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!

The post Top Treatment Options for Closing the Gap in Your Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Issues That Cause Diastema

Sometimes, the treatment of diastema will depend on the cause of the gap. Some potential causes are:

– Teeth are different sizes

– Misalignment of teeth

– Lost teeth

Treatment for Diastema

When a person has a gap between two teeth, there are three primary treatment options:

– Orthodontics

– Veneers

– Implants

What are the advantages of each option?

Orthodontics – Orthodontics generally involve the use of braces to bring the teeth back into proper alignment. This can close any gaps that are due to misalignment. Sometimes, a tooth needs to be removed to make room for maneuvering the rest into proper position. If a gap is not severe, an oral appliance like Invisalign may be sufficient to shift the teeth into place rather than a full set of braces.

Veneers – This is a quick fix when the diastema exists between the top front teeth. Cosmetic dentistry may be able to hide the gap by fitting the two teeth with veneers. While the teeth are shaved down to have the veneer fitted, it still adds a little bulk and covers the gap. Since these veneers are bonded to the outside of the tooth, this is a permanent procedure. The type of veneer you will need depends on the location of the tooth. Porcelain veneers are often ideal for the front teeth.

Implants – This is a particularly beneficial means of correcting diastema caused by a missing tooth or teeth. Gaps can be filled with implants that, if properly cared for, can last a person for the rest of their life. Implants also allow for normal chewing and are matched to the rest of the teeth in color and shape to provide the most natural appearance.

What Is a Frenectomy?

Sometimes a person is born with too much tissue between their front teeth, and this causes the gap. A frenectomy involves removing the excess tissue. A child who receives a frenectomy may find that the gap between front teeth closes on its own as the child grows. Teens and adults will usually also need braces after the frenectomy to finish closing the gap.

Your dentist will perform an examination to determine the cause of your diastema and then will be in the best position to recommend treatment.

The post Diastema: Fixing the Gap in Your Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Are You a Good Candidate?

Good candidates for dental veneers have healthy mouths. This means being free of gum disease and tooth decay. You’ll also need to have enough enamel on your tooth for the process, as your dentist will need to remove some of the enamel and roughen the surface of your tooth in order for the veneer to attach properly to it. If you already have issues with tooth enamel or tooth sensitivity, you may not be a good candidate for dental veneers for your gaps. People who grind their teeth are also not ideal candidates as grinding can damage the veneers over time, so you may want to consider alternative options if you grind your teeth.

Porcelain Is Better

While resin composite is moderately cheaper, porcelain will hold up better in the long run for your dental veneers for your gaps. Porcelain is stain resistant and also less resistant to chipping and cracking. Porcelain can be an excellent choice for your gaps and gives you the most natural appearance by accurately mimicking the shine and color of your natural teeth. Your gums will also handle the porcelain
well, which is important since it’ll be adhered permanently to your tooth. The color cannot be altered once attached though, so if you plan on getting your teeth whitened, it’ll be best to do it before the dental veneer process begins.

Long Lasting Beautiful Teeth

Veneers are a great option for your gapped teeth and can even cover other imperfections such as chips in your teeth. Since porcelain is stain resistant, you won’t have to worry about discoloration or unnatural looking teeth after you get your veneers. They are resistant to scratches and chips as well so they’ll hold up very well over time. Since veneers so accurately mimic your real teeth, it’s important to remember that you’ll need to take care of veneers just like real teeth though, so your brushing and flossing habits will need to continue just as they would without the veneers.

Dental veneers can be an excellent choice for some people who wish to conceal the gaps in their teeth. Consider these things and schedule a consultation with your dentist. Dental veneers are custom made for your mouth, so consider these “shells” to mimic your natural teeth and beautify your smile!

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