Range of patients in Mississauga benefit from modern braces, treatments to correct gaps to severe bite problems

Porcelain veneers can quickly and dramatically transform the look of your smile. In the hands of your partner in dental health, Dr. Rina Kotecha, bothersome chips may be smoothed. Stains that were resistant to teeth whitening and bleaching treatments may be camouflaged.

These thin strips of porcelain applied to the tooth’s surface may even close gaps between teeth. While veneers are a multi-talented answer to a diverse array of concerns, there are limitations when it comes to some alignment or bite-related issues.

As with any treatment, there is no one answer for each and every individual. Likewise, as is the case with many “Smile Makeovers,” veneers may be just one of several types of suggested procedures to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.

When veneers may be the best alignment-oriented option

Not every patient needs orthodontic treatment. You may be a candidate for dental veneers as an alternative to braces or other orthodontic appliances if:

• Teeth are not severely overlapped
• Crowding is relatively minor
• Slight repositioning is needed
• The plan is to correct extra space between teeth

In fact, in some cases Dr. Kotecha may recommend teeth be straightened with orthodontic appliances before a dental veneer is bonded to correct other types of concerns, such as teeth that are unevenly shaped or have irregular surfaces.

Think about how your teeth are held in place. If your teeth are very crooked and crowded, the root system that provides a secure support for the rest of your tooth may be tipped at unfavorable angles. Porcelain veneers do not correct this fundamental developmental problem. If Dr. Kotecha were to place veneers on very crowded teeth, the already angled roots may be further damaged due to the forces of chewing, biting, and other everyday functions.

Plus, since a tiny amount of natural tooth enamel must be removed to accommodate the width of the veneer, if you are bonding these porcelain layers to the surface of the tooth there may be some irregularities in the width of the veneer due to the irregular way teeth are positioned. The result is a less-than-natural looking appearance and, since the thickness of the veneer material isn’t uniform, it will feel odd in your mouth and can even irritate delicate tissues.

When orthodontic treatment may be preferred to veneers

If bite problems must be resolved before getting veneers, orthodontic treatment may be the go-to way to correct those issues with how the upper and lower teeth come together.

If teeth are turned or rotated, conventional braces and modern Invisalign aligner trays can gradually move the teeth into proper placement.

Dr. Kotecha’s patients appreciate Invisalign as an effective alternative to conventional metal wires and brackets because:

• Alignment trays that incrementally move teeth into place are clear, so they are not obvious on the mouth like traditional braces.
• Trays are made from a smooth, clear plastic so they don’t irritate the gums like metal.
• These dental appliances are comfortable and easy to clean because they may be removed for eating, brushing and flossing.

Additionally, Invisalign can treat a number of different conditions ranging from more minor crowding to serious overbite, underbite, and other alignment-related issues.

If you live in the Mississauga area, don’t hesitate to phone Dentistry on 10 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kotecha will then be able to identify if porcelain veneers, Invisalign or other orthodontic appliances are best for you.

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