Are you feeling self-conscious about the gap between your teeth? It may seem like a small issue, but it can affect your confidence and stop you from smiling broadly. You might even find it hard to pronounce certain letters like V, F, or S properly. In this article, you’ll learn why gaps between teeth occur, what you can do about them, and how Expat Dental can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Why do I have a diastema / gap between my teeth?
There are several reasons why gaps can appear between your front teeth:
- Genetics: You might have inherited your dad’s strong jaw and your mom’s delicate teeth, resulting in a gap.
- Missing teeth: Losing one or more teeth can give the remaining teeth more space, leading to gaps.
- Tooth size and jaw fit: Sometimes, your teeth might be too small for your jaw.
- Habits: Teeth grinding at night, nail biting, or pushing your tongue against your teeth can cause or maintain gaps.
- Tongue thrusting: Pressing your tongue against your teeth when swallowing can create or keep gaps open.
Don’t worry! There are various solutions to close those gaps. Let’s explore your options.
How can you fix a diastema/gap between your teeth?
Solution 1: Orthodontic braces
Orthodontics is the most well-known solution for significant dental misalignment. If your gap is wider than 3 millimeters, braces might be the recommended option by your dentist or orthodontist. However, if the gap is smaller, you might prefer a quicker and easier solution, like veneers.
Braces are not the fastest route to a perfect smile and can come with discomfort. Adjusting to the tension on your teeth can lead to headaches, lip sores, and an increased risk of cavities.
Solution 2: Composite bonding
Composite offers two ways to fix gaps:
- Bonding: The space between teeth is filled with composite material. This process is similar to filling a cavity. First, your teeth are cleaned and dried. Then, the surface is roughened with an acid solution. Finally, the composite is applied and hardened with a blue light. However, composite is porous, so it can stain easily from habits like smoking, or consuming red wine or coffee. It can also be prone to damage and might make your teeth look too wide.
- Composite Veneers: These are applied to the front surface of your teeth. While this option can close gaps, the result might appear unnatural because the veneers can be slightly bulky. Additionally, the dentist has less precision compared to lab-made veneers.
Solution 3: Porcelain veneers
If you dream of a dazzling smile without braces and with long-lasting results, porcelain veneers are an excellent choice. They are durable, lasting up to 15 years with proper care. Being made of porcelain, they stay permanently white and look natural. The placement process is painless, and veneers don’t harm your teeth.
Veneers can do more than just close gaps. They can also correct crooked or discolored teeth, offering a comprehensive solution for a perfect smile.
Cost of filling a gap between your teeth
- Composite Bonding: This is the most cost-effective solution since it’s performed directly by your dentist without the need for a dental lab. However, it’s also the least durable.
- Braces: The cost varies widely depending on the complexity of the treatment.
- Veneers: The price depends on the material and the number of veneers required. Though they may be pricier, veneers provide quick and lasting results.
Interested in fixing the gap between your front teeth with veneers? Or do you need more information? Feel free to visit Expat Dental for a consultation with our Smile Consultants. We’re here to help you achieve a beautiful, confident smile.
