I have a huge tooth gap. It’s about 8mm in width. I don’t want braces. I’m too old for that. One dentist suggested snap on smile. Another suggested porcelain veneers. Which is better?
Carl
Dear Carl,
I’m very glad you wrote. I think we can prevent you from some serious disappointments here. First, I’ll go over the options you’ve been given, then I’ll make an alternate suggestion.
Snap-On Smile
This will cover the gap you are concerned about. Snap-on Smile is a decent way of improving the look of your smile. However, I want to manage your expectations. These snap over your teeth, which some patients find make their teeth look bulky. They’re not meant to be permanent.
Usually, when well cared for, they’ll last a few years. You can eat with them, but will have to take them out afterward to rinse them off as well as brush and floss your natural teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
This is considered the top of the line smile makeover. Bear in mind it is expensive and requires someone with expertise. Your case, especially, would require one of the best cosmetic dentists in the country.
The reason for that is the size of the gap between your teeth. It’s large enough where you could fit an entire tooth there. It will have to be handled by someone at the top of their field. That will come with an additional price tag.
The pluses for this is it will look much nicer than snap-on smile and is considered a permanent solution. The veneers are bonded directly to your teeth.
Invisalign: A Better Solution
There is another permanent solution which won’t cost you a fortune. I know you said you didn’t want braces. When most adults think of braces, those horrible middle-school years come back to mind with a mouth full of metal wires and brackets.
This can naturally close your tooth gap, giving you the smile you want. It has a side benefit too. The aligners can double as teeth whitening trays. So, if whitening is somethng you’re interested in, it’s like getting a two for one.
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.