Gaps in the teeth occur in one of three ways: there’s unusual spacing between your teeth, you have unusually small teeth, or you have missing teeth. Filling in unsightly gaps in your teeth can make a dramatic difference to your overall appearance and confidence. There are different techniques to correct this problem, including getting braces to move your teeth to the right places and close the gap.
Other ways to correct gaps in your teeth include porcelain veneers or composite bonding. Contrary to what other people think, it’s never too late to get corrective orthodontic work done. There has been an increasing number of adults and teenagers who choose to get the treatment not only for aesthetic purposes, but so that their teeth can be aligned properly. When teeth are aligned, it makes for easier brushing and flossing – ensuring that it’s an easier task to keep your teeth healthy.
Aside from the help orthodontics can give, teeth gaps can be corrected using restorative techniques like composite bonding, crowns or porcelain veneers. If the gap is larger and includes missing teeth, dental implants or bridgework is the answer. We can help by thoroughly discussing the processes behind each technique and ultimately, we can recommend the best course of action according to the extent, cause, size and location of your gap. If, for example, the gaps in your teeth are caused by missing teeth, we would highly recommend dental implants or bridgework as the one of the best options to bring back your sunny, confident smile.
Other Options
Orthodontic treatment is also used to reposition teeth that have become crooked or overcrowded, and it’s used to close gaps between the teeth and to correct bite disorders. So if you find that you’ve become extremely self-conscious about gaps between your teeth, we can fix it, for a price.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are made out of thin pieces of porcelain, typically used to recreate teeth that look natural, while being strong and having more resilience compared to the natural enamel on the tooth. This is the material of choice if you need slight position alterations, so the bigger the gap, the more veneers will have to be used.
With this choice for filling in the gaps of your teeth, dentists can help structure the perfect smile that suits your face using computer imaging. It’s even possible to have an exclusive “smile catalog”, so you can choose that new smile with ease. When you’re happy with your choice, a dental laboratory can produce a wax mockup so that you can physically see and touch how your future smile will look like – this is being a very important step in the process.
Dental Bonding
Meanwhile, dental bonding is a type of cosmetic dentistry procedure where resins and composites are used to close gaps and spaces, and it is possible to alter the shape and color of your teeth. If you have any chips and cracks in your teeth, this is a quick and permanent solution.
Dental bonding is ideal if you have small gaps, or you would like an alternative to porcelain veneers. Dental bonding is also used as filling for small cavities, as it’s more appealing than silver fillings.
Dental Bonding Procedure
For dental bonding, first a gentle phosphoric acid is applied to the surface of your teeth, making the edges rough so that the bonding material stays still. Afterwards, a soft bonding material akin to putty is placed onto the tooth’s surface, then it’s shaped and sculpted. Afterwards, a special light will be used to help the material set and harden. Finally, the whole composite is buffed and polished for a sleek, smooth finish.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding
While less expensive than veneers, the drawback for dental bonding is that the bonding material can become stained over time, unlike crowns and veneers. So if you’re partial to drinking coffee, tea or red wine, it can stain the material used for dental bonding. You can minimize the staining by avoiding these drinks for up to 48 hours immediately after the procedure is performed. If you’re a smoker however, it’s wiser to choose another cosmetic dentistry treatment, because the porous bonding material will just turn yellow from exposure to cigarette smoke.
The material used in dental bonding isn’t as long-lasting as porcelain veneers and crowns, and can easily chip. If properly cared for though, dental bonding can last anywhere between three to seven years.
Cosmetic Dentistry and You
Whichever procedure you choose, you can be sure that your perfect smile is just hours away with the aid of cosmetic dentistry. It’s become a popular choice for people who want to reclaim their self-confidence each time they speak to other people, or when they look at their own smile in the mornings. It’s entirely possible to achieve that perfect smile you’ve always wanted, and make those gaps in your teeth disappear for good. The more complex the procedure, the more expensive it usually is. However, it’s always worth it to see the results, and to feel the long-term benefits of having these procedures done. So if you’re eager to embrace a brand-new, even better you, the cosmetic dentists are waiting. With these highly-trained professionals on your side, not even the widest of gaps can stop you from getting that perfect smile you’ve always wanted.
