Ways to Fix Front Tooth Gaps
While some accept this dental imperfection more than others, a gap between the two front teeth can be a source of concern or embarrassment for many patients. Contrary to what you may think, however, unsightly spaces don’t always require orthodontic treatment. If you have a front tooth gap and want to avoid metal braces, we invite you to discover the following menu of treatments.
How your dentist chooses to close your front tooth gap is largely based on what has caused the spacing as well as how large the space is.
Causes of Gapped Teeth
Gapped teeth, also known as diastemas, are one of the most common dental issues. A gap between the front upper teeth can be a result of the following:
- Disproportionately sized teeth
- Oversized labial frenum
- Thumb sucking as a child
- Gum disease
- Genetics
- Regressed alignment after childhood orthodontics
- Missing teeth
Easy Ways to Correct Gapped Teeth
You’ll be happy to know that most cases of gapped front teeth can be corrected with simple treatments in cosmetic dentistry, such as:
Cosmetic Bonding – the quickest and most cost-effective solution that involves building up the inner width of the teeth with tooth-colored composite resin. Bonding is ideal for small gaps.
Porcelain Veneers – another popular way to fix a gap in the teeth that is accomplished by bonding wafer-thin shells of porcelain to the front surfaces of the two front teeth. When made slightly wider than your natural teeth, the veneers can instantly cover up unsightly gaps!
For larger gaps that can’t be fixed with bonding or veneers, your dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment or even a dental implant. At Laguna West Dental, we invite you to book a consult with us to learn your options about closing in an embarrassing front tooth gap. Your smile is too valuable to hide!