Veneers or gaps?

Message

#1 Post by **CactusZAF** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 12:43 pm

I had my braces removed on Thursday 12 November (I'm overjoyed about this after 2years and 2 months), and my ortho explained that my upper lateral incisors are not as wide as they are supposed to be and hence he had to leave gaps (approximately 2.5-3mm each side) between my laterals and canines in order to correct my bite and canine relationship. He recommended that I get veneers to "fix" this as there's not much else to be done. At hearing this I asked if I'd be doing harm by leaving well enough alone and just leaving the gaps as they don't really bother me much, or would I be encouraging relapse (place for the teeth to move into spaces etc). He seemed quite happy for me to leave the gaps but now I don't know what I should do!

If you were in this position, what would you do?

#2 Post by **drrick** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 1:42 pm

It can be more difficult to retain the gaps at times. If you were to maintain the gaps I might opt for an upper splinted ret from lateral to lateral along with a removable retainer as well. This gives the best chance of the teeth not moving. If the gaos are small some bonding may be able to be done instead of veneers.

You can always ask the doc who would be doing them to do a mock-up for you. The doc would simple place a little composite on the teeth (without the bonding agents) so you can see what the teeth would look like with the gaps closed. You may find that you like it much better.

#3 Post by **felicia** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 3:47 pm

I would keep veneers as the last option. I always go by the idea "don't fix if it's not broken"...veneers would do unnecessary damage to your healthy teeth. Bonding would be better, since it's adding stuff to your teeth and not removing part of your teeth like veneers do. Your best solution would be to somehow maintain the gaps between your teeth, if possible.

#4 Post by **CactusZAF** » Wed Nov 18, 2009 9:14 pm

drrick, I do have a bonded retainer from lateral to lateral that was placed the day I got the braces off, but I was worried that the canines (and premolars) might start to shift/tip in from the sides as I had a narrow almost V-shaped arch before I started. Perhaps I'm worrying prematurely as I don't know what type of removable retainer I'll be getting on 23 November.

felicia, I couldn't agree with you more about not fixing what isn't broken, and the thing that puts me off most is that veneers do cause irreversible damage to otherwise healthy teeth, meaning I can't go back once it's done. The other problem is the cost of getting them, I already paid for all the orthodontia myself, and know I'd have to pay for any "cosmetic" work myself as well. My only worry is that I don't want my teeth to relapse because of this.

#5 Post by **drrick** » Thu Nov 19, 2009 7:27 am

It is personal choice.
I personally agree with the 'if it aint broke dont fix it' butagain what one person thinks is broken another may think not.

Some may say the laterals are broken (the came out too narrow)

Cosmetic dentistry is about just that...cosmetics. If the look doesnt bother you then keep it as is. For others even the smallest space drives them crazy and they want it closed...again personal choice.

I am glad you have the splint -- that will help.
The removable in addition will help as well. I would just make sure to tell your doc if you specifically are not getting the gaps filled as they may have to modify the retainer.