What Can Be Done About a Gap in Veneers on Front Teeth?

Veneers are thin porcelain coverings that are bonded to teeth to correct the shape and color of a tooth. The enamel of the natural tooth is scratched so that the cement can bond the veneer to the surface. At times, veneers may be applied incorrectly or bonded poorly. Fixing a gap in veneers on front teeth is a simple procedure for an experienced dentist.

Causes of a Gap in Veneers

• Some dentists not experienced in placing veneers may make mistakes that can cause a gap within the veneers on the front teeth. A gap may be due to the veneers being incorrectly placed by the dentist. During the bonding process, the bonding agent may be contaminated, causing the veneer to shift. The shifting of the veneer can present as a gap between the two front teeth.

  If a gap is present in the natural teeth, the technique that the dentist uses to prepare the teeth for veneers can impact the outcome. Poor bonding techniques to fill a gap before veneers are adhered can cause veneers to shift and crack, exposing the gap again.

  Veneers last from five to 10 years before they need to be replaced. As veneers age, the bonds that adhere the veneer to the natural tooth may become weak, allowing the veneer to shift. Shifting veneers may cause a gap between the two front teeth. Oral habits like teeth grinding can worsen the wear on veneers.

Fixing a Gap in Veneers

• The ease of fixing a gap in veneers depends on how well the veneer is bonded to the natural tooth. In the case of veneers that have shifted due to poor bonding, it will be easy for an experienced dentist to remove the veneer and reapply a veneer with proper bonding.

  When the veneer is bonded strongly but was misaligned when placed, more time and skill is required by the dentist to correct the gap. The veneer can be removed and replaced with better alignment. The dentist may also suggest applying a composite to fill the gap in the front teeth. The quality of the veneers is a determining factor in how the dentist corrects the problem. If veneers are old and have shifted, all of the veneers may be replaced to correct a gap, rather than just the front two teeth.

  Select a dentist that is experienced in correcting veneers. An experienced dentist will have photographic evidence of before and after images from patients that he has worked on.