Is the gap between your teeth wider than 0.5 millimetres? You may have diastema. While having a gap in between may not be a problem for some, it may affect the self-esteem of others. If the gap between your teeth is affecting your smile, you should consider filling it up. Although you can correct teeth gaps with traditional braces, they can be quite uncomfortable, tedious, inconvenient, and costly. Luckily, you can fix your teeth gap with other quality dental procedures. If you aren’t sold on the idea of braces, below is a comprehensive guide on how to fix gap teeth without braces.
What Causes the Gap in Between Teeth?
Teeth gaps tend to appear between the two upper front teeth. But they can also occur between any other two teeth. They may result due to the following:
Frenum
The frenum is a thin piece of tissue that connects your upper lip to your upper gums. If it grows too large, it can cause your front teeth to separate, creating a gap between teeth. According to Better Health Channel, you may need to undergo a frenectomy before filling the gap to solve teeth gaps caused by a frenum.
Gum Disease
The absence of proper dental care can cause gum disease. Having poor gum health can lead to gum infections, receding gums, loose teeth, and more. These symptoms can cause teeth movement, creating spaces between the teeth.
Jaw Size
The size of your jaw can play a major role in the alignment of your teeth. If you have a wider jaw, your teeth tend to have more space to move and shift. Additionally, the combination of a larger jaw and small teeth can lead to gaps between your teeth.
Genetics
According to the Australian Dental Journal, teeth gaps can be hereditary. Your teeth gap may have a genetic origin if one or both of your parents have one.
Incorrect Swallowing Reflex
When the swallowing reflex happens properly, your tongue presses against the roof of your mouth. But you may have a bad swallowing reflex in case you push your tongue against your front teeth when you swallow. Over time, this action can lead to diastemas.
Habits
Whether it’s lip sucking, thumb sucking, or tongue thrusting, these actions can put pressure on your front teeth, pushing them forward. This can cause teeth gaps.
What Are the Problems Associated with Teeth Gap?
While teeth gaps are mostly a cosmetic issue, they can cause dental problems as well. Here are some issues associated with gapped teeth:
- Speech problems: Teeth gaps can cause whistling sounds, making it difficult for people to understand you
- Tooth decay: Large spaces leave lots of room for food and debris to collect, leading to tooth decay and eventually gum disease
- Wear and tear: Teeth gaps can collide with other teeth, causing your teeth to damage faster than accepted
- Discomfort: When you have a gap between your teeth, it can be hard to find the perfect position for your tongue to rest
How Can You Correct Gapped Teeth?
Are you asking, ‘how to fix my gap teeth without braces?’ Rather than being resigned to a single treatment plan, here are various options you should consider.
Clear Aligners
Each set of clear aligners puts an exact force on your teeth, helping fill your gaps. Depending on the severity of your tooth gaps, you may only wear them for 4-6 months or up to a year. You should switch them after every 10 days. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are invisible so notice when you wear them. They also won’t affect your brushing and flossing. But you should not drink or eat a meal when you have them on.
Dental Bonding
Looking for a quick fix for small teeth gaps? Composite bonding may be the best solution for you. During this procedure, a tooth-coloured composite resin is attached to your tooth and hardened using a special light. After the material hardens, your dentist will trim and polish the resin to match the rest of the tooth surfaces. The procedure only takes 1-2 dental visits to complete. While it’s highly effective and stain-resistant, it won’t last long. This is why it’s favourable for smaller gaps.
Veneers
In some cases, it’s possible to solve teeth gaps using porcelain veneers. The upper layer of your enamel will be removed first before replacing it with a veneer. They are put up permanently on the teeth to help fix the gap between the teeth. Porcelain veneers are strong, meaning they can withstand your chewing force to a greater extent. They’re also resistant to stains.
Crowns
While crowns are typically known for repairing the cracked tooth, they can also fix your gaps. You can use them to cover your gaps and create a more even appearance. Crowns are effective for fixing horizontal gaps. Before a dental crown procedure, your surrounding teeth and gums must be free from any sort of dental disease or issues. If you have any signs of tartar or gum disease, it is recommended to take care of them first before addressing your gapped teeth.
Teeth Gap Bands
Teeth bands are placed around your teeth where the gap exists. You should wear the band for at least 12 hours a day. It is affordable and the treatment duration will vary depending on your gap size.
Implants
If you have a wider gap, you should consider getting implants. A mock enamel tooth will be placed into your bone or gum. You can opt for either removable or fixed implants.
Fix Teeth Gaps with Quality Cosmetic Dentistry
Need help filling the gap in between teeth without braces? Smile Path can help! We offer premium clear aligners that help move your teeth, filling any gaps. Our goal is to give you a beautiful and confident smile. Contact us to take a free assessment.
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