Ideally, your teeth should be positioned in a way where they are touching each other without being crowded or overlapping. But what if you have extra space between your two front teeth? This issue, known as midline diastema, might make you feel self-conscious about your appearance. Is that something that cosmetic dentistry can fix? Yes! Let’s talk about what can cause diastema and your potential treatment options.
What Causes Diastema?
Diastema is usually the result of overly small teeth, genetics, or tongue thrust. In some cases, it occurs when gum disease causes the teeth to loosen and drift out of place.
In most cases, diastema is considered a variation of normal dental development and does not pose a threat to oral health. (Of course, when gaps are caused by gum disease, missing teeth, or other significant concerns, restorative care is important for restoring oral health and function.)
Cosmetic Solutions for Diastema
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is the fastest way to disguise a gap between two front teeth. During this treatment, Dr. Makadia molds a tooth-colored resin over the front teeth. Because the edge of the resin can extend slightly beyond the teeth’s natural borders, it can close an unsightly gap. The treatment process takes just one appointment and is affordable for most patients.
One downside of dental bonding is that it is not as durable as some alternative treatments.
Veneers
Veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain that get attached to teeth in order to hide their aesthetic imperfections. They can be made so they are slightly wider than the teeth that support them, so they can be used to close small gaps.
Veneers are more durable than cosmetic bonding. They also feature greater stain resistance and a potential lifespan of 10 – 20 years or longer.
Orthodontia
Veneers and bonding do not move the teeth; rather, they use additional material to disguise a gap between the front teeth. If you want to completely close a gap without covering your teeth, ask our Bohemia team if you are a candidate for Invisalign or SureSmile. These treatments use custom clear aligners to gradually shift the teeth into their proper positions.
Although clear aligners take longer than veneers or bonding, they can be an excellent solution for larger gaps or cases of misalignment that affect oral health and function.
Cosmetic dentistry may be able to close a gap between your front teeth! Our team can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Meet Our Practice
Under the leadership of experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Makadia, our team offers a variety of aesthetic treatments. If you would like to close a gap between your teeth or address other imperfections in your smile, we are ready to consult with you. Contact Sunrise Dental Service at 631-567-5566.