Small gaps between your teeth, called diastemas, are quite common. Many people have a gap between their upper front teeth, but these spaces can occur anywhere in the mouth.
Some people don’t mind having gaps between their teeth and can feel that these spaces express their individuality. Others might prefer to close or minimize them, and several options could help.
Potential Solutions for Closing or Minimizing Spaces Between Teeth
Two quick and easy solutions for closing or reducing the size of small to moderate gaps between teeth are:
- Dental bonding.
- Porcelain veneers.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding in Newcastle is an inexpensive and quick way to reduce the size of or fill in small gaps between teeth. The process uses tooth-coloured composite resin that is applied directly to tooth surfaces.
Once all the resin is in place, our Clarington dentist will harden it with light, and when it is fully cured, it is carefully shaped and polished. Generally, this treatment can be completed in a single visit, and the procedure is very conservative as little or no tooth preparation is needed.
Dental bonding can last for several years, as this material is relatively durable. Eventually, it will need replacing, and it can become stained, especially if you smoke or drink a lot of tea, coffee, or red wine.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers in Courtice are a long-lasting solution. A porcelain veneer covers the entire front surface of a tooth and is made outside of the mouth rather than using material applied directly to the tooth surface. Once the veneer is ready, it is permanently bonded to the tooth.
With the right care, a veneer can last for 10 years or longer. At West Bowmanville Family Dental, we frequently use porcelain veneers during smile makeovers, as they can create a more aesthetically pleasing tooth shape and close or minimize gaps between teeth. Well-designed veneers can also create a more beautiful and balanced smile.
However, porcelain veneers are generally irreversible since we may need to remove some tooth enamel. It’s often necessary to slightly reshape the front surface of a tooth to accommodate the veneer’s thickness and ensure it doesn’t feel too large or bulky or look unnatural.
Closing Larger Gaps between Teeth
If you have larger spaces between your teeth or teeth that are significantly crooked, you may want to consider Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is an orthodontic system that uses clear aligner trays to gently but firmly reposition teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks before you move on to wearing the next set in the series.
These aligner trays are virtually invisible once in the mouth, and because they are removable, they have minimal impact on everyday life. You can still eat and drink whatever you wish as you remove the aligner trays during meals and when drinking anything other than water. You can also brush and floss your teeth as usual, although you will need to clean the aligner trays regularly.
Invisalign treatment will take longer to complete than dental bonding or veneers, but the results can last longer, provided you wear retainers afterward. Correcting significantly misaligned teeth can also improve oral health, as gaps between teeth can trap food and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Combining More Than One Treatment
Sometimes the best results can be achieved by combining Invisalign with dental bonding or porcelain veneers. For example, if you have especially large gaps between your teeth, Invisalign can help minimize them. Dental bonding or porcelain veneers can then be applied to perfect your smile further.
