quote:

Originally posted by Yonie:
Gaps can be corrected with braces. Veneers are expensive, and not always great looking.

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Originally posted by ChesterM:
I just had them done because my front uppers and lowers rubbed together and the edges were getting chipped.

I had to do braces for a couple of years to create enough space for the new veneers, hopefully you won't have to do that. I did a combination of metal and invisalign. There are pros and cons for each.

Veneers are done by chipping and filing your old tooth down to little more than a peg and then slipping a tooth manufactured from a mold over the stub and gluing it in place. That way the new tooth is connected to your jaw with original bone. This, as opposed to an implant, which is actually attached to your jawbone directly. I had temporary veneers for a few weeks as the final veneers aren't produced until the teeth are filed down. The filing process is uncomfortable and smells terrible and "Deliverance" comes to mind when you look at those stubs in the mirror.

Veneers go badly when you replace your original teeth with ones that are too large and too white. You can end up looking like a shark or a chipmunk if you make the wrong choice.

They are expensive, runs around $1200 per tooth. More in Beverly Hills, less in South Central. Shop and choose wisely.

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Originally posted by tr6varrati:
Bonding is another alternative to veneers.

Cosmetic dental work is ex-pen-sive. I'd ask yourself if you really, really need it in the context of your acting career. Are you an insanely attractive classic Hollywood lead? You might want to since that's part of "the package."

But being a great actor doesn't mean having perfect everythings. Toni Collette doesn't have an Aquafresh set of pearlies, but in a way they add to her character.