Treatments for Tooth Gaps: Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontic Options
Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus of Brooklyn Heights Dental is one of the leading dentists in the area. He offers advanced cosmetic dentistry to help smiles look their best as well as the latest in restorative dentistry to improve dental wellness.
Tooth gaps are a common issue that many patients experience. Let's look over the problems associated with tooth gap and what treatments can be used to address these matters.
The Aesthetic Problems Caused by Tooth Gaps
If you have major spaces between your teeth, these can cause a number of cosmetic issues. For one, a major gap may make you feel self-conscious about smiling, speaking, and laughing, even around people whom you've known for years. It can really throw off the balance of a smile in some cases.
The Health Problems Caused by Tooth Gaps
A major tooth gap isn't just a cause for aesthetic concern. In some cases, the tooth gap may contribute to dental misalignment. This could mean problems with your bite that lead to extra wear on the teeth or pain when chewing. This misalignment may result in teeth grinding (bruxism), and if untreated, this can cause tooth damage, gum recession, and/or a TMJ disorder.
As you can see, there are many compelling reasons why you should consider getting your gapped teeth treated in some fashion.
Dental Bonding for Minor Spacing Issues
For space issues that are predominantly cosmetic in nature, the ideal option to consider is dental bonding. This involves the use of a tooth-colored dental resin that is applied directly to the surface of a tooth. In the process, a space is filled and the overall aesthetics of the smile is improved.
Porcelain Veneers for Cosmetic Tooth Gaps
For minor gaps that are cosmetic in nature but cannot be treated properly with dental bonding, a good option to consider is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are used to conceal the front portions of the teeth from view. When in place, a porcelain veneer masks a cosmetic flaw. In addition to helping fill gaps and spaces, porcelain veneers are a good option for treating serious dental stains, hiding chips and cracks, and addressing issues with uneven or asymmetrical teeth.
Dental Crowns for Major Spaces and Gaps
When there is a major tooth gap or space issue due to tooth size or tooth shape, sometimes a good option for treatment is the use of a dental crown. Dental crowns are caps that fit over a tooth. With a crown in place, the overall size and shape of a tooth can be adjusted effectively.
Orthodontic Treatment to Improve Spacing and Alignment
When a patient has major issue with gaps, spacing, and tooth alignment, the best idea for treatment is orthodontic care. The use of braces or an alternative to traditional braces will help reposition the teeth along the dental arch, ensuring better alignment, closing of gaps, and improved dental health.
Which treatment option would be best for me?
The best way to find out which of the treatment options above is ideal for you and your needs is to schedule a consultation at our practice for more information. During your visit, we will answer all questions and address all concerns so that you have realistic expectations about treatment and can achieve excellent dental health and wellness.
Contact Brooklyn Heights Dental
To learn more about your various treatment options for aesthetic issues and dental health problems, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team at Brooklyn Heights Dental looks forward to your visit and helping your smile look its absolute best.