Close tooth gaps to give yourself a beautiful smile.
A noticeable tooth gap can put a damper on any smile. However, thanks to advances in dentistry, those troublesome gaps can be closed in a timely and painless fashion. Whether you're interested in temporarily closing a gap or stamping out the problem permanently, your dentist has all the right tools for the job.
Braces
Braces are one of the most common treatments for tooth gaps, particularly among children. While braces will often close gaps permanently, you may have to wear them between six months and several years. This can be a problem for young men and women who want to attract potential partners. In recent years, invisible braces have become a popular alternative to traditional ones. However, you will still have to thoroughly brush and floss after every meal to avoid getting food caught in them.
Bonding
Bonding is a fast and relatively inexpensive way to close tooth gaps. For this procedure, a dentist will fill any spaces with a tooth-colored composite shaped to conform to your particular gaps. This procedure is completely painless and requires only a single appointment. Bonds tend to weaken with the passage of time and your dentist may need to reapply the bonds every five to 10 years. Bonds work well for people with smaller tooth gaps.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a more permanent, although pricier, alternative to bonding. To put veneers in, your dentist must first remove a thin layer of the teeth you wish to bond. She will then place one porcelain veneer over each side of the space you wish to close. A dentist will usually perform this procedure in one or two visits. Also, there is a very low possibility of the veneers becoming displaced. Veneers are good solutions for people with larger tooth gaps.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are an ideal solution for people who want to cover tooth gaps caused by persona injury. This procedure entails a dentist shaving down the teeth you wish to bond to accommodate the crowns. Afterward, a porcelain crown is placed on each side of the gap and cemented in place. Dentists install crowns -- which should stay in place indefinitely -- in one to two visits.
