Gaps in front teeth are one of the most common dental concerns. They can be damaging to self-esteem and compromise overall oral health. However, there are many different options to restore balance to your smile. Dr. Victor Gittleman is a dentist in Morristown, NJ, near you who offers personalized dental care for your specific needs.
Why Fix Gaps in Teeth?
Many people are insecure due to gaps in their teeth. This cosmetic dentistry issue usually prompts people to want to know how to fix a gap in their teeth. We want you to have a smile that you’re confident in and ready to show off to the world.
But spaces between teeth aren’t just a cosmetic problem. Gaps between teeth mean that teeth are misaligned and are more likely to have plaque and bacteria buildup. This means you also have a higher chance of tooth decay or periodontal disease. Food can get in these gaps, contacting the gums and irritating them.
Lastly, gaps in teeth can make it harder for you to chew food or talk. You may have difficulty getting all the nutrients your body needs because eating certain things is hard. Misaligned teeth also mean that your bite is uneven. This can lead to issues with TMJ disorders or broken and chipped teeth due to uneven bite pressure.
Causes of Gaps in Front Teeth
There are many reasons why you may have gaps in your teeth. A large jaw or small teeth can lead to more space between them. A large tongue or thumb sucking after adult teeth have erupted can make the teeth flare out and create gaps.
Extra teeth can push other teeth out of the way, and missing adult teeth also create gaps. It can also come from your skeletal development, which comes with genetics. If you lose your baby teeth too young, the adult teeth that come in may be misaligned.
How to Close Gaps in Teeth
As an experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Gittleman is a choice dentist for helping fix gaps in teeth. Cosmetic dentistry offers multiple options to fix gaps in teeth and bring back the correct balance in your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an ideal solution for many cosmetic dental problems. They’re made of a thin shell of dental ceramic that’s color-matched to blend seamlessly with your smile. The veneer covers the entire front and sides of your tooth.
The veneer for each tooth is custom-made, meaning they’re made specifically to fit your smile and particular dental problems. They’re shaped to look natural while eliminating the large gaps between your teeth, giving you a nice, even smile.
A small amount of tooth structure is removed so the veneer lies flush with the rest of your smile. It’s then permanently bonded to your tooth when you’re happy with the placement. Porcelain veneers can last for 15 years or more with proper care.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a more cost-effective solution than porcelain veneers. It’s also ideal for patients who are unsure about a permanent restoration. With proper oral healthcare, bonding typically lasts 3-10 years.
Dental bonding uses a malleable, biocompatible resin that the dentist molds to the desired shape. Like porcelain veneers, we color-match it to your smile to ensure it blends well.
The bonding material is molded to your tooth. We harden the resin with a special light when the position meets your liking. It’s then polished to a natural shine to look like your normal teeth.
FAQs About Gaps in Teeth
Gaps between teeth are a common dental issue that many patients ask questions about. Some gaps are small and harmless, while others can affect your smile or dental health. In this section, Dr. Gittleman addresses common FAQs about gaps in teeth. Understanding your options regarding gaps in your teeth will help you choose a confident smile.
Are gaps in teeth normal?
Gaps between teeth, also known as diastema, are a normal and common dental concern. Many people have small spaces between their teeth that are part of their smile. Some may choose to close them for cosmetic reasons. However, leaving the gap doesn’t affect your oral health.
Can gaps in teeth close on their own?
Gaps between teeth don’t close on their own. While some minor gaps may tighten over time, especially in children, more significant gaps usually require dental treatment. Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners can close these spaces and give you a more aligned and confident smile.
Can clear aligners help close gaps?
Yes, clear aligners are an excellent option for closing gaps between teeth. These custom-made, clear trays gently guide your teeth into their desired positions, closing any spaces. They’re a discreet and comfortable way to get a more aligned smile, making them a popular choice for gap closure.
Are dental veneers suitable for gaps?
Porcelain veneers can be a good solution for closing gaps between teeth. These thin, custom-made shells cover the front surface of your teeth, creating a seamless smile. Dental veneers can hide gaps and give you a natural-looking, beautiful smile. They’re popular among those who want a quick and easy cosmetic fix.
Do I need to fix a gap between my teeth?
Whether or not to fix a gap in your teeth is up to you. Gaps between teeth are harmless and will likely not affect your oral health. But cosmetic options are available if you’re self-conscious about the gap or want a more uniform smile. Please schedule a consultation with your dentist to determine if closing the gap is necessary in your case.
Does closing a gap affect the bite or jaw?
Closing a gap between teeth doesn’t affect your bite or jaw alignment. Orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners move your teeth into their proper positions without disturbing the overall bite. However, it is always best to consult with an orthodontist to ensure a healthy and stable outcome.
Can gaps come back after treatment?
Gaps between teeth can sometimes reappear after treatment. While orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners can effectively close gaps, certain factors can contribute to their return. Habits like thumb-sucking or tongue thrusting can cause teeth to shift, leading to the reappearance of gaps. Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can help prevent this and ensure long-lasting results.
Close Gaps Between Teeth in Morristown, NJ
At our dental office near you, we help you pick the right option for your specific case. To get personalized dental care to fix gaps in your teeth, call us or schedule an appointment online.