Is the small gap between your front teeth the only thing you dislike about your smile? Don’t worry, this extra space, also known as a diastema, is more common than you think. If you’d rather say goodbye to this imperfection, cosmetic dentistry might just do the trick. With so many effective ways to close the gap, you can finally feel good about the way you look. Keep reading to find out which cosmetic solutions can help.
Veneers
A semi-permanent way to close the gap between your teeth is to ask your cosmetic dentist about veneers. These thin, custom-made tooth coverings attach to the front surfaces and maintain a secure bond that improves your smile. They’re customized based on your preferred tooth size, shape, and color, and they can also address stains, chips, cracks, and other flaws.
It is worth mentioning that with veneers come a few important things to remember:
- They’re deemed semi-permanent because, while they will eventually need to be replaced after a decade or more, the process is irreversible, so you will always need veneers or another form of tooth covering.
- Veneer placement is irreversible because a small portion of tooth enamel must be removed so that bonding is secure.
Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment
If the gap causes more than an aesthetic issue, you may need a more complex approach. Invisalign clear aligners can shift teeth and close the gap so that your diastema is no longer a problem. That means you won’t need to worry about food getting stuck or bacteria accumulating in the space.
While orthodontic treatment is generally more expensive than veneers or dental bonding, it does produce lifelong results. That is, of course, as long as you wear your retainer after you finish Invisalign.
Dental Bonding
Fast, affordable, and highly effective, dental bonding remains a popular choice among patients who want to hide small flaws, like a minor gap between teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will use a tooth-colored composite resin to fill the space so all you see is a blended, natural-looking smile.
Your dentist uses composite resin, which is the same material used for tooth-colored fillings. It’s flexible, easy to apply, and hardens quickly with a curing light. It also matches your enamel shade, creating a cohesive, seamless result.
However, while it is cost-effective, it doesn’t last as long as veneers, so you’ll need to replace it sooner.
A gap between your teeth doesn’t have to last forever. With cosmetic dentistry, you and your dentist can choose the treatment option that’s right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Piro Leno has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. After graduating from the UMF Cluj-Napoca School of Dental Medicine in Romania in 2000, he moved to Boston to complete his dental degree at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in 2009. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and enjoys using all types of treatment, including veneers, dental bonding, Invisalign, and more. If you want to do something about your diastema once and for all, visit our website or call (781) 665–1552 to schedule an appointment.