Are you still dealing with a gap in your teeth even after wearing braces? Overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, and gaps between two or more of your teeth can affect the appearance of your smile. If you’re still battling with a space in your pearly whites despite having undergone orthodontic treatment, here’s what you should do.
Having gaps in your teeth, even after having braces, can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable experience. Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, correction, and prevention of improper positioning of the teeth and jaws. Although it is quite common for people to get their teeth straightened with the help of braces, it is possible for gaps to remain even after treatment.
Bonding and Contouring
Bonding and contouring are two non-invasive treatments used to fill in small spaces between your teeth. Bonding involves applying a thin layer of composite material, usually made from tooth-colored plastic to your teeth. The material is then hardened with a UV light. Contouring, on the other hand, involves slightly reshaping your existing teeth by removing small amounts of enamel.
Bonding
Bonding is one of the most common and least expensive ways to close gaps in your teeth. The process usually requires only one visit to the dentist and can be completed in about 30 minutes. Additionally, the material used for bonding is tooth-colored making it less noticeable than other treatments.
Contouring
Contouring is a method that simply reshapes your existing teeth by removing small amounts of enamel. It is usually used to correct minor aesthetic problems such as slight misalignment, chips, or gaps. The results of contouring are usually instant and long-lasting.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that are custom-made for each individual tooth. They are used to cover up chips, stains, and spaces between teeth. Veneers can also be used to correct minor alignment issues. The procedure usually requires two visits to the dentist, one for preparation and one for placement of the veneers.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent solution to gaps in your teeth. The implants are placed directly into the jawbone and act as artificial roots. Once the implants have healed, artificial teeth, called crowns, are placed on top of them. Dental implants are a more expensive option but they last much longer than other treatments.
Orthodontic Treatment
If your gap is caused by misalignment, orthodontic treatment may be a suitable option for you. Orthodontics can help to straighten crooked teeth and align the jaws properly. The most common type of orthodontic appliance used for this purpose is braces but other treatments such as Invisalign are also available. Treatment times vary depending on the severity of the misalignment but can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Conclusion
If you still have a gap in your teeth after having braces, there are several treatment options available to you. Bonding and contouring are two non-invasive procedures that can be used to fill in spaces between teeth. Dental veneers and implants are also viable options for more serious cases. Orthodontic treatment can also be used to correct alignment problems that may be causing the gap.
FAQs
How long does it take to close a gap in teeth?
The amount of time it takes to close a gap in your teeth depends on the type of treatment you choose. Bonding and contouring can usually be completed within 30 minutes, while veneers or implants may require multiple visits to the dentist over several weeks. Orthodontic treatments typically take 6 months to 2 years depending on the severity of the misalignment.
How much does it cost to close a gap in teeth?
The cost of treatment will vary depending on the type of procedure you choose. Bonding and contouring are typically the least expensive options, while veneers, implants, and orthodontics are more costly.
Is it possible to close a gap in teeth without braces?
Yes, there are several non-invasive procedures that can be used to fill in gaps between teeth. Bonding and contouring are two of the most common treatments but veneers or implants may also be an option depending on the severity of the gap.
