Gap teeth, or diastemas, occur in patients of all ages and may be visible anywhere in the mouth. Commonly, they are found between the two front teeth under the upper lip.
Fortunately, gap teeth do not cause much of a problem regarding oral health. However, many patients opt to get them fixed because of cosmetic purposes.
At Cosmedica Dental, we offer several solutions to bridge the gap between teeth and renew your smile. Depending on the size of the gap, treatments may include cosmetic bonding, veneers, crowns, braces or dental implants.
Read along to learn more about these treatment options and other information about gap teeth.
Why do people have a teeth gap?
Some common causes of gap teeth include:
Bad habits
Children who suck their thumb or have poor tongue positioning growing up may develop gap baby teeth. The pressure from the thumb sucking or tongue press against the front teeth may push the teeth forward, resulting in gap adult teeth. Even incorrect swallowing could be a reason for a gap between the teeth.
Teeth and jaw size discrepancy
Gaps between the teeth may also form if the size of the teeth is too small compared to the jaws. This is usually due to heredity and causes generalized gap teeth.
Tissue overgrowth
The labial frenum is a soft tissue that extends from underneath the lips towards the midline of the upper front teeth. For patients with a thick or large frenum, separation of the two front teeth may occur.
Gum and periodontal disease
Poor oral hygiene and untreated gum disease can cause the bone that supports the teeth to deteriorate. This can lead to tooth loss and teeth spacing.
Undersized or missing teeth
Some patients naturally have smaller teeth, such as peg laterals which are common for upper lateral incisors. Meanwhile, others have genetically missing teeth. These are developmental defects that may create unwanted gaps.
How can you fix a gap between the teeth?
Cosmetic Bonding
For minor gaps between the teeth, cosmetic bonding offers a quick, easy, and relatively cheap fix. This treatment involves using tooth-colored composite fillings that are meticulously sculpted between the teeth to close the space.
This procedure requires minimal tooth reduction to create a scratched surface where the composite material can directly bond to the tooth. Then it is cured in place using blue light and polished to achieve a smooth surface and natural finish.
Veneers
If there are several teeth gaps that need fixing, veneers in Turkey may be a better option. Composite or porcelain veneers are custom-made using wafer-thin material that modifies the length, size, shape, and color of the teeth. They can effectively bridge gaps between the teeth and create a harmonious and symmetrical smile.
Veneers are popularized by Hollywood Smile makeovers that require little to no tooth reduction but result in a seamlessly beautiful smile. This is due to the customized process involved in veneers that designs a smile that fits your features and meets your expectations.
Crowns or dental bridges
A dental crown is a good alternative if the concern involves gap teeth and decay. Compared to veneers that involve zero to minimal tooth reduction, crowns may be used to cap teeth which need more structural and functional support.
Gaps on the front teeth are best fixed with E-max crowns as they provide the most esthetically pleasing results. They are made of a porcelain material with a finish that mimics natural teeth.
Braces
However, if the cause of the teeth spacing is tooth loss or if the gap is too big for a cosmetic fix, orthodontic braces are a better option. This will close the spaces and fix bite concerns for a healthier, straighter smile.
You can choose from several types of braces such as metal braces, ceramic braces, and even clear aligners like invisalign.
How to prevent gap teeth?
Some diastemas aren’t preventable as some are naturally born with them due to developmental defects or hereditary conditions. However, some have gaps because of poor oral hygiene or bad oral habits. To prevent diastemas due to these factors, it is necessary to target these concerns before they cause a problem.
Gapped teeth due to gingivitis can be avoided with a good at-home oral hygiene routine, regular dental visits and gum disease treatments. This will prevent plaque from forming on the gumline to maintain the health of the gum and periodontal tissues, ultimately lowering the risk of gum disease.
Also, practicing good oral habits and breaking bad ones as children grow and develop is key to preventing diastemas. They should establish proper swallowing reflexes, break thumb or fingersucking habits, avoid tongue thrusting, and maintain excellent oral hygiene. These sustainable practices should be incorporated into the lifestyle of developing children.
Confident Smiles at Cosmedica Dental
If you are suffering from gapped teeth, let our team of expert cosmetic dentists in our dental clinic in Turkey help you regain your smile and confidence.
With our broad range of cosmetic dentistry treatments, we can help you find a solution that will suit your lifestyle and budget just right.
Discover high-quality and affordable cosmetic dental solutions that meet your expectations with Cosmedica Dental. We aim to help you achieve your dream smile with treatments that do not break the bank. Call us today to schedule an appointment!