How to Fix Gaps Between Teeth
Many people have gaps between their teeth. Most often, these gaps ( called diastema) appear between the two upper front teeth; however, gaps can occur between any two teeth. Teeth gaps can occur for a number of reasons. Sometimes smaller sized teeth will result in gaps. Habits such as thumb sucking, which creates pressure against the front teeth will push them forward causing a space. Periodontal disease can create tooth movement and gaps when gums are severely inflamed and severe bone loss around teeth occurred.
If the gap is caused by periodontal disease, then periodontal treatment by a gum specialist (periodontist) Dr.Miski is required. When gum health is restored, corrective treatment can begin.
Do you have gaps between your teeth that you’d like to have fixed? If so, there are several different ways can be done. Read on to learn the different methods we use to treat gaps between teeth.
Small Gaps Between Teeth?
It is important for a patient to discuss all options together with their dentist to ensure the outcome is ideal. Simply filling a gap between two teeth won’t necessarily end up in a natural appearance of the teeth. Treatment plans will vary based on the size of the gap, but there are two primary treatments we use for patients with small gaps:
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a very simple procedure that can be completed in as little as one visit. This option is best for younger patients, as it does not last as long as veneers. However, it is a more cost-effective solution.
With cosmetic bonding, we will choose a cosmetic color material that matches your existing teeth. The composite material will be applied to your teeth and then, polished to a nice shine, so it resembles the surrounding teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
During the veneers process, existing teeth will be prepared by removing some of the enamel, so there’s space for the veneers. In some cases, this step isn’t necessary.
Once the surface of your natural teeth has been prepared, thin porcelain veneers will be permanently cemented to your teeth. These veneers are extremely durable and typically last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. While more expensive than bonding, veneers last longer and tend to look more like your natural teeth.
Large Gaps Between Teeth ?
With large gaps, we typically recommend:
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the most permanent option and next best thing to your natural teeth. With dental implants, a titanium implant is fixed into your jawbone. Then a crown—the part that looks like a tooth—is attached to.
Although dental implants do a great job eliminating large gaps, they’re not always right for everyone. For instance, unhealthy gums affect the longevity of dental implants. So, if you have gum disease, you may have to improve the health of your gums prior to receiving an implant, should be treated by gum specialist ”Periodontist” such as Dr.Miski—and then maintain good gum health going forward.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are another option for patients who have large gaps between their teeth. During the dental bridge procedure, we place crowns on the teeth that are adjacent to the gap as these teeth will serve as abutments for the artificial false teeth, which will replace the missing teeth.
Orthodontic Option
Traditional orthodontic treatments were generally reserved for kids. It’s different today, adult can receive an orthodontic treatment with successful outcome, provided that teeth are healthy after the initial examination and evaluation. Conventional orthodontic or clear aligners such as Invisalign(it is one of the greatest option for clear aligners) is a great option to fix the gap between teeth.
Removable Appliance
It is another option to fix gap between teeth, although it is not the first option in modern dentistry today, but it could be a solution in some cases and its main advantage, that it is the most affordable option among others.
If you have questions about any gaps, crowding, or smile/bite imperfections, contact us and seek a consultation with Dr.Miski.
