One of the many dental issues that can be fixed with a smile makeover are gaps between teeth. These gaps can be the result of missing teeth, unusual teeth spacing or small teeth. Closing up gaps between teeth, especially in the front of the mouth, can improve a person's appearance, make it easier to clean their teeth and improve their bite.
3 Smile makeover treatments used for gaps between teeth
Here are some of the treatments that might be used to close up gaps between a patient's teeth:
1. Clear aligners
These transparent plastic trays can be used to fix small gaps between teeth. They work by slowly pushing a person's teeth into better alignment. The treatment involves using removable aligner trays that are worn for two weeks each. Each tray further down the line gets the person's teeth closer to the target position.
Clear aligners are a preferred way to straighten teeth and close up gaps since they provide a non-invasive treatment. The benefits associated with clear aligners include:
- The trays are removable so they do not get in the way of meals. People who have braces do not get to enjoy this luxury since their appliances are permanently fixed in place
- The trays can be removed for oral hygiene. This is particularly important since crooked teeth are difficult to clean. Having a fixed appliance like metal braces that get in the way of oral hygiene only makes things worse
- Clear aligners are almost impossible to see when worn
- Provides a more comfortable experience than metal braces
- Reduces the frequency of dental visits during treatment
2. Metal braces
Metal braces are another common way to fix spaces between teeth. Braces have two main parts — metal brackets that are cemented to each of the patient's teeth and wires that connect the brackets on one side of the jaw. Tightening these wires increases the force being applied to the patient's teeth.
Braces are an effective way to straighten teeth, and they can even fix problems that clear aligners cannot fix, like severe overbites. Braces fix gaps by slowly moving teeth to a better alignment and closer to one another. Braces are often recommended for younger patients who might not have the discipline needed for effective treatment with removable devices.
The main downside of metal braces is the fact they are impossible to miss when the wearer smiles. They also make teeth more vulnerable to tooth decay since they get in the way of cleaning and treatment.
3. Veneers
These thin shells are used to cover the front surfaces of teeth. They can also be used to hide spaces between teeth. This is typically done by fitting oversized veneers to the two teeth closest to the gap. The installation of veneers is a permanent procedure since it requires the removal of tooth enamel.
Ready to close the gap in your smile?
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Request an appointment here: https://www.alluredentistry.com or call Allure Dentistry at (310) 683-5321 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
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