In addition to affecting one’s aesthetics, problems with dental alignment can have long-term negative effects on one’s health. Fixing spaces between teeth can be a confusing process for both patients and parents. Depending on the severity, there are a number of excellent cosmetic dentistry treatment options accessible besides braces.
Closing the gaps, Know what Kind would be best for you
In order to avoid relapse, it is often necessary to eliminate the factors that cause the gap between teeth before beginning treatment; therefore, understanding the variables that cause the gap is vital before learning about the several treatment options that can close the gap.
Factors Responsible for Gaps Between Teeth
Genetics
Teeth with noticeable spaces in between them are known as gaps or diastemas. Most people use a diastema to fill the space between their front two upper teeth, which is the most frequent kind of gap in the mouth. This kind of genetic gap is present in almost half of all children younger than five, and it usually resolves on its own by the time a child is nine years old.
More Space in Jaws
Several factors, not limited to heredity, can contribute to the development of tooth gaps. Where less space in jaws creates crowding of teeth, the opposite of that, i.e., more space in jaws for teeth to move around, can be a reason for gaps between teeth.
Childhood Habits
Thumb sucking and the use of a dummy can also result in upper front tooth gaps.
Frenal Attachments
Connecting the bottom of the upper lip to the gum tissue between the two front teeth is the maxillary labial frenum, a narrow strip of tissue. The two front teeth may not be able to close together if this strip is excessively thick.
Treatment Options Available to Eliminate Gaps Between Teeth
Several therapies exist for the closure of dental gaps. When people have spaces between their teeth, orthodontic braces are the treatment of choice. Depending on the location and cause of the gap, other cosmetic treatments can be used to fill tiny gaps.
Implants
If you’ve lost a tooth and now have a gap between your teeth, your dentist may suggest getting dental implants. The spaces between our teeth provide an ideal breeding ground for germs, which can cause bone loss and even the movement of neighbouring teeth. When teeth fall out permanently, the best and longest-lasting option for filling the space is a dental implant.
Orthodontic Braces
One of the most prevalent orthodontic issues is a space between teeth. In complex circumstances, braces are thought to be the best option for resolving the issue of gaps and spaces. For mild to severe cases of misalignment, traditional orthodontic treatment can be helpful.
Invisalign
The Invisalign system uses computer-generated 3D images to gradually shift and reposition a patient’s teeth into place without the use of unsightly metal brackets and wires. To close spaces and realign the bite, clear aligners gently push the teeth into place. If you have a small space between your teeth, Invisalign treatments can close it just like traditional braces but without the metal.
You can also read: Orthodontic Braces and Invisalign Treatment Options
Bonding
When it comes to filling small spaces between front teeth and improving their overall appearance, dental bonding is your best bet. After your dentist prepares your teeth, he or she will fuse the teeth using a material that matches the colour of your teeth. Skillful application of tooth-colored composite resin fills the space between the front teeth. Patients suffering from crowding, crookedness, or misalignment of the teeth may benefit from dental bonding.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that mimic the shape of real teeth and are bonded to the surface of the teeth to fill in minor gaps and hide discoloration. With veneers, we can even out misaligned teeth and give you a beautifully formed smile in a single appointment.
Crowns
If a small tooth size is the cause of the space between your teeth, a porcelain crown can fill that space.
Conclusion
Your dentist will determine the best course of action for closing the space between your teeth after evaluating its size and severity. At Dr. Suryanarayanan Dental Clinic in Goregaon West, Mumbai, we prioritise both the health of our patients’ teeth and their smiles by addressing issues of aesthetics and bite stability simultaneously. Get in touch with us right now to set up a consultation if you’re ready to close that pesky space between your teeth.