4 Ways to Close a Gap Between Teeth

What do Zac Efron, Demi Lovato, and Pete Davidson all have in common? They have all chosen to close the gap between their teeth to improve their smile. While having gaps in your teeth can add character and charm, many people choose to streamline their smile with evenly spaced and shaped teeth. A study conducted by OnePoll found that seven out of 10 Americans are unhappy with their smile. Unfortunately, many people don’t take steps to improve their smile due to dental anxiety. A study published in the Medical Principles and Practices journal found that 36 percent of the population suffers from dental anxiety. However, there is no need to feel anxious about closing the gap in between your teeth. There are several relatively easy and effective solutions to improve your smile.

Tooth Bonding 

Tooth bonding is a relatively easy cosmetic dental procedure that will yield big results with little downtime. A tooth-colored material called composite resin is bonded to your teeth to help with gaps, chips, cracks, or discoloration. Bonding your teeth is a quick in-and-out procedure that doesn’t even require anesthesia, unless the shape of your tooth needs to be dramatically altered. Dental bonding is typically the quickest, easiest, and least expensive way to fix spacing between your teeth.

Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain veneers can be used to close wide gaps that tooth bonding may not be able to cover. They are especially beneficial when the spacing or shape of several front teeth are uneven. Porcelain veneers are thin shells, approximately one millimeter thick, that are placed on the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are a great choice because they do not stain and they are more permanent than bonding. They can completely transform your smile by closing gaps, covering stains, and repairing chips. While the process is a bit more involved than tooth bonding, it’s less involved than crowns, as veneers typically require less tooth preparation and removal of the natural tooth. 

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may be a better solution than porcelain veneers, as they cover your entire tooth. Full coverage dental crowns can offer an excellent opportunity to design your smile to naturally match your face, enhance your smile, and even change your facial structure. Compared with porcelain veneers, dental crowns require more of your tooth to be filed down. While crowns and veneers may seem similar, your dentist will make the best recommendation based on your specific needs. If your teeth are badly damaged by decay, cracks, or fractures, you will likely need dental crowns instead of porcelain veneers.

The Best Way to Close a Gap Between Teeth

Braces are an excellent treatment option for closing gaps between teeth. Silver braces, clear braces, and Invisalign all work similarly in that their main function is to pull teeth together using tension, which is a tried and true method for improving your smile.

Silver braces: Traditional silver braces use metal brackets, an arch wire, and bands to straighten your teeth. Your orthodontist will attach the brackets to your teeth using an adhesive and the elastic bands pull the teeth together to form their proper positions. 

Clear braces: Clear braces are an excellent choice for individuals who prefer a less visible appearance than traditional silver braces. While silver braces are often the most affordable choice, clear braces offer a great alternative for only slightly more. 

Invisalign: Small gaps can be closed with Invisalign, which uses clear plastic aligners. If you have a particularly large gap, Invisalign may not work as well as traditional silver braces. Some patients combine Invisalign with tooth bonding and/or veneers to close a large gap.

Traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign all provide an excellent method for improving your smile. If you want to learn more about how you can improve your smile by closing the gap between your teeth, contact Milnor Orthodontics to schedule a consultation today. We will work with you to determine the best orthodontic treatment plan.