How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Close The Gaps Between Your Teeth

Provided the placement of your teeth is acceptably symmetrical and that they're all protruding from your gums at the correct angle (and aren't crooked), large gaps between your teeth aren't a clinical problem that affects your dental health. But whether they should be considered a cosmetic problem is really up to you. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has a number of solutions if you want to close the gaps between your teeth.

Orthodontic Treatment 

You should dismiss the more intensive options, such as braces. Although traditional braces (or aligner-style invisible braces) will achieve results, they're reserved for clinical orthodontic problems when the very positions of the teeth must be shifted in order to straighten teeth or realign the upper and lower jaws. You don't need to commit to something quite as time-consuming or costly, since your objective is only to improve the appearance of your smile.

Laminate or Ceramic Veneers

Veneers are a reliable choice when it comes to improving your smile. These can either be laminate (resin) or ceramic. They involve a dentist removing a small layer of the tooth's enamel from its mesial surface, which is its outward-facing side. This reduces the tooth's wideness by the same width as the veneer, which is ultra-thin. The veneer resembles the tooth it will be attached to, but in your case, there will be a notable difference.

Horizontal Span

The horizontal span of the veneer will be wider than the tooth it's attached to. It will essentially overhang the tooth on each side, thus concealing the excessive gaps between your teeth. This is a simple yet surprisingly efficient way to correct your problem, but the downside to veneers is that they're permanent. Once some of its natural enamel has been removed, a tooth will always need the protection of a veneer (or comparable restoration). Without this added protection, the tooth will simply be too vulnerable to decay (and will be uncomfortably sensitive). Though effective, veneers are a permanent choice. 

Tooth Bonding

Instead of veneers attached to your teeth, a cosmetic dentist can bond a new surface right onto your teeth. Dental bonding is just the application of tooth-colored resin (the exact stuff used to fill cavities). It's applied to the relevant teeth, and similarly to a veneer, is applied in a way that extends beyond the existing mesial surface and overhangs the gaps between your teeth. Bonding is less expensive than veneers and doesn't require the removal of surface enamel. However, it's susceptible to discoloration, so appropriate caution must be taken.

Those gaps between your teeth don't require intensive orthodontic treatment, and when the issue is only cosmetic, you'll find that these gaps can be closed with very little effort.

Contact a local cosmetic dentist to learn more.

About Me

Helping You Understand Your Mouth

As a young child, I was petrified of the dentist. Dental fears are common, and I found that the more I learned about the teeth and gums, the less afraid I felt making my dental appointments. The teeth and gums are simply a part of your body that need extra special care, and I want you to know there is nothing to be afraid of. I started this blog to inform others about the basic facts about the teeth, so your dentist can be seen as a helpful professional who wants to encourage oral health. After all, we only have one set of adult teeth for our entire lives. Knowledge is power, so read through some of the information so you can make it through your dental appointments as a calm and informed patient.

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