Gaps between the teeth can occur for a number of reasons. One reason is due to the fact that your teeth may be too small for your jawbone. Another possibility is that there is an overgrowth of gum tissue between the teeth. While some gaps may be harmless in terms of your oral health, they can negatively affect your self-esteem. Therefore, if you are bothered by having gaps between your teeth, you may want to consider cosmetic dental treatment.
There are a variety of cosmetic dental treatments that can be used to eliminate the gaps between your teeth to give you a flawless smile. Here are some of the top cosmetic treatments for gapped teeth:
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that bonds composite resin to the surface of the teeth in order to fill in a gap. Composite resin is a dental material that can easily be customized to match the color of the tooth. It can also be shaped to blend with the surrounding teeth. Dental bonding is an ideal option for filling in small gaps between teeth. This option is highly affordable, however it only lasts for about 5-7 years.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are commonly used to eliminate gaps between the teeth, but can also be used to correct teeth that are stained, damaged, or oddly shaped. They are thin shells made of composite resin or porcelain that fit over the front side of visible teeth. To place veneers, your dentist will first need to reduce the amount of enamel on the tooth so that the veneer will fit. Because of this, veneers cannot be reversed. However, porcelain veneers can last around 10-15 years before needing to be replaced.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are caps shaped like teeth that are designed to fit over the entire visible portion of your tooth. They resemble a hollow tooth and are custom-fabricated to match the surrounding teeth. Like veneers, dental crowns can improve many cosmetic concerns instead of just fixing the gap. Unlike veneers, however, dental crowns require more modification to the natural tooth since they fit over more than just the front surface. Crowns can also be placed in the front and back of the mouth, while veneers are primarily used in the front. Dental crowns have an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
Invisalign
One of the final options for eliminating gaps between the teeth is to have orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. Orthodontic treatment uses gradual and constant pressure to gently move teeth into more optimal positions. By wearing your clear aligner about 22 hours a day, it is very likely that you will finish treatment within a year or a year and a half. Although this method is by far the most time consuming, it also has the longest lasting results and should only need to be performed once to be successful.
As you can see, there are a few different options all aimed at eliminating the gaps between your teeth. Some of these options close gaps by covering them, while others actually change the position of your teeth. Ultimately, it is you and your dentist who will need to make a decision about the best cosmetic dental treatment for eliminating gaps between your teeth.
Dr. Martin is a highly skilled dentist of 16 years, and a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry. During this time, he has placed over 500 implants and maintains his skills by taking more CE courses than required by the State Board each year.