Gaps can occur between any teeth, but for those with large gaps between the front facing teeth, dental gaps can be a source of self-consciousness. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can address dental flaws and close gaps between the teeth, creating beautiful, flawless smiles. To find out which treatment for gapped teeth is right for you, schedule a consultation with Harrisburg, PA dentists Warren Silvers III or Daniel Laux.
What Causes Gaps between Teeth?
Gaps between teeth, also called a diastema, can occur between any two teeth and for multiple reasons. Treating gaps between the teeth begins with determining the cause. Some possible causes of gaps between teeth include:
- Size mismatch:When the size of the teeth are small in comparison to the size of the jaw bone, gaps may occur between the teeth.
- Oversized labial frenum:An oversized labial frenum may cause a diastema between the two upper front teeth. The labial frenum is the tissue that runs from the upper lip to the gums, and normally stops just above the two front teeth. In some cases, the labial frenum extends down and between the two front teeth, creating a gap.
- Thumb sucking:Thumb sucking can cause gaps to form between the teeth as this habit can force the front teeth to shift forward.
- Tongue thrust:Tongue thrust, a swallowing reflex disorder, can lead to gaps forming between the teeth. With tongue thrust, the tongue pushes against the upper front teeth rather than the roof of the mouth. This regular pressure can push the upper teeth forward, causing gaps to develop over time.
- Gum disease and tooth loss:Gum disease can lead to loss of jaw bone volume, causing the teeth to become loose. When teeth are lost, gaps will form where there are missing teeth but the remaining teeth may also shift, leading to gaps between adjacent teeth.
Treatment Options for Closing Gaps Between Teeth
There are a variety or treatment options available for closing gaps between teeth. Drs. Silvers and Laux perform thorough examinations to determine the best treatment for each patient's needs. Some patients require a combination of treatments while others benefit from a single treatment. Patients wishing to address the appearance of gapped teeth may benefit from such treatments as:
- Porcelain Veneers:Porcelain veneers are tooth-shaped fabrications that can be used to adjust the size and shape of the teeth, closing gaps between teeth in as little as two dental appointments.
- Dental Bonding:Similar to porcelain veneers, dental bonding treatment can address the appearance of undersized teeth, widening the teeth to close gaps.
- Dental Crowns:Dental crowns may also be used to widen undersized teeth, effectively closing gaps between the teeth.
- Invisalign®: Orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® uses a series of clear trays to gradually adjust the alignment of the teeth and close gaps in the process.
- Traditional Orthodontics:Traditional orthodontics is highly effective at closing gaps between teeth. With traditional orthodontics, a wire and bracket system is bonded to the teeth and gradually tightened to change the position of the teeth, resulting in beautifully aligned teeth.
- Frenectomy:An oversized labial frenum may be reduced through minor surgery called a frenectomy. Gaps may close on their own in younger children who've undergone a frenectomy. Older children and adults will generally require additional treatment, like braces, to close gaps after a frenectomy.
- Missing Tooth Replacement:Gaps causes by missing teeth can be corrected with treatments for replacing missing teeth, like dental implants or dental bridges.
- Tongue Thrust Treatment:Patients with tongue thrust should speak to their dentist about ways to retrain their swallowing reflex.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
For more information about treatment for gapped teeth, or to find out which treatments are right for you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Silvers or Dr. Laux.
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FAQs
We'll simply place crowns on the teeth surrounding the gap (using the process we just described), and then we'll connect these crowns to prosthetic teeth that will literally “bridge” the space between them. In either case, these restorations are fantastic for restoring both the appearance and function of your smile.
How much does it cost to fix a gap in your teeth? ›
The cost can range from Rs 8000 per tooth to Rs 15000. This depends on which city you're in as well as the expertise of the dentist. As a rule of thumb, always seek treatment from a known dentist with a good reputation.
What is the best treatment for gapped teeth? ›
Dental Implants
Spaces between teeth can be an open invitation to harmful bacteria, bone loss, and the shifting of surrounding teeth. Dental implants are considered the best and most permanent solution for closing a gap between teeth that have resulted from permanent tooth loss.
What is the cheapest way to fix gap teeth? ›
Dental bonding is the fastest and usually least expensive way to fill gaps, especially at the front of your teeth. Dr. Alkass can use a tooth-colored composite resin, the same material that is used to fill cavities, in order to fix cosmetic imperfections.
Can dentists fix gaps in teeth? ›
Dental bonding is the quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to fix spacing in teeth. Your Chicago dentist will shape and apply a tooth-colored resin material on the affected spot. They'll then harden it with a special light to secure it in place. A dental bonding procedure can be completed in a single dentist visit.
Can a dentist fix a gap without braces? ›
Braces can help to correct gapped teeth. But there are several competing tools, including crowns, bonding, veneers, and aligners that can do the job just as well. And sometimes, these alternative treatments come with a lower price tag and less pain than braces.
Is Invisalign worth it for gap teeth? ›
Yes, Invisalign can fix gaps! Whether the gap is between your front teeth or back teeth, or you have one gap or multiple gaps, Invisalign is extremely effective for treating gaps. It's important to remember that the treatment isn't what corrects your condition—the orthodontist is.
How to close a teeth gap naturally? ›
You can naturally reduce the gaps between teeth using dental bands, floss ties, tongue exercises, oil pulling, or clear retainers.
Do gaps in teeth get bigger with age? ›
When a muscle located in the front of the mouth relaxes with age, it can result in the teeth spreading apart. Another common cause for gaps in the teeth is periodontal disease, from the bacteria present below the gum tissue.
How to fix front teeth gap without braces? ›
Dental Bonding
If a tooth gap is small, composite bonding is the best way to repair it. Cosmetic dentists apply bonding by hand. It requires advanced training and artistic technique to blend the bonding with your teeth perfectly. A cosmetic dentist will roughen the tooth's surface on either side of the gap.
The most common cause of gapped front teeth is a fraenum that sits lower than usual and keeps the two top front teeth apart. The fraenum inside the upper lip is a fold of skin that attaches the top lip to the upper gum. If you lift up your top lip, you should be able to feel it easily.
Why do I suddenly have a gap between my teeth? ›
Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching: Persistent teeth grinding and jaw clenching, otherwise called “bruxism” can put undue pressure on the upper teeth and makes them flare out, leaving a gap between them. Gum disease: Inflammation from gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss, resulting in gaps between the teeth.
What is the cheapest option for missing front teeth? ›
The most affordable tooth replacement solution is dentures. This is because they take the least amount of time to create. There is no surgery and no dental crowns to place. Instead, an impression is taken of the mouth along with measurements.
What is a gap in front teeth called? ›
Diastema refers to a gap between your teeth. Gaps can occur anywhere in your mouth, but they're most common between your two front teeth. This condition is usually a cosmetic concern, but sometimes, it's related to gum disease. Diastema treatments include dental bonding, porcelain veneers and braces.
How long does dental bonding last? ›
As a result, bonding is completely reversible. You'll likely need touchups every three to 10 years. You might hear dentists use the term “composite veneers." This is when your dentist uses composite resin material to cover the entire surface of your tooth.
Is teeth gap filling permanent? ›
Veneers are a great option to fill in tooth gaps. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made layers of material that are permanently bonded to the front of visible teeth. They reflect light similarly to natural tooth enamel, and they won't irritate your gums.
Are gap teeth rare? ›
According to the American Dental Association, as many as 25.4% of adults have a gap between their front teeth.
Gaps can occur between any teeth, but for those with large gaps between the front facing teeth, dental gaps can be a source of self-consciousness. Cosmetic dentistry treatments can address dental flaws and close gaps between the teeth, creating beautiful, flawless smiles. To find out which treatment for gapped teeth is right for you, schedule a consultation with Harrisburg, PA dentists Warren Silvers III or Daniel Laux.