How to Fix Gap Between Teeth: 5 Effective Ways

The gaps present between the teeth, especially the front teeth nowadays, are a fashion statement. But how to fix gap between teeth? For most people, the gaps make them feel self-conscious. There are also ways to fix gaps between teeth without orthodontic braces. 

1. Gap Between Teeth

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Photo by Jéssica Oliveira on Unsplash

When you want good teeth for several years, they need to be brushed and flossed regularly to keep them clean and white. Most people love their smile, except for the gap present between the front teeth. The teeth gap might be small, but it can still make you self-conscious. 

There are several reasons for which the gap in the teeth is caused. Some of them are teeth shifting, missing teeth, thumb sucking in childhood, overgrown frenum (the tissue present above front teeth), or gum diseases. 

Although there are various treatments to fix teeth and answers for fixing the gap between teeth, the procedures and treatments are different in case of effectiveness and cost, so it may be difficult for you to decide the best treatment options for you. 

2. Causes Of Gaps In The Teeth

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Image by Josef Pichler from Pixabay

The gap in the teeth is also known as a diastema, and it is one of the most common dental problems one can have. Different issues cause them: 

  • Overgrown labial frenum: The gap in front teeth may also be caused by the tissue present above, known as the labial frenum. If the tissue starts growing in between the teeth, it causes a gap. 
  • Gum disease: A gap in between the teeth can also happen because of gum disease. The disease causes damage to gums and the softer tissues which support the teeth. This may lead to a gap between teeth or tooth loss. 
  • Disproportionately sized teeth: Gaps in the teeth might be caused when someone’s teeth are not large enough compared to the size of their jaw bone. Therefore, the other teeth might spread, which causes a gap in the teeth. 
  • Thumb-sucking: Many children suck their thumb in childhood, which might also trigger a gap. The motion of the sucking forces the teeth to create a gap. 

3. Why Do We Need To Fix The Gap Between Teeth? 

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Image by svklimkin from Pixabay

Other than decreasing your confidence, the gap in teeth may also hamper your oral hygiene. The gap in teeth also tends to trap the chewed food particles, which may cause plaque build-up and bacteria in your mouth. 

When the gaps are not treated properly, this plaque and bacteria may also weaken your teeth and gums, which might cause complications such as tooth decay, periodontists, and gingivitis. 

 The gaps present in the teeth can also cause a misaligned bite. This makes chewing painful and difficult and also causes pain in the ear and jaw. Also, if a misaligned bite causes a chewing problem, you might sometimes swallow large food pieces, which may cause digestive problems. 

4. How To Fix Gap Between Teeth? 

Why Do People Have GAP TEETH & How To Fix It

You will be happy to know that the gap in the teeth can be treated. There is a clear option for orthodontic braces, but most people nowadays try to avoid putting braces on their teeth. So, there are more different and effective ways that are answers for how to fix the gap between teeth. 

4.1. Braces and Invisalign

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Photo by Atikah Akhtar on Unsplash

Both the braces and Invisalign help you restore the teeth to their proper position, and they can also improve your smile and restore the proper function of your teeth.

For putting both traditional braces and Invisalign, you need to appoint a doctor who can prescribe you properly the use and place of the braces. Braces to restore the teeth to the normal and ideal position use metal or ceramic brackets, while Invisalign uses a set of clear plastic trays. 

An office consultation might help you to decide the option that would be best for you. The braces and Invisalign are also good answers for how to fix the gap between teeth. 

4.2. Porcelain Veneers

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Image by apple0053 from Pixabay

Porcelain veneers are very popular answers for how to fix the small gap between teeth. They are the thin shells of porcelain. They cover up the front teeth, and they are made up wider than the actual teeth so that the gaps between them can be concealed. 

Except in the case of ultra-thin veneers, which are more expensive than the actual porcelain veneers, the procedure involves removing the enamel’s thin shaving so the porcelain veneers may fit flush with other teeth. 

Once you have placed the porcelain veneers temporarily, you need to go for a second appointment to place the veneers in their places permanently. Porcelain veneers are durable and last up to a minimum of 15 years if you take care of them. As they are quite expensive than any other dental bonding, so they look like natural teeth. 

4.3. Cosmetic Bonding 

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Photo by Kamal Hoseinianzade on Unsplash

Cosmetic bonding is one of the simplest and most common answers for how to fix the gap between teeth. This is also the most cost-effective treatment as minimal tooth preparation is necessary. This treatment for how to fix the gap between teeth can be completed in one visit only. 

The procedure of cosmetic dentistry includes using a gel that is a conditioning, which helps gently roughen your teeth so that the bonded material can adhere to them. Then, a resin material that is a tooth-colored composite is applied and then cured with a special light known as UV light. 

The dentist then will polish and shape the resin so that it can match seamlessly with your teeth. There are excellent results obtained with the dental bonding so that the resin may not stain for some time. The porcelain veneers are way more resistant to typically last longer and staining as they are more resistant and stronger to any fractures or cracks, so they are perfect answers for fixing gaps between teeth. 

4.4. Dental Implants

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Image by Bruno Pereira from Pixabay

It is recommended to use dental implants for large teeth gaps, which are known to be the gold standard for teeth replacement. Dental implants are a very good answer for how to fix gap teeth. 

A titanium post with a dental implant is inserted in the jaw during the procedure and topped with a natural-looking dental crown. While you get great results from dental implants, they also include surgical processes.

The implants require enough bone to support them. If those are not sufficient, then a bone graft is needed. If the surgical process is started, it may add both in cost and duration, and it may take months to complete.

4.5. Dental Bridges

Dental Bridge Procedure

Dental bridges are a good answer for how to fix the gap between teeth. This is an excellent option for some people who cannot or do not want to undergo dental implants. They are less expensive. 

During this procedure, a crown is kept on the teeth at each end of the gap, and a bridge that contains false teeth is attached in between. This effectively helps fill the gap or close the gap, and the smile is restored; this way, they fix gaps. Although there are various answers for fixing gap teeth, sometimes your dentist may help you with the orthodontic treatment to have the best long-term results. 

6. Conclusion

Fixing a gap between teeth, also known as diastema, can be done through various dental procedures. The most suitable method for you will depend on the size of the gap and the overall condition of your teeth.

  1. Orthodontic Treatment: If the gap between your teeth is due to misalignment, braces or clear aligners, such as Invisalign, can gradually move your teeth into the desired position, closing the gap over time. Consult an orthodontist to determine the best treatment option for your specific case.
  2. Dental Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying tooth-colored resin material to the surfaces of your teeth to close the gap. The resin is shaped and hardened to match the natural contours of your teeth, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This is a relatively quick and non-invasive procedure.
  3. Dental Veneers: Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite material that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They can be used to close gaps, reshape teeth, and improve overall aesthetics. This option is more invasive than dental bonding, as a small amount of enamel is usually removed to accommodate the veneers.
  4. Dental Crowns: If the gap is caused by a missing tooth or large space, a dental crown may be recommended. Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged or missing teeth, providing a natural-looking replacement. They can be used to close gaps by placing a crown on each tooth adjacent to the space, effectively filling it.
  5. Implants or Bridges: In cases where a tooth is missing, dental implants or bridges may be considered. Dental implants involve surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone to serve as an artificial tooth root, while bridges use adjacent teeth as support to bridge the gap. Both options provide functional and cosmetic benefits.

It’s important to consult with a dentist or orthodontist who can assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment option for you. They will take into account factors such as the cause of the gap, the condition of your teeth and gums, and your overall oral health.

 

FAQs

1. Is fixing a gap between teeth painful?

A. Most dental procedures to fix a gap between teeth are not painful. However, some discomfort or sensitivity may be experienced during and after the treatment. Your dentist will take measures to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process.

2. Can I fix a gap between teeth at any age?

A. Yes, you can fix a gap between teeth at any age, as long as your oral health is generally good. However, the treatment options available may vary depending on factors such as the condition of your teeth, jawbone development, and the presence of any other dental issues.

3. Will fixing a gap between teeth cause any damage to my natural teeth?

A. When performed by a qualified professional, most gap-closing procedures should not cause any damage to your natural teeth. In fact, some methods, such as dental bonding or veneers, can provide additional protection to your teeth.

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Last Updated on by Ghanesh1431

Authors

Rishika Agarwal
FORAM

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