How are Gap Teeth Treated?

People commonly seek treatment for gaps between their upper front teeth. Often, the gap is closed with orthodontics during childhood, sparing the patient from having to whistle while they speak. But sometimes gaps, or diastema, can recur or there may be situations in which orthodontic work is not ideal. We at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach want our patients to know we can help them with cosmetic and bite problems, but the treatment strategy will depend on the gap’s cause.

Orthodontic work is done in late childhood after most of the patient’s adult teeth have erupted, but before their skull bones completely solidify. That means it is easier to guide teeth into different positions if the patient incurred a gap by sucking their thumb or pushing their teeth with their togue. It may not be too late for adults to get orthodontics, but they will need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist if they are involuntarily thrusting their tongue forward when they swallow. Children who suck their thumbs can also sometimes benefit from psychological counseling to find healthier ways to self-soothe.

Occasionally, a gap might be caused by a person having a high labial frenulum. This means that the vertical strip of flesh connecting the inside of their upper lip to their upper jaw is interfering with the teeth coming together. If that’s the case, the frenulum might be surgically reduced when orthodontic work is nearly finished. It’s also possible for the teeth to shift positions somewhat after orthodontic work, particularly if other teeth have been removed. This is why it’s important to wear a retainer, and why our office will work with patients to replace missing teeth as quickly as possible.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Veneers

Dental veneers are a way for you to reshape your smile. At All Coast Dental, Drs. Joseph Boulos and Julie Boulos want you to have a smile that you can be proud of. Dental veneers are the answer. They are thin durable porcelain shells that go over your natural teeth. They can correct any kind of dental issue. If you experience stained, cracked, chipped, broken, or gapped teeth, veneers are the solution.

 

It will take between 2-3 appointments with Drs. Boulos for the entire veneer process. The first appointment is more of a consultation. This is when you and Drs. Boulos can decide on what you want your veneers to look like. The more you know the easier it will be to communicate it to us. That's why it is recommended that you do some individual research beforehand. There are many iterations of veneers available. Two major choices are needed for your veneers: shape and color. Shape refers to your veneers being rounded or square in appearance. Many patients believe that rounded is more feminine while the square is more masculine. This is not true. Either shape is available to patients regardless of gender. Color is the shading of the veneers. They are offered in natural all the way to Hollywood levels of brightness.

 

After you’ve decided, the next step in the process can take place. We will clean your teeth in preparation for the veneers. Then we will take an impression or mold of your teeth. A dental laboratory is used to create your veneers. They will receive your teeth impression and custom create them. The entire process takes between 10-14 days. You will have temporary veneers while you wait. At your final appointment, the veneers will be bonded to your teeth.

 

If you are interested in learning more about dental veneers, or our other cosmetic services, contact All Coast Dental today. We are located in Pacific Beach, CA. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Julie Boulos and Joseph Boulos, visit our website or call 858-270-4904.

Causes of Gap Teeth

Is a gap between your top front teeth giving you anxiety or causing you to whistle? If so, you can count on the expertise of the doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach for help. There are a few different ways to fix gap teeth, but which way is best depends on the gap’s cause.

Most often, the teeth are slightly jumbled or otherwise out of place. By using the Clear Correct system of invisible aligners available in our office, we can gently guide teeth into a more desirable position. The result will last for as long as patients remember to wear their retainers at night. More severe misalignment problems may require referral to an orthodontist, but a small gap can simply be covered with veneers. Our office offers these artificial fronts for teeth which can be used to cover discoloration, as well as to slightly change the teeth’s shape.

However, if the gap is being caused by a behavior such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, that behavior must be stopped to ensure long-term dental health. Tongue thrusting as a swallowing reflex may require assistance from an ear, nose, and throat doctor to fix. Patients may also require referral to an oral surgeon if the gap is being caused by an overly large labial frenum, which is what connects the inside of the upper lip to the jaw. Once it’s been reduced, orthodontic work can proceed.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Veneers

At All Coast Dental, our doctors can help give you the opportunity to totally makeover your mouth with veneers. Veneers are made from a thin ceramic shell and fit over your existing teeth, allowing you to completely change the appearance of your smile.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers.

Our patients can have a new smile using veneers in as little as two visits. First you and your dentist discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Once your teeth are prepared for the treatment, an impression of your teeth is taken. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory to make the final product.  Ask us about temporary cosmetic options for you to wear for the two weeks it may take for the custom product to be fabricated. On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to the surface of your teeth for you to wear home and wear forever.  Veneers let you make a dramatic change to the appearance of your smile and still look natural, so contact us for a smile makeover!

To learn more about veneers and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.  

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that is aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, our doctors at All Coast Dental have a wide variety of treatment options to restore your confidence. Not only will our staff boost your self-esteem, but we dedicate ourselves to making you want to smile more often.

From subtle changes to major repairs, our dentists can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. These procedures include, but are not limited to, whitening, dental bonding, dental crowns, and veneers. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems as well, such as your bite. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, we are here to answer all of your questions. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.

If you have desire a more aesthetically pleasing smile, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4909.

Veneers for a Beautiful Smile

Desiring a big, beautiful smile is a common thing among our patients! This is why here at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, we offer veneers to our patients! Veneers are able to almost instantly transform a smile.

Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that are bonded to the front of your existing teeth. They are able to improve the look of dental imperfections that make you self-conscious about your smile. If you have gaps, cracks, chips, discolored teeth, misshapen teeth or another aesthetic issue you are unhappy with, veneers can be placed to give you a brand-new smile!

Your teeth are prepared for veneers so they have a tight and strong bond. Your dentist will take a small amount of enamel off of each tooth. The amount of enamel is equivalent to the thickness of the veneer that will take its place. Impressions will then be taken of your smile so that a dental laboratory can create a completely customized set of veneers for you. You will wear a temporary set while they are being created, and when they are ready, they are bonded into place. Dental veneers are long-lasting and stain-resistant, so you can enjoy a bright smile for a long time!

If you are hiding your smile due to a dental imperfection, it is time to learn more about veneers! To schedule a consultation with All Coast Dental of Pacific Beach, CA, call our office at (858) 270-4904 or visit our website, www.allcoastdental.net.