How a cosmetic dentist can use dental crowns to resize teeth and close the gap ("diastema") between them.
About this cosmetic dentistry makeover:
This is another makeover simulation of the same cosmetic case we presented on our previous page.
We've taken this opportunity to illustrate another approach towards making changes with this person's smile.
Our suggestions for a cosmetic dentistry solution:
With this version of this case we chose to illustrate the cosmetic results possible if all six of this person's front
teeth were altered. Certainly the dentist has more control over the final appearance of a person's smile
when they involve all six of their front teeth in the cosmetic dentistry treatment plan.
The patient simply needs to determine if the added
expense and added potential for maintenance of this additional dental work is worth it.
In this cosmetic simulation we have illustrated the gap (the "diastema") located between the center teeth as being closed further
than in our previous version of this case. This is simply a cosmetic decision made by the dentist and
the dental patient. The degree to which the diastema is closed has nothing to do with the fact that six teeth are
treated in this simulation and only two in the other.
It would be our thought that dental crowns would be required to make the changes we
show with the center two teeth. Quite possibly porcelain veneers would be appropriate for making the changes we show
for the other teeth. Porcelain veneers are typically suitable for making color changes and minor shape changes with teeth. The
dentist performing this work would have to make the determination about what type of dental restorations would be
most suitable.
Additional notes about our cosmetic dentistry treatment plan.
Potential complications associated with our suggested cosmetic dentistry solution:
A tooth's nerve tissue occupies that area in the center of a tooth.
If the amount of tooth reduction required to make the dental crowns we have suggested for the center two teeth
exposes either tooth's nerve then root canal treatment will need to be completed for that tooth before the dental crowns can
be placed.
Closing a diastema (the gap found between teeth) as fully as shown in our cosmetic simulation here
can be problematic. Certainly the dental patient and dentist should discuss the anticipated outcome of the
planed dental work before treatment is begun.
Patient's often like the width of a diastema to be closed fully. Dentists are typically eager to please their patients
yet realize that closing a diastema fully can create a region that is hard to keep plaque free. If an area is not kept clean
then gum disease can become a concern. The dentist and dental patient involved with this work must come to an understanding
about what cosmetic end result is desired, what cosmetic result is possible, and what efforts the patient will need to take
so to keep the gum tissue in this area healthy.