Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix a Gap Between My Front Teeth?

Are you bothered by the noticeable gap between your two front teeth? For some patients it can be a constant source of self-consciousness, causing them to hide their smiles. If that sounds like you, don’t worry. Cosmetic dentistry has multiple solutions that can address this common concern.

Read on to learn more about diastema (the clinical term for a tooth gap) and how several treatments could be the answer.

What is Diastema?

Diastema is a wide gap between two teeth. Usually, this manifests between the two front teeth, but it can happen anywhere in your mouth. There are several ways that this gap can be caused including tongue thrusting, size and shape of teeth, gum disease, and even genetics.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Help with My Diastema?

Cosmetic dentistry is a large umbrella term to describe several treatments. Depending on the severity of your diastema, or the root cause, your dentist may recommend one of these treatments:

Dental Bonding

One popular and non-invasive solution for closing gaps between teeth is dental bonding. In this procedure, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth, sculpted into the desired shape, and then hardened with a special light. This can significantly reduce a noticeable gap.

Porcelain Veneers

For a more durable and long-lasting solution, porcelain veneers can be an excellent choice. These thin shells of porcelain are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth, effectively masking the gap and providing a natural-looking result.

Invisalign Treatment

If the gap is caused by alignment issues, orthodontic treatment with Invisalign may be recommended. These clear aligners can gradually move the teeth into their proper positions, closing the gap and improving alignment throughout your smile. This treatment not only fixes diastema but also contributes to better oral health.

Dental Crowns

For cases where the gap is accompanied by other dental issues, such as damaged or misshapen teeth, dental crowns may be a great solution. Crowns are customized to match the color and shape of natural teeth. This could help reduce or eliminate a tooth gap entirely!

Dental Implants

For bigger gaps resulting from missing teeth, dental implants may be the solution. Implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed in the jawbone, to provide a stable foundation for ceramic prosthetic teeth.

As you can see, there are multiple treatments available to treat dental diastema. Which one is right for you? That’s a conversation that you and your dentist will need to have at your consultation. They’ll need to examine your teeth with X-rays and other tests to make that determination. If you want to close the gap in your smile for good, don’t delay!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Johnson is a bright and friendly dentist who has the knowledge, skills, and techniques to perform a variety of procedures. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and has continued his education, becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of General Dentistry, a prestigious title only a select few in the US and Canda have obtained. To schedule an appointment at Jacksonville Dental Excellence, call (904) 895-4536 or visit the website to explore other services.