How Can I Fix a Gap Between My Teeth?

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Gaps in your teeth may be small enough to be nearly unnoticeable, or they may be the first things strangers see when you smile. If gaps between teeth affect the way you feel about yourself, contact your dental professional. Several solutions will resolve unsightly gaps, and most are simple fixes.

What Causes Gaps Between My Teeth?

Often, when permanent teeth grow in to replace baby teeth, they come in crooked, crowded, or with gaps in between. Alternately, you may develop gaps between your teeth if you lose one or more permanent teeth to trauma, disease, or extraction. Without the pressure to hold them in place, teeth may spread out over time., causing unsightly gaps.

Many people live happily all their lives with small gaps between their teeth. For others, it’s a problem that must be corrected right away. Speak with your dental professional if you would like more information on how to correct gaps between teeth.

Are Tooth Gaps Damaging?

Having a small gap between your teeth won’t damage anything except your self-esteem. Small gaps won’t cause teeth to deteriorate or bone to recede. The exception to this rule is the gaps caused by lost teeth. Gaps left untreated after extraction will cause bone loss over time.

If you’ve always had small gaps between your front or side teeth, you may want to address them even if they’re not detrimental. They can affect the appearance of your smile, which is directly related to your level of confidence and self-esteem. Looking and feeling your best is important, and the condition of your teeth plays a large role.

What Can Be Done to Fix the Gaps in My Teeth?

Braces or aligners are typically used to fix tooth gaps. These dental devices go over your teeth and help to realign them over a period of months or years. They slowly move teeth into place, dissolving small gaps.

Dental veneers are a second option for fixing gaps between teeth. Veneers are artificial coverings that go over teeth to make them appear more perfect. There are other options available for fixing small gaps between teeth. In San Antonio, TX, Tran Dental can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

 

What Are Dental Veneers?

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Veneers are one of the conservative approaches that the dentists at Tran Dental use to dramatically improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth. Dental veneers are extremely thin shells made from a composite of resin materials or porcelain. These shells are custom-designed to cover the visible surface of the patient’s teeth. Dental veneers are bonded to the teeth and are used to change their color, size, shape or length; thus, improving their appearance.

Dental Veneers – Porcelain or a Resin Composite; What is the Difference?

When compared to resin veneers, porcelain veneers are more stain-resistant. In addition, a porcelain veneer has light-reflecting properties, which allows it to mimic the natural tooth more closely than its resin counterpart can.

What Are the Issues that Dental Veneers Can Address?

Dental veneers address a variety of issues related to the appearance of the teeth.

Veneers are frequently used to correct discoloration due to:

  • Excessive fluoride intake.
  • A root canal treatment.
  • Medications (e.g., tetracycline).
  • Resin fillings.

Veneers are also used to address:

  • Broken or chipped teeth.
  • Gapped teeth.
  • Worn-down or short teeth.
  • Misaligned or irregularly shaped teeth.
  • Slightly uneven teeth.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Veneers offer longevity, providing patients with a natural-looking smile that can last up to 15 years.

Other benefits of veneers:

  • Conceals variations in the teeth that the patient may find bothersome.
  • Provides patients with a stain-resistant smile (especially when porcelain veneers are used).
  • Can be used to cover dark teeth, transforming the patient’s smile so that it is white and bright.

Caring for Dental Veneers

Veneers require no special care; patients just need to continue practicing good oral hygiene. A good oral hygiene regimen includes brushing in two-minute intervals at least twice a day (preferably upon rising and before going to bed), flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day.

If you have teeth that are chipped, stained, or slightly crooked, dental veneers may be the answer to the beautiful smile you have always wanted. To learn more about the options available to you in San Antonio, Texas, contact Tran Dental today and schedule an appointment.

If you would like to request an appointment using our online form, please click here or, if you prefer, you can call the office at 210-674-3700 to make your appointment. Tran Dental is located at 6918 West Military Drive in San Antonio, Texas.

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The Dangers Of Over The Counter Teeth Whitening Products

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There are several things you should take to be aware of when choosing to buy over-the-counter teeth whitening products. First off, there are several ingredients in them that can be harmful if overused. Your gums will probably end up getting damaged a bit while using them, too.

Harmful Ingredient #1: Sodium Chlorite

Sodium chlorite is an ingredient if comes into contact with acid or acidic substances while on the surface of your teeth, it can weaken teeth and cause surface aberrations over time. When mixed with an overly acidic environment, sodium chlorite will create a damaging secondary acidic mixture that forms on the surface of your teeth. Acidic products like soda, coffee and candy would cause this.

Harmful Ingredient #2: Hydrogen Peroxide

A recent study reported that a majority of over-the-counter teeth whitening products contain too much hydrogen peroxide. If you use these products too much, hydrogen peroxide can cause serious erosion to the teeth. At-home teeth whitening products that contain hydrogen peroxide can severely damage the enamel coating on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to bacteria and decay.

Damage to Your Gums

The ingredients in over-the-counter teeth whitening products often can be extremely rough with your teeth. Worse, they can damage your gums, which are essential to overall dental health. If you’re not careful and misuse them they can damage your gums. too. Individuals who already have a certain amount of gum disease are especially susceptible and should avoid over-the-counter teeth whitening products completely. Lastly, if you are having dental work done such as dental implants or other intensive work, then you shouldn’t use over-the-counter teeth whitening products for a few months before and after, in order to prevent irritation. Make sure to always tell your dentist what products you are using at home so they can advise you.

The best way to prevent damage to teeth and gums is to opt for professional teeth whitening by your dentist. It’s never worth it to risk damaging tooth enamel or gums for a brighter, whiter smile. You will always get better, safer results from a professional dentist’s services. For more information about teeth whitening services, please contact us today.

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Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

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Cosmetic dentistry is focused on improving the overall appearance of your smile. Rather than primary dental care that includes cleanings and oral screenings, cosmetic dentistry covers the outward appearance and shape of your smile. This includes everything from dental bonding to veneers. Here at Tran Dental PC, our dentists in San Antonio, TX work with you to give you the smile you dream about. Check out these cosmetic dentistry FAQs to see more about how we can help you.

What are Additional Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Services Available at Tran Dental PC?

At Tran Dental PC, we provide dental bonding, veneers, inlays, and overlays to correct the look of your teeth. We also offer tooth reshaping and contouring to give you the finish you desire. Dental implants, crowns, and crown lengthening are additional services we provide for cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio, TX.

woman smiling close up

Is Orthodontic Treatment Including Braces and Invisalign Part of Cosmetic Dentistry?

Yes, these types of orthodontic treatments help to correct maligned teeth to improve the overall look of your smile. In addition, you reduce improper wear and tear on teeth caused when teeth are out of alignment. For example, you will be able to chew without wearing down one side of your teeth more than the other, which leads to a crooked grin.

What Reasons Do Patients Seek Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments?

If your teeth are broken or damaged in a car accident, sports injury, or slip and fall, you can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. We also offer treatments for patients who have damage and decay due to gum disease. To get started with our cosmetic dentistry treatments, we evaluate your current oral health and desired outcome. From there, we provide you with a treatment plan and affordable options. This way you can select how to proceed with cosmetic dentistry services for you and your family.

Choose Our Dentist in San Antonio, TX

Contact Tran Dental PC at 210-674-3700 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists in San Antonio, TX. Dental practice owner  Lan M. Tran, DDS is accompanied by Diana Compton DDS and Alix Gries, DDS. Our dentists are now accepting new patients. Along with cosmetic dentistry, we also offer general dentistry and orthodontics, Invisalign, and additional dental services.

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