A gap between two teeth in your smile is technically known as diastema. This gap could happen
between your two front teeth or between any of your other teeth. You might also have a
missing tooth that causes a gap you’d like to close.
When it comes to your treatment for closing the gap in your smile, you have options. How can
you safely and effectively get rid of the gap while having a healthy smile?
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding consists of a composite resin material that’s used to make the gap in your teeth
disappear. It’s designed to be the same color as your teeth, so a skilled dentist should be able to
make it look just like a natural part of your smile.
Here’s how it works: composite resin is bonded to the sides of the teeth that are closest to the
gap. Through extending the surface area of each tooth, your dentist is able to close the gap.
Dental bonding is the best choice for gaps that are smaller in size, so talk with your dentist
about whether or not dental bonding is right for you.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are another option for hiding the gap in your teeth. This material is stronger
than dental bonding and will last longer, as it consists of a thin shell permanently bonded over
your teeth. Veneers also tend to be resistant to staining and are considered to be sturdy and
enduring to replace your gap and restore your smile.
Porcelain veneers may be your best option if your gap is too wide for dental bonding to fix. Your
dentist can help you determine if the veneers can just be applied to your two teeth that need
the gap repaired, or if your veneers will need to extend farther than that to ensure your smile
looks natural and everything matches.
Braces
If you want to fix the gap in your teeth by sidestepping cosmetic options, you can physically
close the gap through orthodontic treatment. You may have the option of choosing either
braces, Invisalign, or getting a retainer to help push the teeth together.
Orthodontics will permanently fix the gap in your tooth and can help you have a natural,
beautiful smile for life with the right treatment plan. Your dentist should be able to refer you to
an orthodontist for an evaluation on what treatment might be able to help you!
Implants
If you’re missing a tooth and want to replace it, a dental implant may be your best alternative.
This will not only be a permanent solution to your missing tooth, but help retain jawbone and
hold the place in your smile where your natural tooth would have been.
Dental implants are more secure than partial dentures and will function as a permanent
replacement for your natural tooth—but no one will be able to tell the difference between the
implant and your other teeth!
Do you have a gap in your teeth that’d you’d like to close? Schedule a consultation with your
dentist to talk about your treatment options. You can effectively hide your gap and make your
smile look as beautiful as you imagine it to be!
