Straighten My Teeth?
Overcrowded teeth can detract from your dental condition because it’s harder to brush and floss all surfaces thoroughly when some are inaccessible. If you’re worried your oral health could suffer, you might ask your prosthodontist if they provide orthodontic services, like Invisalign. Instead of relying on bulky metal brackets like traditional braces, this clear alternatives utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over your teeth to gently reposition them.
You must wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep your pearly whites from reverting to their previous places. Then, after a week or two, you switch to a new pair to account for the ongoing movement of your teeth. After about 12 to 18 months, you’ll have a much straighter smile to show off!
If you’re unsure which treatment is best for your unique circumstances, the best way to find out is to consult your prosthodontist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Marjan Salari has decades of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain the happiest, healthiest versions of their smiles. She initially graduated from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Belgium) then combined her prosthodontics residency with a post-graduate specialty in TMJ disorders at the Université Lille 2 (France). She has since completed a three-year residency at Nova Southeastern University in Florida. Now, she provides a wide range of services to meet all your family’s needs conveniently under one roof, including cosmetic procedures like veneers and Invisalign. You can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 763-0800.