Cosmetic dentistry on front teeth

[StrawberryRiceCake]

Has anyone had this? I have gaps between my top front teeth which have always bothered me and I mentioned this to my dentist this week. She said I could have bonding with white filling on them to close the gaps and I could book in for a session to try it out. She also said sometimes it makes the teeth look too big and some patients end up not having it done permanently.

I'm tempted to give it a go but would love to hear about others experiences.

[Wombletor]

Hi
I had my front teeth crowned to improve my smile, they were made to close a gap and were slightly shorter than the previous set I'd had done on NHS 15 years ago. I also had my teeth whitened. I love my teeth now.

[burnishedsilver]

I've had that done to fill a gap between my front teeth. Its been very successful. I was warned it might not last but I've had it replaced twice in 27 years so no complaints there. The colour won't lighten so if you've ever considered whitening your teeth, do it first and get the bonding to match.

[StrawberryRiceCake]

I did think of crowns or veneers but the dentist said she didn't want to take away any of my natural tooth.

Wow burnished. That is impressive longevity. How do they replace it? Does it have to be drilled off? Good point on the whitening. I'll have to talk to the dentist about that.

[ellalouise123]

I have bonding on 4 of my front top teeth to fill in gaps/even my smile. Had it done 3 years ago and never had any problems apart from slight discolouration where the bonding meets my actual teeth. Because of this I am saving up for proper ceramic veneers. However for the price of the ones I have, I can't complain. Didn't hurt at all either!

[burnishedsilver]

I hsd that slight discolouration at the joint but the dentist buffed it out.

Replacing the bonding involved filing and scaping the bonding off (at least thats what it felt like) but my natural teeth underneath weren't affected.

[lolololol]

My daughter (14) had exactly the same gap and hated it. Got teased at school about it. The dentist offered to do the same and it looks amazing. He left a very slight gap between them just in case the gap closes up any naturally as she grows. But overall she loves her teeth now. You wouldn't even know, it isn't noticeable at all. She had the filling about a year ago and has had no issues at all. Do what makes you happy I say

[StrawberryRiceCake]

Thanks all, I think I'll make that appointment. I must admit I had not realised it was possible and thought I would have to have a brace. It will be nice to do something about them as they have bugged me for years.

[SleepFreeZone]

Please don't have veneers on perfectly healthy teeth. I have a veneer on one front tooth and I wish wish wish my mother had never agreed to it when I was a teenager. By all means have the bonding but please don't have veneers.

[Britannialia]

I would look at things like inman aligner and have a consultation with an orthodontist about six month smile etc first to be honest.

Veneers or crowns are a life long maintanence job, will need replacing and cost money. It might seem fine now but when you are 70 and can't afford it, it maybe a different matter.

If it's at all possible, it is always far better to keep healthy teeth and see if the orthodontist can correct the issue that bugged you in a way that doesn't involve bonding to teeth.