Serving areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Have you ever felt that everyone around you has a beautiful set of pearly white teeth, yet here you are with a big gap in your grin? Having a gap between your teeth can make you feel self-conscious when you smile, and might even affect how you speak and eat. Whether your teeth naturally developed this way when you were younger, or they drifted apart as you aged, cosmetic dentistry can help. Dr. Christine Tenaglia, a top-rated cosmetic dentist in Okemos, offers several tooth replacement options to close that gap in your grin.
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Cosmetic Bonding
Also referred to as dental bonding, this procedure is probably the most convenient because it can be completed in as little as one office visit. Using a composite resin material, like what Dr. Tenaglia uses to repair cavities, she can expertly sculpt the composite to look symmetrical, smooth, and blend in seamlessly with your smile.
The procedure involves applying the composite material to your teeth and then sculpting it to the appropriate thickness and size. The best part about this material is that it can be chosen in an exact shade to match your existing teeth. So, it won’t be noticeable that you have had any dental work done (other than the fact that your gap will be closed). The material is set or hardened by using a special curing light that takes about a minute to complete. A final shape and polish by our expertly trained cosmetic dentist, Dr. Tenaglia, and will be on your way to a more confident you!
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Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are Hollywood’s secret to the perfect smile. Made out of a high-quality porcelain, veneers are essentially like ultra-thin coverings that are custom made for each tooth, and then are permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers provide the most natural look and stunning results if done by an experienced cosmetic dentist, like Dr. Tenaglia.
The process of getting veneers is a bit different than bonding. Since a dental lab makes the veneers, the process may take a couple of weeks before your permanent restorations are ready to be placed on your teeth. But, we believe it is well worth the wait if you decide that veneers are the best option for you.
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Invisalign
Orthodontics may be better suited for closing a wide gap. Invisalign is a unique orthodontic system that uses custom-designed sets of clear aligners to shift your teeth slowly into the desired position.
Our adult patients appreciate the many benefits of Invisalign because the aligners are:
- Comfortable (no wires poking your cheeks or tongue)
- Convenient (wear up to 22 hours a day)
- Easy to clean (remove for cleaning and when you brush and floss your teeth)
- Removable (take them out when you eat, so you have no diet restrictions)
- Invisible (hardly noticeable when you talk or smile)
Caring for your smile after cosmetic dentistry
Gap or no gap in your smile, you should take good care of your teeth. This involves brushing twice a day and flossing daily. And, let’s not forget about those twice-yearly dental checkups and cleanings! No cosmetic dentistry is going to last if you don’t take care of your smile. Protect your investment and stick to a healthy regimen of oral hygiene, and you can enjoy a confident smile for years to come!
As you can see, there are several options you can choose from to get rid of that gap in your grin. If you are not sure which procedure is best or want to find out additional information regarding one of these options, just call Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733. We provide complete oral care to patients in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, Michigan.