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.
Are you thinking about some cosmetic dental work? There are some common interventions your dentist can apply to give you the help you are looking for. You probably know some of the treatments dentists can use to address concerns and troubling conditions in your mouth. Before an appointment with your dentist, it can be helpful…
A diagnosis of receding gums can be confusing and worrying to many dental patients. Officially known as gingival recession, this situation is usually identified by sensitivity in the teeth, exposed tooth roots and a loose feeling in a tooth or multiple teeth. Sometimes, the gums may bleed regularly or appear swollen and red in color.…
Wondering how important tooth extraction recovery is after having one or more teeth extracted from your mouth? Recovery is an essential part of successful extraction. Whether you already know that you need to have a tooth extracted or you simply think you do, understanding what is involved throughout the entire process is necessary. Preparing for…
The chances are good that you have heard of implant supported dentures. Whether from a television commercial or someone you know who has them, you want to learn more. While dentists still fit people with regular dentures, the implanted version is far more beneficial. Discover what these are and what makes them a great restorative…
Are you thinking about some cosmetic dental work? There are some common interventions your dentist can apply to give you the help you are looking for. You probably know some of the treatments dentists can use to address concerns and troubling conditions in your mouth. Before an appointment with your dentist, it can be helpful…
A diagnosis of receding gums can be confusing and worrying to many dental patients. Officially known as gingival recession, this situation is usually identified by sensitivity in the teeth, exposed tooth roots and a loose feeling in a tooth or multiple teeth. Sometimes, the gums may bleed regularly or appear swollen and red in color.…