I have an 8 mm tooth gap. I went to see my dentist about a solution that didn’t include me wearing glasses. At first he suggested snap-on smile but I didn’t like how that looked. Now he is suggesting Lumineers. Is this a better solution for me? It’s much more expensive, so I am hoping the quality is better.
Phillip
Dear Phillip,
I am glad you wrote. I think I can save you a lot of regret and grief. First, whatever you do, do not let your dentist do Lumineers on your teeth. My guess is, based on some things you have said, that your dentist may be a decent family dentist but he does not have any true expertise and artistry in cosmetic work. The fact that he first suggested Snap-on smile and then Lumineers for a tooth gap backs this up.
As for Lumineers, while it is a better quality solution than Snap-on Smile, it is an advanced cosmetic procedure that I do not feel he is up for. This is especially true given the size of your gap. That is a big enough gap to place a tooth inside. It would require one of the top cosmetic dentists in the country to make that look right.
Option One: Invisalign
Given your situation, you have two good options. First, you can fix this with orthodontics. I know you mentioned you didn’t want braces. Has anyone talked to you about Invisalign? These use clear aligners instead of the metal wires and brackets that you’d get with braces. They have other benefits as well such as being more comfortable than braces, they work in half the time, and can even allow you to whiten your teeth at the same time as straightening them. This is because the aligners can double as teeth whitening trays.
Option Two: Porcelain Veneers
If you want to change more than just your tooth gap, then porcelain veneers would be the way to go. Veneers can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth simultaneously. Lumineers, which your dentist suggested, is just one brand of porcelain veneers. However, that particular brand is highly marketed to inexperienced cosmetic dentists. If you recall, I mentioned that with your tooth gap you would need one of the top cosmetic dentists in the country. If you decide to go this way, look for an AACD accredited cosmetic dentist. They will have the skills you need for this situation.
This blog is brought to you by Des Moines Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Phelan Thomas.