Many adults have a gap or two between teeth. Missing teeth, thumb sucking as a child, an oversized labial frenum, periodontal disease or crooked teeth are a few of the culprits that can create gapped teeth.
The main concern with gapped teeth is oral hygiene. Gaps create places for food to lodge between the teeth, which can lead to cavities and other problems. A simple solution is to always floss after eating.
Other concerns are less about the gap and more about understanding why the gap exists. If the gap exists due to missing teeth that have been ignored and not corrected, then a shift has occurred in the mouth. This needs to be addressed to keep more teeth from shifting.
There are a number of ways to correct gapped teeth:
Gaps can occur due to crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. Braces or retainers can help straighten the teeth and close the gap over time. However, just because there is a gap, that does not mean that braces or a retainer is necessary. Small gaps that are not accompanied by crooked teeth or overcrowding can be corrected in other ways.
The quickest and least expensive treatment to correct gapped teeth is dental bonding. A resin is applied to both teeth and cured with a special light. The cured resin is then polished and smoothed to look natural. This process camouflages the gaps temporarily. It can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.
A simple solution for small gaps is veneers. These are thin covers that are custom made for the front of teeth. After removing a small layer of enamel from the tooth, the veneer is cemented over the tooth. Veneers offer a solution for teeth that are already straight and the bite fully in alignment. Veneers are a long lasting but permanent decision due to the removal of enamel.
If gaps are caused by missing teeth, then the best course of action is to replace the missing teeth. Dental implants give the strongest bite and support for artificial teeth. It also protects against bone loss and stimulates bone growth, keeping the teeth from further shifting. This process can take months to complete but provides a strong supportive bite that looks and feels natural.
Everyone’s mouth is different, but if having gapped teeth does not line up with your idea of the perfect smile, it is time to speak with your dentist. There are various dental treatments, from veneers to implants and braces, that can be considered to correct your smile.
Perhaps the gap is cosmetic or caused by an underlying issue. Whatever the reason, if you are unhappy with gapped teeth, know that they can be corrected. Find out which option is best for you.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sacramentosleepdentist.com or call Dental Excellence of Greenhaven at (916) 293-0504 for an appointment in our Sacramento office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Dental offices have adopted PPC per CDC guidance for their dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists. They continue to take up newer and more enhanced measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Most health organizations are adjusting their daily operations to meet the challenges of the novel coronavirus and the resultant social distancing. Dentists are now:…
A dental filling offers an effective way of fixing a damaged tooth. Fillings can be used to restore teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. Dental fillings are also ideal treatment options for many other dental problems like broken teeth. Your dentist can determine if a dental filling can address any dental issue you…
Dentists can use either a filling or a dental inlay to treat a cavity. Catching dental caries early and completing the proper treatment is a key component of oral healthcare. Treating cavities while they are small can prevent serious dental problems down the road. So what is the difference between a filling and an inlay?…
Invisalign is one of the options the dentist will suggest if you need to straighten your teeth. The procedure comprises aligner trays and has been used by millions of patients to achieve optimal functionality and aesthetics of the teeth. Invisalign are more comfortable to use and are also more discreet. But just how discreet and…
Dental offices have adopted PPC per CDC guidance for their dentists, dental assistants and dental hygienists. They continue to take up newer and more enhanced measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Most health organizations are adjusting their daily operations to meet the challenges of the novel coronavirus and the resultant social distancing. Dentists are now:…
A dental filling offers an effective way of fixing a damaged tooth. Fillings can be used to restore teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. Dental fillings are also ideal treatment options for many other dental problems like broken teeth. Your dentist can determine if a dental filling can address any dental issue you…