Whether you have a natural gap in your teeth or you have a gap from a missing tooth, gaps can be unsightly and embarrassing for many people. Fortunately, you have several cosmetic dentistry options to help improve the appearance of the gap in your smile. The first step is talking with your dentist about what options would be best for your unique smile! So what are some of the best options for gapped teeth?
Veneers
Veneers are an excellent long-term solution for gaps in your teeth. You have the option of getting either partial veneers or full veneers. Full veneers would cover your entire smile, while a partial veneer would only cover the gap in your teeth. Partial veneers are typically more popular as they cover a small area of your teeth and allow your natural smile to remain radiant! Veneers are extremely sturdy and can withstand the everyday wear-and- tear that your teeth experience. Porcelain or ceramic veneers are excellent cosmetic dentistry options for larger gaps in your teeth.
Dental Bonding
Also known as teeth bonding or composite bonding, this option is usually the most cost-friendly of your cosmetic dentistry options for gapped teeth. This treatment lasts between five and ten years and allows your dentist to use composite resin to help improve the appearance of the gap in your smile. Your dentist will use the resin, which seamlessly matches the natural color of your teeth, to essentially fill in the gap and make your smile appear smooth and beautiful! The resin will be applied to the teeth on either side of the gap to help close the space. This type of treatment is typically used for smaller gaps.
Invisalign Orthodontics
If you’d like to close a gap in your teeth via orthodontics, Invisalign can be a great option for you. Invisalign is different from traditional braces because people can’t see that you’re straightening your teeth or closing the gap in your smile. Invisalign uses custom-fitting clear trays that slowly and precisely move your teeth into place. This option can help close the gap in your beautiful smile and make your treatment virtually invisible! Talk with your dentist or orthodontist if you’re a candidate for Invisalign to fix the gap in your smile.
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges can also be effective options for gaps in your smile. A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth that is effectively anchored to the teeth on either side of your gap, therefore effectively filling in the gap with a tooth that looks just like your other natural teeth. This option is best for people who are missing a tooth that’s creating the gap, as it can help prevent the shifting that often happens when your smile has missing teeth.
Gapped teeth can hurt more than just your self-confidence— missing teeth can cause shifting, and natural gaps can be difficult to clean, hurt your self-esteem, and lead to you avoid smiling and showing your beautiful natural teeth. Talk to your dentist about which cosmetic dentistry options for gapped teeth you qualify for— you’ll be amazed and pleasantly surprised with the results!
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