19 Nov How to Fix a Gap in the Teeth
A small gap between the two front teeth can sometimes appear as a sweet quirk to a beautiful smile. But gapped teeth aren’t always cute or welcome. Sometimes the gaps are too big, oddly placed, or just not aesthetically pleasing. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology have given us a range of different solutions for gapped teeth. The fix can be simple or more complex, depending on the cause, location, and severity of the gap. Here’s what you need to know about how to fix a gap in the teeth.
How to fix a gap in the teeth
Gapped teeth can be cute and quirky, but in some cases, they are problematic and can even lead to speech problems, dental crowding or overlap, misalignment, and bite problems. For some, a gap in the teeth may also cause problems with confidence and self-esteem. If you’re looking for a solution for your gapped teeth, here’s an overview of the best options:
- Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer thin porcelain shells that cover the surface of teeth to correct minor imperfections, such as stains, chips, and small gaps. For closing gaps, the customized veneers are made just slightly larger than each of the two adjacent teeth, so that when the veneers are placed on the teeth, the gap closes.
- Dental bonding
Dental bonding involves a tooth-colored composite resin material applied to the tooth and cured with a UV light. Similar to veneers, dental bonding is used to correct minor cosmetic imperfections, including small gaps. The material is placed directly on the tooth to fill the gap and then shaped, cured, and polished for a natural appearance.
- Invisalign
When gaps between teeth are too large for dental veneers or dental bonding, Invisalign San Diego provides a good solution. The custom-designed clear aligner trays are worn for 20-22 hours per day, taken out only to eat or clean the teeth. Every two weeks, the old tray is swapped for a new one, and over time, the teeth are gradually shifted and the gap closed.
- Braces
Traditional braces use wires and brackets to close the gap. While they are typically less discreet than Invisalign, traditional braces can correct more severe gaps and more complex alignment problems associated with gapped teeth.
- Dental bridge
When the gaps are caused by missing teeth, there are a few different tooth replacement options available for closing the gap. Dental bridges are among the most popular. A dental bridge consists of an artificial tooth supported by two crowns on the teeth adjacent to the gap. The bridge doesn’t just fill the gap; it also helps keep the remaining teeth from shifting out of alignment.
- Dental implant
Dental implants are the best tooth replacement option for filling a gap left by a missing tooth. The prosthetic tooth is affixed to a titanium implant that is surgically inserted into the jawbone. Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants replace not only the crown of the tooth, but also the root, making it the best option for preventing jawbone deterioration.
Still not sure which gapped tooth solution is best for you? Don’t worry. You don’t need to know before you come see us. We’re here to help! At University Dental, we’ll examine your teeth, evaluate your oral health, and help you find the solution that works best for you.
Come in and let us give you something to smile about | University Dental
Whether your gapped teeth are causing feelings of self-consciousness when you smile, or you have bite problems or other complications from the gaps in your teeth, we can help. At University Dental in San Diego, we offer dental veneers, dental bonding, invisalign, braces, dental bridges, dental implants, and a whole range of other services designed to improve your oral health and give you something to smile about. Give us a call at (619) 582-4224 to schedule a consultation today.