Do you have a gap between your two front teeth that you would prefer to close or minimize? It’s a common issue, and this gap is called a diastema. Some people embrace this gap, feel it is part of their personality, and love it because it demonstrates their individuality. Others aren’t so keen and would love to close it. If this sounds familiar, several options can fix a diastema in Newcastle. The best way to find out possible treatments that could suit you is to come and see us at West Bowmanville Family Dental.
You can also have gaps between other teeth that may make you feel a bit self-conscious, even though your teeth are generally strong, healthy and well cared for.
Is It Necessary to Close Gaps Between Teeth?
If the gap is just between your front teeth or you have gaps between other front teeth, then these are probably easy to keep clean. However, other gaps between teeth can affect oral hygiene, acting as food traps and increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Sometimes gaps between teeth may result from a misaligned bite, which can mean that biting and chewing food is more uncomfortable. Our dentist in Clarington can always discuss any concerns you may have about spaces between your teeth during your next visit.
How Can These Gaps Be Fixed?
There are three easy ways to close or minimize gaps between teeth. Sometimes when a gap is particularly large, it may not be possible to close it entirely, but it should be feasible to reduce its size.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the easiest and most cost-effective way to reduce or close gaps between teeth, and treatment is also very quick. During this treatment, tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to your teeth, reducing or closing the gap while ensuring your teeth look natural. The resin will blend in beautifully with your natural tooth colour, and this material is relatively hardwearing. One drawback with dental bonding is that the material can stain over time, so you may need to replace your dental bonding after a few years.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells, custom fabricated to fit over the tooth’s front surface, and can be a good choice for closing or minimizing a gap. The veneer is bonded onto the tooth where it should look and feel very natural. Porcelain veneers are often used during smile makeovers so the results can look fabulous. A veneer will last longer than dental bonding but will cost a bit more.
Invisalign
Sometimes adult orthodontics can be a better choice, especially if your teeth are misaligned. Invisalign is a clear aligner system that can gently and precisely move teeth into the correct positions, helping to close gaps between teeth. The system is very easy to use, as you simply need to wear your custom-created aligner trays for two weeks before discarding that set and moving on to the next set in the series. Treatment can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to complete, depending on the tooth movements required to straighten your smile in Courtice. While treatment takes longer to complete compared with dental bonding and porcelain veneers, the results can be worth it, particularly if there is a chance it could improve your oral health and your smile. If any small gaps or imperfections remain after the completion of treatment, dental bonding or porcelain veneers are another option to help close them completely.
