If you're self-conscious about a gap-tooth smile but aren't interested in months or years of orthodontic treatment, consider dental veneers.

Unlike braces, which physically shift your teeth over time, veneers are custom-crafted porcelain shells that bridge the space in two appointments. This allows you to skip the discomfort of tightening wires and move straight to a symmetrical, permanent result.

At Desert Dental in North Hollywood, CA, Brian B Shahangian, DDS, and Bita Shahangian, DDS, offer a faster path to a uniform smile. Dental veneers provide a streamlined way to close gaps and correct size discrepancies without the need for metal wires or long-term orthodontic pressure.

How veneers fix spacing issues

Veneers are thin shells of medical-grade porcelain or composite resin. We custom-design these shells to bond directly to the front surface of your teeth. If you have a small gap, known as a diastema, we can craft the veneers to be slightly wider than your natural teeth. This effectively closes the space and creates a seamless look across your smile.

Beyond closing gaps, veneers can hide permanent stains, fix minor chips, and make slightly crooked teeth appear straight. Since we tailor the color and shape to your preferences, the result looks natural and fits your facial features.

Comparing speed and convenience

The most significant advantage of choosing veneers over braces is the timeline. Orthodontic treatments move teeth slowly through the jawbone, which takes time. The veneer process usually takes only two or three appointments over a few weeks.

We use  iTero® intraoral scanning to gather information about the exact size, shape, and alignment of your teeth. These digital impressions (no goopy putty to gag on) are sent to a dental lab where your custom restorations are fabricated. 

We prepare your teeth by removing a very small amount of enamel. This ensures the veneers sit flush with your gum line.

The final step is bonding the veneers to your teeth. 

Durability and long-term care

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last between 10 and 15 years. They are highly stain-resistant compared to natural tooth enamel, so your smile stays bright.

Maintaining your veneers is simple and requires no special care beyond the same good dental hygiene you already use: twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and twice-yearly cleanings and checkups at our office.

We suggest a nightguard if you grind your teeth, as excessive pressure can crack the porcelain.

If you are ready to fix the gaps in your smile, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Call Desert Dental at (818) 465-5215 or request an appointment online to learn more.