Having a gap between your teeth can lead to self-consciousness and might affect your confidence when you talk or smile. But the good news is that there are several effective solutions available for closing the gap and giving you the smile that you’ve always wanted. Keep reading to find out more about the different options that are available for fixing tooth gaps, from traditional orthodontic treatments to cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Traditional Orthodontic Treatments
Traditional orthodontic treatment is a common and effective way to close gaps between the teeth. Fixed braces, for example, have been used for decades to close gaps between teeth by applying constant pressure to the teeth and moving them into the desired position. Braces consist of brackets that are fixed to the teeth, which are connected by wires that apply pressure. A fixed brace will usually be recommended for severe gaps between the teeth or malocclusion, which refers to tooth misalignment.
Clear Aligners
Another option to consider is clear aligners for teeth gaps. You can use aligners to fix a tooth gap in a similar way to braces; they apply pressure to the teeth to move them to the desired position. Clear aligners are a popular choice with both adults and teenagers as they are more comfortable to wear, can be removed, and are not immediately obvious when you smile. They may also offer a shorter treatment process, and with many clear aligner options now available remotely, fewer office visits compared to traditional fixed braces.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an effective alternative to braces or aligners if you want to close up some small gaps between your teeth. It involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the surface of the teeth, which is then shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth and close the gap. It’s a quick, painless procedure that you can have completed with one or two visits to the dentist. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that this might only be possible for very small gaps between the teeth. If your gaps are larger, you may be recommended braces or clear aligners first to close them up as much as possible.
Veneers
Veneers are custom-made, thin shells that are placed in front of your natural teeth to improve their appearance. They can be used to close gaps between the teeth along with improving the color, shape, and size of the teeth. They are typically made from either composite resin or porcelain and provide a long-lasting solution to gaps between teeth. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that they are typically a more expensive option compared to others, and often require the filing down of your natural teeth for fitting, which can cause unnecessary damage to healthy teeth. Because of this, dentists will often recommend another treatment option, such as clear aligners, if your teeth are healthy.
Crowns
Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that are placed over a tooth to restore the size, strength, and appearance. While they are generally used to repair broken or severely damaged teeth, they can also be used to close up gaps between teeth. They are generally made from ceramic, porcelain, or metal and provide a durable, long-lasting solution to gaps between teeth. However, as they are more expensive and invasive compared to other options, they are not normally recommended as a solution for gaps between healthy teeth.
Dental Implants
If you have missing teeth or teeth that need to be replaced, dental implants can be an effective solution for both replacing the teeth and closing up any gaps. They are placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth and are an ideal treatment option for people who have lost a tooth or teeth due to decay, injury, or other reasons. You can also have one or more implants placed in the gap and attach a crown or bridge to the implants to close gaps between teeth. While they do provide a permanent solution to tooth gaps, they are only really effective if you need a tooth or teeth replacing and are the most expensive option.
Combination Treatments
In some cases, you may need to get a combination of treatments to get the best results when closing gaps between teeth. Some patients might require orthodontic treatment followed by cosmetic dentistry procedures such as composite bonding, for example, to close the remaining gaps and polish the final appearance. It’s worth having a consultation with an orthodontist or dentist before deciding on the right treatment for you, as they can help you come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include a range of different solutions to help you get the results you want.
Gaps between your teeth can affect your confidence and may make dental hygiene more difficult. The good news is that from orthodontics to cosmetic dentistry, there are a wide range of options to close gaps and transform your smile.