There is a MUCH Better Solution for a Large Tooth Gap than Lumineers

I have a huge tooth gap. My dentist said it is close to 9 mm. We’d planned on getting a snap-on smile. We’d done all the work and ordered it, but the lab said that it will not work. Now I have to start over with a new solution. My dentist is suggesting Lumineers, but they are pretty pricey. Do you have another possibility? I’m hoping to avoid braces because I am 47 years old.

Jack

Dear Jack,

Even if you get the money for Lumineers, please don’t chose this as your solution. It will very likely end up a disaster. The size of the gap in your teeth is enough to fit another tooth. It would take one of the top expert dentists in the country to make this look natural. The fact that your dentist is suggesting Lumineers tells me that he is not an expert cosmetic dentist.

The Lumineers brand is just one of many brands of porcelain veneers. Unfortunately, this brand has two big things working against it. First, they are highly advertised to inexperienced dentists as being easy to place because the can be placed without any tooth preparation. However, there are very few cases where this is a good idea. Plus, this does not mean that that you will get a good result. Being easy to place does not take into account the skill and artistry needed to create a beautiful result. Your case will be more challenging than most.

A second thing working against Lumineers is their lab, which their brand requires dentists to use. Most expert cosmetic dentist not only have their own ceramist that they prefer, but they also find the Lumineers lab to not produce the best results.

Invisalign: The Modern Alternative to Braces

The best option I see for you is Invisalign. This is a type of orthodontics that uses clear aligners instead of metal wires and brackets the way traditional braces do. Not only can they straighten your teeth, including closing that tooth gap in half the time of traditional braces, without anyone even knowing that you are wearing orthodontics.

If you want, the aligners can also double as teeth whitening trays, which means that your dentist can provide you with professional strength teeth whitening gel. Then, you can whiten your teeth and straighten them at the same time. This gives you a mini smile makeover for a fraction of the price.

This blog is brought to you by Nashville Dentist Dr. David Wickness.