While sometimes gaps between teeth are natural, they may cause aesthetic concerns or lead to chewing or speaking problems. These gaps are often most noticeable, affecting your confidence when you smile, talk, or eat. Luckily, Dr. Dalton is an experienced and passionate cosmetic dentist in South Tampa who can often professionally fix gaps

At Dalton Dental, we’re here to tell you that it’s not necessary to fix a teeth gap with braces in many cases. We understand that every smile transformation is unique, and not everyone prefers braces to correct gapped teeth. That’s why we offer several alternatives to fix spacing in teeth. Read on to learn more about how to close a gap in your teeth without braces.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and simple procedure that can close tooth gaps in one office visit. Your dentist will apply a resin to your teeth and shape them to match the teeth’s natural look. They then use a UV light to harden the resin and close the gap. This is the same procedure you would have if you had a chipped tooth. Bonding blends perfectly with your teeth and doesn’t require the removal of any natural enamel. Therefore, it’s more like an instant fix for teeth gaps.

However, it’s not a permanent solution and requires maintenance. The resin material usually stains over time and may wear off due to impacts from eating and brushing.

Veneers

When it comes to enhancing your smile, dental veneers present a compelling alternative to braces. Veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells made up of porcelain or other composite materials applied over your teeth’s outer surface. Because they tend to be slightly larger than your teeth, veneers are a more permanent solution for closing teeth gaps than dental bonding options. Additionally, veneers can also help fix:

• Misaligned teeth
• Discolored, dull, or stained teeth
• Small or undersized teeth

They technically mimic your teeth color, shape, and size, enhancing their overall appearance and functionality.

Orthodontic Options

Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment option that helps correct gaps in teeth. This treatment uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to adjust the shape and size of your dental arches. They push the teeth together, moving them into their ideal alignment. This helps close any gaps and improve your bite’s alignment. Therefore, Invisalign treatment delivers the same results as braces but without metal. They are more discreet and can permanently close teeth gaps. Additionally, the retainer can be removed, making it easier to clean your teeth.

Depending on the severity of the gaps, Invisalign orthodontic options usually take between 12 and 18 months to deliver results.

What’s The Best Option to Close the Gap in My Teeth?

From scarcely noticeable clear aligners to aesthetically pleasing veneers, every alternative serves a unique purpose. However, deciding to enhance your smile is significant and should not be taken lightly. That’s why Dr. Dalton and the rest of our expert team are readily available to discuss your smile goals and explore the best option to close your teeth gap.

We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our dental professionals, who will examine your teeth and tailor the treatment to your preferences. Call or text us at (813) 872-8300 to take the next step in your smile journey.

Contact Us to Improve Your Smile!

Gaps in your teeth can compromise your oral hygiene, affect your confidence, and even leave you smiling less. Fortunately, you’ll have many treatments to address any concerns you have about your smile.

Our expert cosmetic dentist at Dalton Dental in South Tampa is determined to get you looking and feeling your best. We offer tailored solutions that will comfortably improve the appearance and function of your smile. Contact us today to learn more about our non-brace solutions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Alternatives to Braces for Closing Teeth Gaps appeared first on Dalton Dental.

In most cases, braces and modern approaches like Invisalign have been the go-to solution to straighten crooked teeth. However, with advancements in modern dentistry, veneers have become a suitable option for teeth straightening. While this may seem surprising, using veneers with crooked teeth guarantees excellent results and does away with the braces, which can make you feel self-conscious and critical about your appearance.

You need to know several things about using veneers on crooked teeth. For instance, they only work if the teeth are slightly crooked and you have no underlying dental issues. Keep reading to learn more about veneers, whether they can work on crooked teeth, and how to determine if they’re right for you.

What are Veneers?

Veneers are thin shell-like ceramic materials fitted over the surface of teeth to conceal stains, cracks, and other dental imperfections. They are custom-made to match the nature of your cracked tooth, gaps, or chipping. Dentists bond them in place using a dental adhesive to create a permanent enhancement.

Veneers come in different types: composite, porcelain, non-prep, and removable options. Composite veneers conceal minor cosmetic issues, while porcelain addresses various forms of imperfection, and non-prep veneers require less enamel removal. You can put and remove removable veneers or Snap-on veneers anytime.

The procedure involves using small drill bits to remove nickel from the tooth structure, allowing the adhesive to bond to the new material on your teeth and creating a permanent solution that mimics your teeth.

Can Veneers Work for Crooked Teeth?

Yes. Veneers for crooked teeth can work, but there are several factors you need to know to ensure this procedure is effective. Generally, veneers on crooked teeth are suitable for people with minor alignment issues and have a healthy bite. It’s also ideal for people who are not experiencing any pain or discomfort and have no underlying dental problems.

It’s crucial to note that veneers don’t entirely work in treating crooked teeth. It only helps conceal your crooked teeth rather than treat your crooked teeth. That’s why it’s suited for people with minor crooked teeth who are comfortable with their appearance and want to avoid the extra hassle of constant orthodontic appointments or discomfort from braces.

Veneers for crooked teeth can last between 15 and 20 years, but it depends on how well you care for them and avoid harmful habits like biting on hard items.

How Can I Know if Veneers Are Right for My Teeth?

Veneers are suitable for people with minor misaligned or misshapen teeth. It’s recommended to consult your dentist on whether you need veneers for your crooked teeth since you may need to reduce the size of your teeth and use crowns to achieve the perfect result.

Your dentist should also perform a detailed assessment of your malocclusion and explain potential risks that may result. For complex or severe misalignment, pursuing other treatment options like Invisalign is advisable.

You can also use veneers for crooked teeth if you’re sure you’ll follow the recommended oral care regimens, such as flossing, brushing, and regularly visiting your dentist. You should also use a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid using teeth whitening products. Finally, you may also consider veneers on crooked teeth if you have excellent periodontal health, good overall health, and adequate healthy tooth enamel.

See Your Smile Shine!

Veneers have long been used to treat cracked or chipped, but it’s a suitable option for treating crooked teeth. It’s best to consult your dentist to determine whether this procedure will help you. At Dalton Dental, we’re ready to help you evaluate your dental issue and carefully decide whether veneers are the best treatment for crooked teeth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Can You Get Veneers With Crooked Teeth? appeared first on Dalton Dental.

There are many different types of dental work, and it can be confusing to figure out which dental treatments you might need and whether or not they are worth the cost. While you’ll have to evaluate every option carefully with your dentist, many people choose a budget-friendly composite resin veneer. But what is a veneer, and why might you need one? Is it worth the cost?

What Veneers Are

Veneers are coverings for the teeth to give them a uniform and natural but improved appearance. The veneers we offer are high-quality porcelain veneers that will last.

Veneers are not a necessary dental treatment for most people. They are a great option if you have teeth stained beyond repair or a crooked tooth or unnatural gap between teeth. If you have a chipped tooth, your dentist might recommend a veneer to cover the chip so that:

• The tooth does not become more damaged.
• The root of the tooth does not become exposed.
• The tooth does not crack down the middle.
• You do not injure your mouth with the jagged edge.
• They can help cover and protect worn enamel that is sensitive.

So, is it Worth it to Get Veneers or Not?

The real question is: “Are you and your smile worth it?” Is it time to have the smile you’ve always envisioned for yourself?

Think about how you feel when you see your smile in a photo, a selfie, or a mirror.  Do you show your teeth for photos or smile with closed lips because your smile is not what you want people to notice? You can learn more with Dalton Dental.   When you are looking and feeling gorgeous, you have the confidence you need to go for that promotion or job you’ve always wanted, empowering yourself to make career advancements through self-love.  A smile is a big part of that confident, happy look!  Would you love to show off a beautiful, bright smile for the holidays or at your next big interview?  

Do you think porcelain veneers might be right for you? Contact us today to schedule your initial exam, x-ray, cleaning, and consultation.  We can help you make the smile you want fit your budget.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post What Are Veneers, and Why Are They Worth It? appeared first on Dalton Dental.

A crown is a type of dental prosthesis; it is a custom-fitted ceramic cap directly over a damaged tooth to restore its look and function.  

 A crown can last for decades if it is properly made, fitted, installed, and cared for. However, a crown can become loose or fall out. If this happens, it is important to take careful steps to minimize the damage and salvage the crown, if possible. 

In this article, we’ll explain the steps to take if a crown becomes loose or falls out, as well as what you can do to avoid crown damage in the first place.

What Causes Crown Damage?

Several factors can cause a crown to become loose or fall out, mainly including:

• Impact or injury to the mouth
• Tooth decay
• Eating sticky foods
• Poor dental hygiene
• Grinding or clenching the teeth at night (bruxism)
• Weakened cement

Steps For a Crown That’s Loose or Falls Out

If you have a crown that becomes loose or falls out, be sure not to swallow it! Your first step should be to retrieve the crown if it falls out. Then, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You can bring the crown to your dentist and it may be possible to re-fit it. You can ask your dentist about using temporary dental cement from the pharmacy to keep your crown in place before your appointment. 

It is crucial to avoid further damage by avoiding sticky, chewy, and hard foods. You can also try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where the crown is, and be as gentle as possible while brushing your teeth. 

Preventing Crown Damage

You can prevent crown damage by:

• Practicing proper dental hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing every night
• Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings
• Avoiding sticky, chewy, and hard foods
• Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth
• Choosing an experienced dentist like Dr. Dalton to avoid mistakes in the crowns fitting and installation process

Call Dalton Dental as soon as possible if your crown is loose or has fallen out for prompt care. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post How to Deal with a Loose Crown: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Dalton Dental.

It’s all too easy to take a beautiful smile for granted. Unfortunately, most people don’t have a naturally perfect smile. Misaligned, cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth can diminish the appearance of a smile, causing many people to avoid showing their teeth and only smiling with their lips. 

If there are imperfections in your smile that you’d like to change, veneers could work for you; veneers are designed to eliminate the appearance of dental flaws so that you can smile with confidence. 

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are very thin shells made to fit over damaged or misaligned teeth. This dental prosthesis is personalized and custom-designed so that it fits impeccably over any of your damaged teeth. Veneers are permanently bonded to the teeth, providing a natural appearance. For the best possible look, veneers are usually made of porcelain. 

While some individuals only need one veneer to regain a beautiful smile, others may need multiple veneers to achieve their desired look. Some patients may need as many as eight veneers to achieve an even, flawless smile.

The Process of Getting Veneers

If you choose dental veneers to achieve a beautiful smile, the first step will be to visit your dentist for an examination. Your dentist will complete the exam to decide whether or not you’re a candidate for veneers. If your dentist determines that you’re a good candidate for veneers, your teeth will need to be filed down so that the veneers can be properly fitted over them. Once the tooth — or teeth — has been filed, your dentist will take an impression of your entire mouth which is then sent to a lab to create the veneers. 

After the custom-made veneers return from the lab, your dentist will fit them over your teeth. Once the dentist achieves the perfect fit, the veneers will be cemented with a special UV light. The entire process of getting veneers is minimally invasive and typically takes just two visits to your dentist to complete. 

At Dalton Dental, we provide aesthetic precision veneers to give you a gorgeous smile.

Schedule an appointment with us today to learn if you’re a good candidate for veneers. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post Guide to Getting Veneers appeared first on Dalton Dental.

In the costly, complex, yet affordable world of veneers – the Best work is Undetectable.  It does not mean the results are invisible. In fact, the improvement is usually life-changing. Life changing in a way that empowers confidence, and when you have confidence you are Unstoppable. The thin porcelain veneers are able to instantly correct unsightly discoloration, chips, gaps, misaligned and worn down teeth. The finest veneers look born-this-way natural.  We invite you to our state-of-the-art practice for a complimentary consult. Learn more with Dalton Dental today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post The Million Dollar Secret Behind the Celebrity Vermillion Border appeared first on Dalton Dental.

So you’ve decided to make the investment in the smile you’ve always desired and you’re proud of your new look!  If you want that feeling to last, you’re going to have to take care of it. You’ll want to maintain and protect the investment you’ve made in yourself.   Here’s how you should care for your composite resin or porcelain veneers.

Brushing and flossing your teeth with veneers

For the most part, you’re going to continue brushing and flossing as normal after getting veneers, but there are some things that you may need to change. 

You’ll need the softest bristled toothbrush available. 

You also need to check your toothpaste for harsh abrasives, steer clear of baking soda based pastes and ask your dental team about whitening pastes as these often contain scrubbing agents that can have a sandpaper affect to remove stains.  Your new goal is to polish the veneers.

Your dental team can review flossing techniques and other products like electric toothbrushes and waterpiks. It is important to keep veneers or crowns clean at the gumline where the restoration meets the tooth surface.

Most importantly, schedule your regular cleaning appointments!  Now that you’ve gotten this beautiful smile, you’ll need to maintain it with a professional check up and cleaning to keep it fresh and hot-looking!

Mouthguards

Now that you’ve got the smile you wanted, you need to protect your veneers so that they maintain their strength and continue to protect your teeth. Often we don’t realize we are clenching or grinding our teeth until the signs of wear are already in process or a tooth or restoration is fractured.  To prevent this, if you play sports or engage in other heavy activities, you should get a mouthguard. If you grind your teeth in your sleep, you should have a custom overnight mouth guard. These are custom fit for you to provide the most comfort and protection.

Looking for Veneer Services in Tampa? Contact Dalton Dental Today!

Tampa area residents looking for veneer services should contact us at Dalton Dental today. We offer the latest procedures in a safe and welcoming environment. Our friendly staff will happily answer any questions you may have about the procedures and can provide you with helpful information about how these procedures work.

We offer fair pricing and are happy to work with you on that aspect of the process. The most important thing is that you can access the services you require so you can get your smile back and unlock a new chapter in your life.

Let us help you get there today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post How to Care for Your New Veneers appeared first on Dalton Dental.

Are you on the fence about whether or not you want to get veneers? There are some excellent reasons to get permanent veneers aside from appearance. You might want to get veneers if you have a chipped tooth or if the tooth has been compromised somehow. In these cases, a permanent veneer could be preferable to a crown to produce the same results while keeping more of the natural tooth structure. Ready to learn more? Read on.

What do you mean by Permanent Veneers?

Veneers can perform the same function as a crown but are not quite the same. Both have to be carefully shaped and applied to your teeth. They are both made of similar materials.  While a crown covers all the tooth surfaces, a veneer covers the front of the tooth and can be shaped to create the smile you and your dental team explicitly designed for you.  You’ll need to decide with your dentist if crowns or veneers will be the best choice to create your desired look.

Do Veneers Strengthen Teeth?

Yes! Permanent porcelain veneers will strengthen your teeth by:

• Providing needed stability while the tooth and mouth heal
• Covering the tooth to avoid further breakage or cracking
• Protecting your mouth from jagged, chipped, or crooked teeth
• Taking the place of the enamel, the tooth loses forever when damaged

Ultimately, it is the stability that veneers offer that brings the appeal. With that stability and protection, the body can take over. The same cells of your body responsible for healing a wound are responsible for healing teeth, gums, and jawbone roots.

Looking for Veneer Services in Tampa? Contact Dalton Dental Today!

Tampa area residents looking for veneer services should contact us at Dalton Dental today. We offer the latest procedures in a safe and welcoming environment. Our friendly staff will happily answer any questions you may have about the procedures and can provide you with helpful information about how these procedures work.

We offer fair pricing and are happy to work with you on that aspect of the process. Most importantly, you can access the services you require to get your smile back and unlock a new chapter in your life.

Let us help you get there today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hilary Dalton, DMD, MS

Dr. Hilary Dalton owns Dalton Dental, a general and cosmetic dental practice in Tampa, FL. She is board-certified in Periodontology & Dental Implant Surgery and in Procedural Medicine in Aesthetics.

She also holds certifications in microsurgery, laser proficiency, Invisalign, master esthetic facial injector, PRP, and facial laser.

She graduated from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in Boston with an award for Outstanding Leadership and Extraordinary Clinical Achievement.

To learn more about Dr. Hilary Dalton, visit our About page.

The post The Amazing Benefits of Veneers appeared first on Dalton Dental.