How We Close Gaps In Teeth

A look at the methods available for correcting ‘gappy’ teeth in Burton.

One of the most obvious and noticeable aesthetic dental problems, is when a person has gaps between their teeth. These can be minor gaps which are less noticeable, or larger and more noticeable ones caused by missing teeth. Especially when gaps occur in the visible front teeth, most of us will choose to see a local Burton family dentist for help.

With modern dental treatment, no one needs to put up with gaps between their teeth, and, below, we take a look at the various treatments that are available at Mike Allen’s Dental Practice to correct it.

Composite and dental veneers

Where spaces between the visible front teeth are relatively minor, they can be closed by using a special dental composite material made from reinforced resin. This is a non invasive treatment that can be used to build up the edges of the teeth, in order to close a gap. The negative of this procedure is that the composite is slightly porous and will discolour slowly over time, however, it can be replaced.

For a longer lasting and more aesthetically pleasing result, dental veneers are a good solution. These are, in effect, replacements for the front of the teeth and fit in a similar manner to false fingernails. Unlike composites though, veneers do entail the removal of a very fine layer from the front of the tooth, which is then replaced with the veneers. Whilst this is a more invasive procedure than closing a gap with composite material, the veneers are non porous and should not stain. They should last the patient for approximately ten years, depending on lifestyle and care taken.

Orthodontics

Where gaps in the teeth have appeared due to movement of other teeth, this can be corrected by using one of our range of modern orthodontics. Patients who are reluctant to wear dental braces should find that modern orthodontics bear little resemblance to traditional ones in appearance. Although some braces do use the same wire and bracket approach to straightening teeth, the material used is now much finer and also produced in tooth coloured materials that make them much less visible.

Gaps in the teeth

Where a tooth has been lost, the gap in the teeth is naturally too large to be corrected with either of the above methods and a replacement tooth option is the best solution. This can take a number of forms, from a more conventional approach such as the use of a partial denture or a dental bridge, to more advanced and secure options such as a dental implant. There are pros and cons to all of these options which we will discuss in a future blog, and a final decision is best determined through discussion between dentist and patient during the consultation at our Burton dental practice.

If you have a gap in your teeth and would like to discuss correcting this with one of our dentists, please call Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on 01283 845345.