Closing Gaps in Your Mouth

Gappy Smiles

Porcelain Veneers | Clear Aligners | Types of Invisalign Treatment | Crooked Teeth

If you feel self-conscious about gaps between your teeth – you are not alone.

Although teeth gaps are quite common, they can cause a lot of stress and for those who are affected.

This is not just about aesthetic concerns, teeth gaps can also lead to issues such as food getting trapped between the teeth, cleaning difficulties and gum disease susceptibility.

Talk to a dentist.

What causes gaps?

Gaps are often naturally occurring.

The size of your teeth and your jaw bone are determined by genetics, and if your teeth are too small for the jaw bone, the teeth will be spaced out further apart and there will be gaps between your teeth as a result.

Gaps in the teeth are often referred to as a diastema.

They may run in the family, and many people choose to treat the issue in children so they do not have to deal with it later in life.

Some of the factors that contribute to gaps include:

• Undersized teeth: As mentioned, if the teeth size are too small for the mouth.
• Missing teeth: If you lose a tooth (through accident or from decay) you may want to fill the gap.
• Gum disease: If left untreated for too long, gingivitis can cause teeth to migrate, and eventually teeth may become loose and gaps will start to appear.
• Bad habits: If you are prone to thumb-sucking, lip-sucking or similar habits you will be repeatedly putting pressure on the teeth which can end up eventually pushing them forward.
• Loss of baby primary: Many children will have temporary gaps when they lose their primary teeth. These gaps do not need to be treated and usually close up naturally as time goes by.

Can gaps be closed without orthodontic braces?

Braces are the most commonly used treatment to close teeth gaps in children, but for adults, they may be looking for a treatment method which is a little bit more inconspicuous.

Thankfully, advances in dental technology mean that there are actually many different types of braces to choose from.

Options like Invisalign (clear aligners) and Incognito Braces (wires on the back of the teeth) give the same reliable, long-term results as normal braces but they are purposefully less visible.

This is a great option for adults who want to straighten their teeth but don’t want to feel self-conscious at work or feel like they look unprofessional.

Veneers

Additionally, many people choose to have porcelain veneers fitted to close their teeth gaps.

Veneers are thin, translucent porcelain shells fitted over the natural teeth to improve your smile.

They can target multiple issues with one treatment; whether you want to replace teeth that are missing, or realign, reshape, resize or whiten your teeth.

See results: Full Smile Makeover.

Invisalign

One of the newest popular ways to fix and correct bite problems and diastema.

This is because Invisalign can take half the time fixed braces take, are completely removable and are virtually invisible.

This makes them a popular choice for adults, who want the appearance a straighter and fuller smile.

See: Cost.

Gaps caused by missing teeth

Dental Implants | Bridges | Consequences

A dental implant can be used to fill the gap where the missing tooth is.

A false tooth is attached to a titanium crown that is inserted into the jaw.

A dental bridge is a false tooth attached to two other false teeth.

The two teeth surrounding the gap are filed down slightly and the bridge is attached on top, filling the gap.

Which treatment method is most effective?

All treatments are effective for closing gaps between the teeth.

Although there are many slight variances between the options listed above, the main thing to consider is:

• The time you are willing to wait: whereas braces require patience and perseverance, veneers and implants are quick-fix options that still provide long enduring results
• Your budget: all treatment prices vary dependent on your specific needs. This is because some procedures may require additional treatment before, e.g. treating gum disease or removing teeth.

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Find out how The Gentle Dental can help you!

Get in contact and see how we can make you feel better from your first consultation appointment: 020 7395 0520.

Alternatively, click here to reserve an appointment slot.