Treatments for Gapped Teeth: Make That Smile Look Great
Patients who come to Chrisman & Wyse know that they are meeting with some of the finest dentists in the greater Bloomington area. They offer the latest in restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures to enhance smiles and improve overall dental health.
Many patients have issues with gaps and spaces between their teeth. Let's take a moment right now to consider the best treatment options for this issue.
The Problem with Tooth Gaps
Tooth gaps pose a number of issues that are both cosmetic and functional in nature.
In terms of cosmetic issues caused by tooth gaps, even small spacing problems can lead to major self-consciousness. A prominent gap between your teeth, for instance, can make you feel self-conscious about laughing and smiling, even around people whom you've known for years.
With regard to dental health, gaps between teeth can lead to poor dental alignment. This malocclusion can contribute to tooth pain, problems eating certain foods, and even teeth grinding (bruxism).
Thankfully your dentist has many options available when it comes to treating gaps between teeth.
Dental Bonding for Small Tooth Gaps
When there is just a very minor gap between your teeth that's cosmetic in nature, a minimally invasive treatment approach is most ideal. That's where dental bonding is generally considered the best option. Dental bonding involves the use of a special tooth-colored resin that is painted directly onto the tooth structure. The resin is color-matched and then polished to ensure it blends in with the rest of the tooth structure seamlessly.
Dental bonding can also be used to treat tooth stains, chips, cracks, and minor tooth decay.
Porcelain Veneers for Cosmetic Tooth Gaps
Porcelain veneers are the best solution for gaps between teeth that are relatively noticeable but are still cosmetic in nature. Veneers are thin shells of specially crafted dental ceramic. They fit over the fronts of your teeth, concealing flaws from view and improving the overall appearance of the tooth in the process.
In addition to addressing tooth gaps, porcelain veneers are a great option for treating stains, chips, cracks, and size differences between teeth.
Orthodontic Treatment for Major Tooth Misalignment
Orthodontic procedures are ideal for treating major issues with gaps, spaces, and malocclusion. This may involve the use of braces or an alternative to braces, such as Invisalign®. This is ideal when the gaps and spaces between your teeth contribute to a health problem of some kind.
Options for Gaps Caused by Tooth Loss
If you have a major tooth gap that is the result of a missing tooth or a few teeth, the ideal option for filling that space is the use of a dental appliance. This typically means the use of a dental bridge or, in serious cases or tooth loss, a partial denture or a full denture. Having these appliances supported by dental implants can lead to exceptional hold and very little likelihood of the bridge or denture slipping out of place.
Contact the Team at Chrisman & Wyse
For more information about treating tooth gaps and how we can make your smile look great again, be sure to schedule a consultation at our general and family dentistry center today. The team at Chrisman & Wyse look forward to your visit and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.
