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Windsor Centre For Advanced Dentistry

life changing dentistry

GAP IN TEETH

Gaps in between teeth are common. They can be caused by a whole range of factors, including unusual spacing between the teeth, having unusually small teeth, or by having missing teeth. 

Many people embrace having a small gap in their front teeth and see it as a unique part of their character and features. However, for others a tooth gap can have a negative impact on their smile and confidence. 

Obviously, a large gap in teeth caused by a missing tooth is usually more of a problem and it’s usually best to consider replacing the missing tooth

If you are unhappy with a small gap in your teeth, filling it is usually a simple treatment especially if it’s between your front teeth. 

Gap in teeth - before and after

What is diastema?  

A disastema is a naturally occurring small gap between the front teeth usually around 0.5-2mm. A gap in front teeth can be larger in some cases. 

Most children will have gaps between their teeth in their younger years as their teeth are developing and jaws are growing, and as the milk teeth fall out and the adult teeth come through. These gaps tend to close naturally. However, sometimes the gaps persist, and this is usually to do with the size and shape of the teeth, along with the size of the jaw. 

Although it is not harmful, it can have an impact on someone’s smile, especially if the gap is unusually large or if there are multiple gaps between the teeth.  

What causes diastemas and a gap in teeth? 

While some gaps are naturally occurring such as inherited through genetics, a small jaw and small teeth. But can also be caused by dental disease such as gum disease. It is important to see your dentist if you notice any new gaps appearing or getting larger. 

There are several different factors that can contribute to gaps between the teeth including: 

  • Missing or undersized teeth
  • A difference in the size of the teeth in relation to the jaw bone
  • Gum disease leading to tooth movement and drifting 
  • Incorrect swallowing reflex an excessive natural tongue thrust 
  • Oversized labial frenum 
  • Loss of teeth 
  • Habits such as lip sucking and thumb sucking 

How to fix a gap in teeth 

Obviously if there is a missing tooth or if you are bothered about the gap in your teeth, it’s best to have the Dentist take a look and see what the best option would be for you. Depending on the situation and the reason for the teeth gap, treatment options include: 

Dental bonding 

Dental bonding is one of the quickest, easiest and most effective way of fixing a gap between teeth. 

A dental bonding procedure can often be completed in a single dentist visit and involves addition of composite bonding restoring the perfect shape of your teeth. Many patients also choose this treatment if they have chipped or broken teeth.  

Vaneers 

Vaneers are also used to help patients to fill the gaps in their teeth especially when the teeth are also chipped and worn or heavily filled. The vaneers can fill any unwanted spaces and also reshape the teeth and cover any defects. 

Dental implants 

Dental implant restorations are often the best option for replacement of missing or failing teeth, or when you have large gaps due to missing teeth. 

Dental bridges 

Getting a tooth bridge is an alternative for missing teeth where a replacement tooth or teeth are secured to the tooth or teeth adjacent to a gap. 

Braces fix gaps 

Orthodontic treatment may be the best option alone or in conjunction with the above dental treatments – this is best evaluated by your Dentist. 

Types of braces 

Lingual fixed braces are a popular option for closing the gaps in teeth. Hidden behind the teeth, these braces are discreet, allowing you to smile, eat, talk and laugh, without anyone noticing your braces.  

Labial fixed braces are conventional and cost effective, made up of little square brackets, they are attached to the front of your teeth. These are a lot less obvious and smaller than they used to be and they can be made even more discreet with tooth-coloured ceramic braces or clear brackets. 

Clear aligners and Invisalign are becoming increasingly popular, this is a great option and often offer a quick safe and discreet way to close gaps and align teeth. 

At Windsor Dentistry we offer a range of dentistry treatments for gaps in teeth. Our team will work alongside you to determine the best treatment.  

Have a browse through our case studies or call us on 01753 833 755 to find out how you can fix any gap in your teeth.

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