Best treatments for closing the gaps in your teeth.

Having Gaps in between the teeth is quite common. For some, it might make no difference but for others who are highly self-conscious, they tend to hide their smile

Problems associated with tooth gaps

• Cosmetic problems

Gaps between teeth are not usually good to look at from a cosmetic point of view.

• Food lodgment between teeth

Besides being a cosmetic problem, food also tends to get stuck in between the teeth which is very difficult to clean. As a result of this, plaque and calculus builds up which is bad for your gums and teeth and also causes foul smell from your mouth.

• Difficulty in oral hygiene

Tooth with gaps need extra care by flossing or interdental brush to keep them clean.

Probable causes of tooth gaps

Oral habits in children

Gaps in teeth in children are due to an underlying habit such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting (habit of pushing the upper anterior teeth with tongue every time during swallowing).

Microdontia or small tooth size

Some people tend to have a small size of their teeth the relative to their jaws and as a result gaps might be present

Gum diseases

Diseases of the gums weakens the supporting structure of the teeth and as a result  teeth might drift or move resulting in gaps.

Remedies for tooth gaps

Depending on the age of the patient and the clinical condition a variety of treatment options are available that can solve the problem of tooth gaps.

Orthodontic treatment

• Orthodontic treatment by braces/ aligners is the best way to close the teeth gaps naturally. 
• Usually braces are the preferred treatment modality in children and aligners in adults.
• This treatment modality is slow, make take 16-18 months to complete depending on the degree of correction desired.
• For Aligners, compliance of the patient is a must, else the treatment will not produce the desired results.

Dental Bonding

• Dental Bonding involves use of filling materials to close the gaps between teeth. 
• This treatment option is restricted to cases having a localized gap between one or two teeth. 
• The treatment is least invasive and can be easily completed in one sitting.
• Care has to taken not to bite directly on the repaired teeth.
• It is comparatively less durable compared to other treatment options.

Veneers/Crowns

• This is a slightly aggressive treatment modality since it involves preparation if the tooth. 
• It is indicated in cases where the patient desires immediate improvement or in older patients.

If you too have tooth gaps which are of a concern to you. Kindly schedule a consultation.