Smiles make the best first impressions. However, some people can’t smile confidently because of the gaps between their teeth. We get it – gaps in teeth are not nice to look at. Fortunately, they aren’t permanent, and there are many ways to fill them. Modern dental procedures allow dentists to fix the gaps between your teeth without braces.
Let’s learn more about teeth gaps and how they can be fixed without braces.
What Are Teeth Gaps?
Teeth gaps, also known as diastema, appear anywhere in the mouth. However, they’re most noticeable between the upper front teeth. Children and adults can both have teeth gaps, but teeth gaps in children often disappear when their permanent teeth set in.
Some gaps are barely noticeable, while some are more obvious and can cause problems for some people. It may make them feel self-conscious, making them embarrassed to smile. It may also cause crooked or crowded teeth. Large gaps between front teeth may result in lesser space for other teeth, resulting in problems with a person’s bite.
What Causes Teeth Gaps?
Many factors lead to the development of teeth gaps, like:
Teeth and Jaw Size and Shape
One is the size and shape of the teeth and jaw. A person with teeth too small for their jaw will often have teeth gaps. Genetics also influence the size of your jawbone and teeth, which means teeth gaps can be passed down from one generation to another.
Excess Tissue
You may also develop teeth gaps if you have excess tissue bordering your gum line and two upper front teeth. This excess tissue can separate your teeth and create a gap between them.
Bad Habits
Bad habits like sucking on your thumb as a child can cause teeth gaps. It puts pressure on the front teeth, pulling them forward.
Tongue Thrust
Older adults and children also develop tooth gaps due to incorrect swallowing reflexes. Instead of positioning the tongue on the roof of your mouth, it pushes against the front teeth. This is also known as tongue thrust. While it may seem harmless, it puts too much pressure on the front teeth, separating them.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a form of infection that inflames the gums and tissues supporting the teeth. This can cause tooth loss, creating gaps between teeth. Gum disease symptoms include gum swelling, bleeding, redness, bone loss, and loose teeth.
How To Fix Teeth Gaps Without Braces
Teeth gaps are often not an issue and can be left alone. However, treating them may be beneficial if it improves a person’s self-esteem.
Braces are the most common way to correct teeth gaps. But if you don’t want them, talk to your dentist about any issues and possible solutions. Some of these may include the following:
Composite Bonding
Composite bonding is often one of the top answers to the question of “how to fix teeth gaps without braces.”
Cosmetic or composite bonding is the fastest and easiest way to cover small imperfections or fill small gaps between your teeth without braces. Dentists apply and shape a resin material that matches the natural appearance of your teeth. Then, they use a UV light to harden it.
The procedure only takes a few minutes and is easy for dentists to perform. However, composite bonding is not a permanent solution; it can turn brittle over time due to eating, brushing, and other factors. You should learn to maintain them and what you can do to avoid damaging them.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain pieces that match your teeth’s shape and color. Dentists place them over your front teeth’s front surfaces and create perfect, natural-looking teeth. They are also excellent solutions for the gaps between your teeth; they don’t stain or break easily. With proper care, they can last for up to 15 years.
However, veneers require minor adjustments to your natural teeth; dentists need to shave off some of your teeth’ enamel to attach the veneers.
Dental Implants
Implants are the next way to close gaps between teeth without braces. They are most effective when the gap between teeth is large or for missing teeth.
To have implants, your dentist must place screw-like posts into your jawbone surgically. Once it fuses to your jaws and gums, your dentist will place the abutment to which your artificial tooth will attach.
Implants look and feel like natural teeth and won’t shift in your mouth. However, they require healthy jaws and gums. Consult your dentist to determine if they are suitable options for you.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are prosthetics that dentists cement on top of a tooth, covering its entire surface. They enhance your smile’s appearance, making them look natural and perfect. Dentists also use them to top dental implants, shaping them to create your desired look.
Dental crowns are made from porcelain, ceramic, metal, or acrylic. Your dentist will need to evaluate your tooth’s current health before placing a dental crown to fill the gap between your teeth.
Bridges
If you have a gap between your teeth caused by missing teeth, dental bridges can help. A dental bridge is a false tooth attached to abutment teeth on either side of the gap. Dentists can use different materials, including gold, to make these false teeth; however, those made of porcelain blend in with natural teeth best.
Aligners
Aligners are clear, thin trays that fit the shape of your teeth. They are designed to move the teeth to close gaps and improve alignment, just like braces. Unlike metal braces, aligners are removable, and you are responsible for putting them back on.
Aligners have some advantages over metal braces. They keep eating, brushing, and flossing more manageable, and food won’t stick to them. They aren’t made with wires or brackets that can come loose, so they require fewer repairs and visits to the dentist.
Key Takeaway
Teeth gaps are often cosmetic problems, but they can sometimes cause problems. Factors that lead to them include bad habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, excess tissue, and gum disease.
Braces are effective in fixing gaps in front teeth and are the most common way to do so. But they are not the only way to fix them. Some of your options include aligners, implants, bridges, composite bonding, and veneers. Talk to your dentist about your options and what suits you best.
Enjoy a better smile today.
Do you have gaps between your teeth? Look no further than Sunrise Dentistry. Our dentist in Durango offers holistic dental care and advice on teeth gap repair without braces.
Visit us soon and achieve the perfect smile.
