Teeth Spacing Treatments

Do you have gaps between your two front teeth? Teeth spacing is a common cosmetic concern that can be effectively treated by your dentist, whether your gap affects your front teeth or other teeth in your mouth. If gaps make you unhappy with the way your teeth look, if you experience self-esteem or confidence issues, or if you feel embarrassed when you smile, read on to learn about what you can do to fix teeth spacing issues.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a quick and low-cost cosmetic treatment that can hide small gaps between your teeth and improve your smile. Your dentist will apply a composite resin material to the sides of the teeth closest to the gap and then carefully sculpt the bonding to make your teeth look wider, essentially closing the gap. The composite resin is tooth-colored to blend naturally with your existing teeth.

Veneers

For a small gap between your two front teeth, plastic or porcelain veneers are a good option. Veneers are very thin tooth-colored shells that are bonded over your existing teeth. Your dentist will first remove a small amount of natural tooth material so the veneers can be properly applied. Veneers can be placed over your two front teeth closest to the gap. This gives the appearance that your teeth are slightly wider, hiding the gap.

Orthodontic Treatment

For larger gaps and gaps accompanied by other misalignment problems such as an overbite or underbite, you may need orthodontic treatment to reposition your teeth. Orthodontic options include traditional metal braces or clear, removable aligners. Both use pressure on the teeth to move them into the desired position.

Frenectomy

When the labial frenum—the tissue that connects your upper lip to your gums—is too large and overextends between the front teeth, the resulting pulling can eventually cause a gap between the front teeth. Your dentist will conduct a frenectomy—a minor surgical procedure to remove or reduce the oversized labial frenum—then follow that procedure with cosmetic bonding or veneers to solve your teeth spacing issue. Orthodontic treatment with braces may also be necessary.

Dental Bridges or Implants

If the unwanted gap between your two front teeth is because you have a missing tooth, you can solve the problem with a dental implant or a bridge. A dental implant is an artificial tooth attached to a post that is embedded into your jawbone. A bridge consists of two crowns that are attached to the teeth that are adjacent to the gap. The two crowns provide support for the artificial tooth that fits into the gap.

Clean, Properly Aligned Teeth for Good Overall Health

Teeth spacing can form anywhere in your mouth, and gaps can become more pronounced as you age. Too much space between your teeth can lead to food buildup and potential gum disease if you do not take good care of your teeth, gums, and mouth.

For older children and adults, teeth spacing issues that are not corrected after adult teeth fully erupt can result in misaligned teeth; issues with biting, chewing, and swallowing; plaque buildup and bacterial growth; inflamed gums; periodontal disease; and tooth decay, loose teeth, and possible tooth loss.

For young children, gaps are normal as baby teeth and permanent teeth fall out and grow in at different rates. Oftentimes, gaps resolve themselves when adult teeth come in. However, if gaps do not correct naturally, orthodontic intervention will likely be necessary.

Gaps between teeth are treatable with orthodontic intervention, prosthetics, or both. Properly aligned teeth that are clean and healthy are essential to your overall health. If you have unwanted teeth spacing, talk with your dentist about options for correction.

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