by maria |
Last Updated: October 27, 2020 Dental gap or diastema is very common. But if the gap between teeth, especially the front teeth, makes you feel self-conscious, then your dentist could help you fill the gap using the right treatments. The dentist will suggest treatment methods, whether braces, bonding, or veneers, will depend on the size of the gap and aesthetic expectation. Before you book an appointment, you should be aware of the cause of the dental gap so that you could seek the right treatment to smile freely.
Actress Dakota-Johnson’s Before and After Treatment Image of Front Tooth Gap
Causes of Teeth Gaps
Several factors can cause gaps in teeth. Thankfully, these gaps can be filled easily using suitable treatments.
- Majority of cases of dental gaps are because of mismatch of teeth size and jaw bone. The disproportionate teeth-to-jaw fit leaves room for other teeth to spread out resulting in a gap. This type of gap is mostly genetic.
- Another common reason for diastema is the overgrowth of tissue surrounding the gum line between two front teeth. Over the period, this overgrowth creates space causing gaps.
- Thumb sucking in childhood can also cause a gap between teeth. Excessive sucking of the thumb pushes frontal teeth forward causing a gap at the later stage.
- In some cases, the cause of dental gaps could be tongue thrust while swallowing. The reflex pushes the teeth forward, resulting in teeth separation.
- Gum disease damages gums and tissues supporting the teeth. If not treated in time, this could lead to tooth loss and gaps between teeth.
Available Treatments to Fix Teeth Gaps
Depending on the cause, gap size, and dental structure, your dentist will suggest suitable treatment to fill the gap. On examination, the dentist will explain in detail about the cause and outcomes that could be achieved post-treatment. If the cause is gum disease, the dentist will focus on treating the disease first and then start the gap-filling procedure. Here are some of the treatment methods dentists or orthodontists use to fix teeth gaps.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding or dental bonding is one of the most effective, easiest, and quickest procedures to fix gaps between teeth. You can achieve amazing cosmetic enhancement is just one visit at the least possible cost. Your dentist will use conditioning gel to create gentle roughness so that bonding material could adhere smoothly.
Your dentist will apply tooth-colored composite resin material and cure it with a UV light. Once done, s/he will shape and polish the resin to enhance dental aesthetics. Well, dental bonding is highly effective but resin could stain over time.
Porcelain Veneers
Unlike cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers are stain-proof and are more durable. This is another popular gap fixing technique, in which thin sells of porcelain covers the front surface of the teeth. Your dentist will first create roughness and take the impression of dental structure to custom design veneers. It takes time to custom design veneers, so your dentist will call again to place permanent veneers. It is slightly more expensive than dental veneers, but it normally lasts up to 15 years and looks more natural.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are considered the gold standard of dental replacement and dentists recommend this treatment to fill larger gaps between teeth. Orthodontists insert a titanium post into the jaw bone and then top it with a natural-looking dental crown. It is a surgical procedure, so it is recommended to treat extreme cases. There should be sufficient bone to support the implant, otherwise, bone grafting is required, which increases the treatment cost and duration.
Dental Bridges
Bridges are also highly effective teeth gap treatment. If you are not comfortable with implants and looking for inexpensive treatment then dental bridges could be a good option to fill the gap. Your dentist will place a crown on the tooth at each end of the gap. A bridge containing false teeth will be attached to fill the gap.
Braces
If gaps between teeth are larger and there are dental misalignment issues like crooked teeth and crossbite, then dental braces are best to fix the gap. If your gum is healthy and teeth are in good shape, you can achieve a remarkable outcome in just a few months. You might need some cosmetic treatment if shape, color, and size aren’t perfect. Well, this is relatively costly as compared to other treatments, but results are exceptionally great. If you are appearance-conscious, you can opt for clear aligners to smile with confidence.
Now, you know about all possible ways to fix gaps between teeth. Get in touch with your dentist and discuss the suitability of treatment. Follow instructions, particularly about dental and oral care, to have a perfect dental crown.