Blog Post

3 Things You Can Do To Fill Your Gap-Tooth Smile

  • By Admin
  • 08 Jan, 2018
Kid on Dentist

Having a gap (also known as a "diastema") in your front teeth is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is the unique placement of your teeth something that you should particularly worry about. Still, you may not enjoy having a gap-toothed smile that is present every time you grin.

Gaps in between the front teeth are fairly common and are often caused by simple genetics and the way the mouth is shaped (a large jaw or enlarged labial frenum, often referred to as being "lip tied"). Many children who have gapped teeth when they are young have a small or non-existent space in their teeth when they hit adulthood due to permanent teeth pushing together and taking the open space.

If you don't enjoy the unique way your gap showcases your smile, then you can do something about the issue. Talk to your dentist about the following three procedures to see which one will work best to make your smile more to your liking.

Consider Braces

If the gap in your front teeth is caused by a labial frenum or simply having an enlarged jaw, getting braces to position your front teeth closer together is a good option for you. It can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to completely close the gap in your front teeth.

Depending on how severe the space is between your teeth and any other misaligned teeth you have in your mouth, your dentist may recommend traditional metal braces or lingual braces over the clear styles that resemble mouth guards. Speak to your dentist about the costs of different types of braces, how long you would be expected to wear them and what your results should be to make sure this procedure is best for your smile.

Consider Crowns

One reason your front teeth may have a gap in them is due to the size of your teeth. You may have inherited small teeth that don't quite fill your jaw, leading to the space in your teeth you don't enjoy today and a crown can give your teeth a larger appearance and help fill that space.

How a dental crown works is simple: a porcelain "crown" is placed over your front teeth and then shaped so your larger teeth better match the rest of your smile. The result is more "adult" like teeth and a nearlyfilled gap that you can be proud to show off when you smile. Crowns are especially beneficial if you want to repair the gap in your teeth right away.

Consider Veneers

Veneers are similar to crowns in the way they help to improve your smile. Your existing teeth are shaped with a special tool and porcelain veneers are added to the surface area to give your teeth the shape you desire.

Veneers are an excellent option for you if you are concerned about other areas of your front teeth, such as discoloration, uneven size to the rest of your teeth or chips and cracks. Your dentist will examine your tooth enamel to see if veneers are the right option for you.

There are many ways you can achieve a more uniform smile without the gap in your front teeth. While a gap is very normal and not a dental concern in most cases, it can cause you to feel self-conscious about your smile.

Your dentist can help you choose the right dental treatment plan that will work for your budget and desired results. For all your dental care needs, trust our team of specialists at Sparks Dental. We specialize in preventative and restorative dental care and are able to assist you in removing the gap in your teeth.​

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