Do you have a gap between your two front teeth that you aren’t comfortable with? If so, you aren’t the only one. Numerous people face the same situation and feel similar insecurities about it. The good news is that you don’t have to settle for a smile you aren’t proud to show off. With cosmetic dentistry, you can upgrade your grin and improve your oral health simultaneously. Read on to learn how gaps in your teeth can occur and the treatments that can beautify your pearly whites.
What Causes Gapped Front Teeth?
In most instances, the space between a person’s two front teeth will begin to close whenever the permanent ones replace the baby ones. That said, this doesn’t always occur for everyone. Should your gap be wider than 0.5 millimeters, you may have what’s known as diastema, which can raise your risk of dental issues like decay and infection. This condition can develop due to factors like:
- Thumb sucking or tongue thrusting
- Teeth that are missing or smaller than average
- Oversized band of tissue that extends from under the inside of your upper lip to the gums above your front teeth
- Teeth that are small for your jawbone
- Tooth migration due to missing teeth or advanced gum disease
Treatments for Fixing Gapped Teeth
Remember that no two smiles will be the same, so your situation will require personalized treatment. By visiting your dentist, they can evaluate your smile and determine which services are best for addressing your teeth. Some of the cosmetic treatments that can fix diastema include:
- Cosmetic Bonding: This minimally invasive method uses composite resin to alter the shape, size, and color of your teeth so the results can perfectly match the rest of your smile. Your dentist can mold the material to effectively close the gap, and the results can last around 10 years before needing a touchup.
- Veneers: Similar to cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers can be placed in front of your affected teeth to improve their size, shape, color, and spacing. This method involves removing a small amount of enamel to make room for the super-thin layers. After just two visits, you’ll be free to enjoy your dream smile for 15+ years with proper care.
- Invisalign: If you want a more permanent solution for closing the gap between your teeth, clear aligners may be right for you. You’ll wear a series of custom trays to gradually straighten your smile over 12-18 months. Once you’ve finished the process, you’ll simply need to wear retainers as instructed to maintain the new position of your teeth.
By undergoing cosmetic dentistry, you’ll be able to easily close a gap between your two front teeth. Speak with your dentist, and they’ll be happy to discuss your best options!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck has always had a passion for providing high-quality and life-changing dental care for his patients. He continues to expand his skills through advanced training and is a member of various professional organizations, including the American Orthodontic Society, the Spear Education Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He also offers multiple cosmetic dental services such as veneers, dental bonding, and Invisalign. If you’d like to schedule an appointment to improve your smile, visit his website or call him at 614-792-1800.