Are your two front teeth spaced just a little too far apart? This is the most common type of gap that can potentially appear in your smile. It’s generally not a problem from an oral health perspective, but you may be bothered by the way it looks. Luckily, there are multiple types of cosmetic dentistry that can be used to correct the issue! Here’s a closer look at what can cause a gap between your two front teeth and how the problem can potentially be fixed.
What Causes a Gap Between the Front Teeth?
Sometimes a gap between the two front teeth is simply the result of genetics. The teeth can end up being too small compared to the jawbone, thus causing a gap to form.
On top of that, certain habits can put pressure on the teeth, pushing them out of alignment and resulting in empty space between them. Examples of such habits include thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting.
In certain cases, a gap between front teeth may be a consequence of advanced gum disease. An infection of the gums can result in serious damage to the underlying jawbone; this causes the teeth to come loose and a gap to appear.
What Can You Do About a Gap Between Your Front Teeth?
If gum disease is to blame for the gap between your front teeth, you’ll want to have it treated as soon as possible. But if your mouth is currently in good health, it’s worth considering your options for closing the empty space:
- Veneers: A veneer is a thin shell that can be attached to the front of a tooth in order to hide all kinds of cosmetic dental issues. Placing veneers on your front teeth can help close the gap between them.
- Direct Bonding: Direct bonding involves applying composite resin to your tooth in order to make aesthetic corrections. Your prosthodontist can apply the resin to the sides of the teeth to effectively change their size so that there’s no longer a gap.
- Invisalign Clear Aligners: Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that uses removable clear aligners to shift your teeth into better positions. In many cases, Invisalign can be used to move your front teeth closer together to eliminate empty space.
If you’re not sure how to get rid of the gap between your front teeth, set up a consultation with your prosthodontist. They can take a look at your smile and explain your treatment options in detail in order to help you determine the best way to achieve your cosmetic goals.
About the Practice
Here at Boston Prosthodontics Dental Group, we have multiple prosthodontists and periodontists under a single roof who are fully dedicated to helping patients improve the health and appearance of their smiles. We’re proud to offer veneers, direct bonding, and other services that can be used to address gaps between the front teeth and other aesthetic issues. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, visit our website or call (617) 523-5451.