Options for Filling Tooth Gaps

Medically known as diastema, tooth gaps are one of the most common cosmetic dental issues patients struggle with. Whether your gap is genetic or you sucked your thumb as a child, our team at Dynamic Smile Design can use our expertise to accurately guide you to the best option for filling tooth gaps.

WHAT CAN CAUSE DIASTEMA?

Tooth gap can be caused by several factors, such as a poorly aligned dental arch and an oversized labial frenum, which are the tissues above the two front teeth. Thumb-sucking in early childhood can sometimes cause a gappy smile. Another possibility is bone loss from periodontal disease, missing teeth that allow existing teeth to spread out, or small teeth that are not proportionate to the jawbone.

WAYS TO FILL TOOTH GAPS

There are many ways to fill in tooth gaps, but Dr. Patel can provide you with guidance on which options fit you. Below are a few options.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are a great option to fill in tooth gaps. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made layers of material that are permanently bonded to the front of visible teeth. They reflect light similarly to natural tooth enamel, and they won’t irritate your gums. Because the material is so durable, they don’t chip and are stain-resistant. They’re a great way to improve your smile in a way that mimics your natural smile. Dr. Patel will design your veneers to suit your facial shape and coloring.

Dental Bonding

Using the same composite material our practice employs for tooth-colored fillings, dental bonding is another way to fill tooth gaps. Bonding is the process in which our filling material sticks to the teeth to close the space. This is a good option if your tooth gap is minimal. It’s very cost-effective and requires little to no prep work. Bonding also doesn’t require anesthesia.

This quick procedure can be done in one visit, without the need for molds or customized dental restorations. Dr. Patel will only need 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. The only disadvantage is dental bonding isn’t as strong as veneers and will only last typically from 5 to 10 years.

Invisalign

Invisalign treatment at our practice uses a series of virtually invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to align the teeth. They’re made using cutting edge 3D computer technology. This is an excellent option for those who want to see results without the hassle of braces. Since they’re removable and eat and drink whatever you want, you spend less time in our offices getting adjustments, and you don’t have any problems brushing or flossing teeth.

Dental Implants

This option is usually required when a tooth is very damaged and isn’t salvageable. Dr. Patel may recommend dental implants to replace a damaged or lost tooth or act as a support for a dental bridge or dentures to restore several missing teeth. There are many benefits to this option like preserving your remaining jawbone, reducing the risk of additional tooth loss, re-establish the support system a full row of teeth provide to each other and can last the rest of your lifetime.

Contact us at Dynamic Smile Design today to request an appointment, and we’ll discuss your options and help you decide on what best suits you and your beautiful smile!