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If you have gaps between your teeth, you’re not alone. About 16.6% of men and 10% of women have at least one gap in between their teeth. Gapped teeth, also known as a diastema, is a fairly common dental condition that involves a noticeable amount of space between two or more of your teeth. Oftentimes, the two front teeth are affected, however other teeth in your mouth can also display a prominent space between them as well. As your Mississauga family and cosmetic dentist , we are here for all your general, cosmetic and emergency needs. That is why we’ve compiled this helpful guide about correcting gaps between your teeth.
What causes gaps in between your teeth?
There are a few things that can cause gaps between your teeth. Oftentimes, diastemas are a genetic condition that are passed down from one generation to another and has more to do with the size, shape and natural structure of the jaw bone. Sometimes you develop gaps because your teeth are undersized or because certain teeth are missing. One of the reasons for a gap between your two upper front teeth is commonly due to an oversized labial frenum, which is the gum that hangs between your teeth. It can also develop overtime through habits, such as thumb sucking and tongue thrust.
Do I need to fix my gaps?
You may think that the only reason to fix your gaps are cosmetic, however gaps in your smile can be an indicator of much larger issues that require gum or orthodontic treatment, such as significant gapping or overcrowding. Properly cleaning the space between your teeth can be challenging and if you do not clean the gap throughly it can potentially lead to periodontal (gum) issues, or tooth decay.
Some treatment options for gapped teeth:
If you are unhappy with the gaps in between your teeth, the first thing that can be done is to book an appointment to visit us for a Complimentary Smile Assessment, in which our Mississauga dental clinic staff can examine your mouth and determine which option is most suitable for your needs. The treatment options available to you will be very case-specific since every smile is different. Some of the options that may be recommended include:
In some cases, the dentist may be able to add tooth-coloured composite restorations to the tooth to alter it’s shape. The method involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin material that gets fixed to the teeth. This material is shaped to appear natural and then hardened by using a special light that “bonds” it to the tooth ultimately for closing the gap in your smile.
Porcelain veneers are considered to be another cosmetic procedure that helps to fix the gaps in between your teeth. They are somewhat more involved than dental bonding, but the process is simple and the results are meant to last for many more years. A veneer is a thin porcelain piece that has been shaped in the laboratory to match the colour or shape of your teeth. It is placed over the front of your tooth and acts like a mask to cover up any gaps and imperfections.
In some cases, braces or Invisalign may be suggested to change the position of your teeth. Braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to the teeth and a wire is placed into the brackets, which then gradually adjusts the position of the teeth. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners instead of using brackets and wires.
To learn more about your treatment options for filling gaps,schedule an appointment with your Mississauga family dental clinic here at Credit River Dental Centre. Our Mississauga dental staff will work with you in order to help you achieve the smile that you have always wanted!