I naturally have a space (it's called a diastema) between my two front teeth. As a teen, the braces I wore for a couple of years helped to close the gap - but fast forward to adulthood and I found that space opening up again. Ugh. In comes Dr. Lane - phenomenal and artistic dentist with both the eye and hand for cosmetic dentistry. Think me silly, but I have in my years come to realize that certain doctors whose hand movements and attention to detail say a lot about their artistic qualities, especially with cosmetic procedures - Dr. Lane's hands are very fluid and he has an artistic flair, which is also apparent in his office. I wanted to make sure that my smile and teeth maintained a natural look and that Dr. Lane would listen to what I wanted while also giving me his honest, professional, and clinical opinion. He did that and more! Dr. Lane took the time to ask what I was looking for, explained the different options I had (bonding, veneers, leaving it alone) in detail, and talked to me about what his recommendation was and the 'why'. I opted for the partial porcelain veneers that would close the gap while using the smallest tooth space possible. The procedure was amazingly smooth. The first procedural appointment consisted mainly of impressions/molds of my teeth, of my bite, and Dr. Lane "roughened up" my two front teeth in the area where the veneer would fit over - think of a nail file used to file off a thin layer of the enamel; not painful at all, by the way, even without anesthesia. In my case, anesthesia was not needed for either appointments but I wouldn't have a concern if I had needed it as I trust Dr. Lane 100%. He knows what he is doing! I also did not need to wear temporary veneers due to the gap being small, but if I had needed to I know the temps would have looked just fine and only needed for a couple of weeks. I also need to add that Dr. Lane sent me to his laboratory for a custom shade - the technician was able to personally match my teeth color to those of the two partial veneers. Details, I tell you! During the second appointment, Dr. Lane was quite gentle and checked with me constantly - as did his equally amazing assistant. He did some last filing of my real teeth in order for the partial veneers to fit perfectly over them. The veneers were placed and removed numerous times and filed where necessary, until the Dr. Lane was happy. Dr. Lane made sure that I would be able to floss properly and used a dental version of sandpaper to file where needed. The entire procedure and the immediate post-procedure was completely pain-free with no recovery time needed. I sleep, eat, and brush my teeth without any problems. I didn't, nor, have any sensitivity on my front teeth. My bite was exactly right, the shade match so perfectly that I can stare at my teeth from close-up and cannot see where the veneer and my tooth end or begin - it's fantastic. Oh, I did do touch up bleaching beforehand to help brighten my teeth - something Dr. Lane suggested and is an excellent tip. Dr. Lane gave me the most confidence and I felt comfortable with him. He was considerate of my concerns and did an amazing job. It is important to choose a dentist who can provide this level of service for you and make you feel at ease. It is a big decision so it's best not to go in to it lightly. If I ever find myself needing additional cosmetic work, it'll be Dr. Lane who I will go to - hands down the best cosmetic dentist in all of the Los Angeles area.
There is an amazing doctor Greg Lane in Los Angeles (West Hills) who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. He was a referral from a friend after I went to another dentist who recommended I got 9 veneers, gum surgery @ 18K cost. Dr Lane suggested we do a partial veneer on my K9 and some bonding on the next tooth to make them look less full and not so sharp. He did a great job and I am very pleased with the result. Updated on 2 Mar 2015: Another AFTER picture
Tooth colored composite resin bonding has many uses. One is to splint teeth together to decrease their mobility.If you have a loose tooth, the first thing you should do is visit your dentist and determine why it is loose.The looseness can be a gum problem, where you have lost bone around the tooth from gum, periodontal disease, it can be a fractured tooth or it can be from grinding or clenching your teeth.Once you have had a thorough exam then options for treatment can be discussed. You may lose the loose tooth however by having them all evaluated you may save your other teeth.
The chip should not be a problem. It will not effect the longevity of the veneer however I recommend you show it to your dentist. The area can likely be smoothed so it won't catch food or stain.
