Many people find themselves having gaps in teeth and have no idea how to deal with the problem. This could be the result of a missing tooth or just a natural occurrence that leaves their teeth with a little more space than usual. For some people, this gap is a source of great discomfort and causes great misery, especially when someone has to smile or do anything that exposes that gap.
Braces have generally been used to correct the problem in both children and in adults. However this also poses a problem to many people as braces are very conspicuous and tend to attract more attention than even the gap itself. It is for many people a case of the remedy being worse than the disease! So is it possible to close gaps in your teeth without braces? Yes it is. Check out the following alternatives:
Veneers
A veneer generally refers to anything that is applied on top of something else thus forming an outer layer. In this context, veneers such as porcelain veneers are an outer covering that is placed on top of a tooth or teeth. Because it can be molded into any shape that the patient desires, it is easy for a dentist to shape it in such a way that the veneer closes any gaps between teeth. Veneers are generally simple to apply and stay in place for a long time. They are also indistinguishable from your natural teeth making them a great option for people who want to close the gap between their teeth without it being rather obvious.
Bonding
Bonding works the same way as veneers with the difference that it does not last as long. Here, the dentist uses simple tooth-colored composite materials to coat the tooth and smooth over any gaps or chips. It works very well for small gaps and minor flaws in the teeth. It has the additional advantage of being relatively easy to apply.
Crowns
Crowns are usually made of metal or porcelain and are designed to cover a damaged area fully so the gap or chipped tooth is not noticeable. Each crown is designed to fit into a specific space in the patient’s teeth and they have the advantage of not requiring any special care other than standard brushing and flossing.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a great option when looking to replace one or more missing teeth. Here, a rod made of titanium is inserted into the jaw and over the course of several months; gum tissue will grow around it and hold it in place. This rod acts as an artificial root. Once this artificial root is firmly in place, a crown is placed on top of the rod to completely cover the gap. This process is very permanent and lasts for a long time.
Bridges
Bridges are used to close gaps that are so wide that most of the options given above might not work. Here, crowns are placed on the adjacent teeth so as to support the bridge. The bridge, made of porcelain or composite materials, is then placed over the crowns so as to cover the gap in between completely. Because it is the same color as your natural teeth, it is virtually indistinguishable. Bridges are great for closing wide gaps as they might be occasioned by multiple missing teeth.
As you can see, you have a variety of options if you want to close gaps in your teeth without using braces. For any of these procedures in a highly patient-centric dental clinic, give us a call at (718) 253-0800 for an appointment today.