In terms of aesthetics, gapped teeth are actually becoming a trend of sorts. Some are even going so far as to have a diastema (gap between teeth) created where it didn’t exist before. For some, a gap in your teeth can cause pressure on neighbouring teeth that affects your bite, though this is not always the case.
Still, while the functional limitations of a diastema are minor in most cases, the fact remains that it is an irregularity that most would prefer to avoid.
Given that it is primarily cosmetic, choosing to fix gaps in teeth is a personal choice, and one that we respect sincerely.
Treatments for Gapped Teeth
There are a number of options available to resolve a gap between teeth, each of which is suited to your particular situation. Our goal is to find the option that is right for you.
The cost of these dental options range, though in most cases there is an inexpensive solution that can correct the diastema quickly. Further, the right option for you depends on the cause of your diastema.
Factors for treating gapped teeth include:
- Size of teeth and jawbone
- Overgrowth of tissue
- Enlarged labial frenum
- Gum disease
- Thumb-sucking
Correcting a Tooth Gap with Invisalign
This is often the best choice, as it corrects the gap while keeping your teeth properly aligned. A diastema relates to the bone structure of your smile, so Invisalign braces work by correcting the tooth alignment and shifting the roots of your teeth to fit.
While it may cause sensitivity, it is typically minor with little pain involved. Invisalign is done progressively with a series of clear retainers fitted to move your teeth in steps. Since it is a removable retainer, you never have to worry about food getting caught or avoiding certain foods.
Dental Implants to Fix a Gap Between Teeth
If your diastema is a full tooth wide, then an implant can be placed to fill the gapped teeth. In this procedure, a false tooth is crafted to match the surrounding teeth to look as natural as possible. An artificial root made of titanium is placed into the jawbone, similar to how an actual tooth root works.
Overall, it is a painless procedure that may have some discomfort over the next week as your mouth becomes accustomed to its new tooth.
A dental implant is ideal for resolving a larger gap between teeth since it is a long-term solution that replicates the functionality and feeling of having a real tooth.
Veneers and Crowns to Fix Gaps in Teeth
A mostly cosmetic option, veneers and crowns are created to fill the space between your teeth. These are specially made to match your smile and the teeth surrounding the diastema, ensuring that your smile is as bright, full, and natural as ever.
A crown is essentially a cap that covers the tooth, changing its shape and appearance. Veneers are a “false front” for a tooth, useful for smaller cases that do not require an increase of size on the rear of the tooth.
Crowns cup and encase the whole tooth, whereas veneers are bonded to the front side alone.
Teeth Bands for Tooth Gaps
Teeth-effect bands are simply special rubber bands that you wear over night to pull two teeth together.
These are not a great option for a few reasons:
- Neighbouring straight teeth can be pulled out of alignment
- Teeth may move at different paces, causing your smile to asymmetrical
- Teeth bands can cause unnecessary pain
For patients that want a quick fix for a minor tooth gap, Invisalign braces are great for pulling teeth together while keeping the rest of your teeth in line.
Maintaining your Teeth After Fixing a Gap
If your tooth gap was caused by gum disease or tissue overgrowth, then keeping your mouth healthy is essential. We can help through regular checkups that will monitor for any issues returning and maintaining the overall health of your mouth.
When childhood issues such as thumb-sucking or an enlarged labial frenum are to blame, then there is little special upkeep needed. Since enlarged labial frenum’s are often corrected during infancy, it will not require any additional steps once the teeth are moved into place.
Costs vary between procedures, but insurance will cover a substantial portion in most cases. We can help with deciding what your options are and how to fix the problem now and into the future. At Kaizen Dental, our motto is continual improvement, and so we will help you to do just that.