Tooth gaps are a common cosmetic concern for millions of Americans. In fact, some experts estimate they occur in up to 25% of people. If you’re one of them, you might assume braces or other orthodontic treatments are the only option, but that isn’t necessarily the case.
At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team regularly help people achieve beautiful and gap-free smiles. Keep reading to learn more about the various treatment options so you can find a solution that works for you.
We regularly help patients correct diastemas with cosmetic dentistry and other procedures. Depending on your needs, we could recommend:
Consider dental bonding if you have a small or moderate-sized gap in your smile. Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin (plastic) to fill in gaps or reshape your teeth, making gaps less noticeable.
The process is painless, affordable, and can typically be done in a single visit. However, resin only lasts about five years and can become chipped or stained, so it isn’t a permanent solution.
If the gap in your smile is between your two front teeth or other teeth at the front of your mouth, porcelain veneers could be the best choice. These thin porcelain shells are bonded to the surfaces of your teeth and improve your smile’s overall appearance.
Veneers often last 10 years or longer. They can also cover other imperfections, such as stains and chips, so they’re a good option for those with multiple cosmetic concerns.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, offer a discreet alternative to metal braces. They fit snugly over your teeth, similar to a mouthguard, and place mild pressure on the connective tissue that supports your teeth in their sockets.
That pressure causes your teeth to gradually shift over time, closing the gap in your smile and improving tooth alignment.
The main consideration is the treatment time. Most people wear aligners for between six months and one year, until the gap fully closes.
If the gap in your teeth is due to a missing tooth, we may recommend dental implants. Implants are small, titanium screws that fuse with your jawbone through a process called osseointegration.
This can take a while, but after it’s done, we can cover the implant with a crown, restoring your smile.
Don’t wait to contact us if you’re unhappy with a gap in your smile. Whether you’ve lost a tooth due to extraction or were simply born with a space between your teeth, you have options.
After completing an oral exam, taking dental X-rays, and asking about your goals, we can develop a personalized care plan that aligns with your needs and budget.
Contact the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati at our office in Beverly Hills.
