Having a gap between the front teeth is a fairly common occurrence but some patients would rather fix the gap in teeth. And, depending on your particular case, there may be more than one way to achieve this. Let’s have a look at some of the options that could be explored in order to fix a gap in between your front teeth.
Your first step is to have a professional evaluation with your dental professional. Your dentist will inspect your mouth and teeth, take a full medical and dental history and find out about your dental concerns. Following the outcome of this assessment your dental professional will then present you a treatment plan and cost estimate, which details all possible treatment options and their related costs.
Together you and your dental practitioner need to choose the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs, budget and expectations.
Using Orthodontic Treatment
Often we can fix gaps between the teeth using orthodontics. At My HM Dentist, we offer patients both traditional wire and bracket braces as well as clear aligners and in the majority of cases both could theoretically be used to make the gaps between the teeth narrower. If you have problems with your bite or other alignment issues in your mouth, your dentist may recommend orthodontics to correct your gap.
If you are considering braces to fix gaps between teeth you would consider questions like whether you are ready for that kind of commitment. Your orthodontic treatment could take anything from 6 to 24 months depending on the extent of work to be done. If you are prepared to do orthodontic treatment, you would have a cost conversation with your dental practitioner to see what kind of orthodontic device you can afford.
Using Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are very popular with adults who need orthodontics because they are effective and discreet. While they do affect the speech very slightly, almost imperceptibly, they are hardly noticeable and do a very effective job at minor to moderate corrections. They do tend to cost more than traditional braces; do you would need to evaluate if your budget could accommodate the cost of clear aligners.
Using Veneers to Reduce Spaces Between the Teeth
While braces physically move teeth into their correct positions over a period of time, veneers offer the opportunity to change the aesthetic of your teeth without changing their actual form. Veneers are shells or covers that are fitted over the front of the teeth, to change their cosmetic appearance.
Veneers are used to change the way a tooth looks and are very quick to apply. They are bonded to the front of your teeth and can usually be completed in two to three visits to your dentist, depending on the number of veneers you want done. Typically, veneers are used to change the size, shape or color of the teeth, but they can also be used to close the gap between widely spaced teeth.
If you have small gaps that only affect the top four or six teeth, you may prefer veneers over orthodontics. If you have small teeth that wouldn’t necessarily benefit from orthodontic treatment, your dentist may recommend dental veneers.
Sometimes it is possible to add surface area to the teeth, to close the gap between them. Dentists usually make use of composite resin to achieve a broader tooth surface, but this option will only work if the shape, size and color of your teeth are desirable. If it isn’t, you may prefer veneers.
Which Option Is Best for You To Close The Gaps Between Your Teeth?
Having an in-depth discussion with your dentist, following a professional evaluation is the best way to arrive at the most appropriate solution for your needs. Together you’ll discuss factors like how quickly you need the solution to take effect, what your budget can afford and what your long term needs are. If you have bite issues and misalignment, orthodontics will probably be recommended. If the gaps in your mouth are purely cosmetic because of small teeth – or you have small gaps – veneers or direct bonding may work for you.
Do you want to fix gaps in teeth? We’d love to help you. Please contact our practice for an appointment: (02) 9158 6379.
