Going through life with a gap in your teeth can be an embarrassing prospect, especially if the gap is visible when you smile. You may try to hide your gap when by covering it with your lips, broadcasting your lowered self-esteem. Have you looked in the mirror and tried to just push your teeth together with your fingers in vain?
If you’ve caught yourself doing or feeling any of these things, it may be time to visit the dentist. Continue reading to discover the origins of tooth gaps and how modern restorative techniques can help you obtain the smile of your dreams.
Understanding Diastema
The gap between your teeth actually has a clinical name, diastema. It occurs more frequently in children but can also happen with adults. Any gap in your teeth larger than .5 millimeters is considered diastema, and it can happen between any of your teeth—not just the front two.
Diastema can occur for multiple reasons—genetics, missing teeth, gum disease, swallowing with your tongue against your teeth instead of the roof of your mouth, and habits such as lip sucking or tongue thrusting that put pressure on your teeth. The good news is that diastema is entirely treatable.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
For smaller gaps and imperfections in your teeth, you may consider asking your dentist about cosmetic dental bonding. This form of treatment involves a composite resin that is molded and hardened in your mouth using a special light. The process is fast, painless, and achieves great results in a small amount of time.
Cosmetic dental bonding, with proper care and maintenance via brushing and flossing, can last for many years before needing to be retouched or replaced. This may be a good option for you if you just need a small gap filled, or you have other minor imperfections you’d like to fix at the same time.
Porcelain Veneers
Another option that can fix a wide range of cosmetic dental issues is porcelain veneers. Veneers are hard shells that are fabricated and adhered to the surface of teeth, covering them completely. They can hide multiple imperfections at once, and only take a couple of visits to complete.
Using veneers, your dentist can close gaps between your teeth and leave you with a brighter, more pleasing smile that will instantly boost your confidence, and let you smile like you mean it.
Dental Bridges
If your diastema formed due to missing teeth, then a dental bridge might be the option for you. This treatment can replace lost or damaged teeth, allowing your dentist to rebuild your natural smile.
Dental bridges are made from three or more crowns, then placed on top of your existing teeth to fill a gap. This can be a great option if you don’t have a lot of time or can’t commit to multiple visits to the dentist’s office for a more thorough treatment.
Dental Implants
Alternatively, you can go for dental implants to replace missing teeth. These are made with titanium rods that are embedded in your jawbone before a porcelain tooth is installed on top of it, giving you a strong and natural-looking replacement. Dental implants have the added benefit of strengthening your jawbone to prevent further tooth loss and gaps that may form because of it.
So, if you’re tired of feeling the need to hide your smile because you’re self-conscious of the gaps in your teeth, there are many options available to you. The first step is having a conversation with your dentist and finding the right treatment that fits into your schedule and lifestyle. Once you’ve looked into the mirror and seen the new you, you’ll be smiling all the time.
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard is a caring and knowledgeable dentist with a vast medical knowledge accrued over the nearly forty years he’s been practicing. He’s an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), an achievement only 490 other dentists around the world have received. If you’re trying to restore your smile, you’re in good hands. Visit his website here to learn more about the treatments Dr. Nelson offers, or call (858) 451-0550 to schedule an appointment.