For better or worse, gapped teeth can completely change the way that your smile looks. If you’ve had them your entire life, you may be a little bit insecure about the way that they affect your appearance. In that case, any treatment that could help you would be a welcome relief.
You’ll be pleased to learn that there are actually several dental treatments that can repair this kind of issue. If you want to learn more about them and get some information about which is best for you, here’s what you should know.
What Causes Gapped Teeth?
In some cases, you can develop gapped teeth later in life due to the progression of certain oral health problems. If you have severe gum disease, for example, that could damage the jawbone and cause your teeth to move apart. Teeth could also start to drift if you’ve been missing a tooth for a long time.
However, most people who have gapped teeth have had it forever due to genetics, either due to the natural size of your teeth or your jawbone.
Treatment to Address Gapped Teeth
If your teeth have started to develop a gap due to an outstanding oral health problem, the first order of business will be to treat that issue. If you have gum disease, for example, your dentist may recommend periodontal therapy.
Then there’s dealing with the gapped teeth themselves. There are several cosmetic dental treatments that can help you to address this issue:
- Direct Bonding: Your dentist can layer a composite resin onto the tooth and harden it into place. This works a bit like filling, seamlessly patching up minor imperfections. Your dentist can use this process to subtly change the shape of your tooth, altering your gapped teeth so that they meet.
- Veneers: These are thin porcelain shells that can be layered over the teeth, altering their size and shape. When used properly, they can close gaps in your smile and dramatically improve your overall appearance.
- Invisalign: If you have broader misalignment beyond just gapped teeth, you may benefit from Invisalign treatment. These clear plastic trays can push your teeth together, closing any gaps.
About the Author
Dr. Mike Rudolph knows that being a dentist isn’t just about fixing people’s teeth. He goes above and beyond in his practice to earn his patients’ trust, and to ensure that they’re feeling completely comfortable for the duration of their stay with him. Dr. Rudolph received his dental degree from the Maryland School of Dentistry, and has spent the last 30 years of his clinical practice honing his expertise in his field.
If you have any questions about gapped teeth, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (574) 269-1787.