San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
Diastema is a common condition in which the front teeth are gapped. While it is common for children’s teeth to be gapped, only about 7% of adults have diastema. It can be caused by different factors, although braces can correct the issue. But what happens if you don’t want braces or you can’t afford treatment? Today on the blog, our cosmetic dentists in the Bay Area share how to hide the gap between your front teeth.
First, let’s explore what causes gapped teeth.
Genetics
Some individuals with gapped teeth inherited it from their parents. If you have an extreme gap between your teeth, your children may also be at risk of developing one.
Gum tissue overgrowth
Tissue overgrowth may be the result of genetics or a lip tie. A lip tie is when the frenum (tissue that connects the lips to the gums) is too thick. However, laser gum therapy can correct these problems so that results from diastema treatment are more effective.
Gum disease and tooth loss
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults. When left untreated, the infection spreads below the gums, causing the jawbone and the tooth’s socket to diminish. Severe cases of gum disease lead to tooth loss, which could cause teeth to drift apart, leaving significant gaps between them.
Poor oral habits
Prolonged thumb sucking or bottle usage and a reverse swallow put pressure on the upper front teeth, which could make them protrude or stick out and lead to gaps between the front teeth. It’s important to address these underlying problems before treating gapped teeth. Otherwise, the treatment may not last.
How to repair gapped front teeth
If you’re an adult looking for a way to conceal the gap in your teeth, consider two options – dental bonding or veneers.
Dental bonding uses a composite filling material that is tooth-colored. The composite bonds directly to the tooth and can be shaped and polished to look completely natural. It is an in-office procedure that can be done in one visit to our San Francisco dentist’s office.
Veneers are porcelain restorations that cover the entire front surface of a tooth. Dental porcelain is of higher quality and lasts longer. Plus, it can be selected in a natural shade to blend with your smile. It takes a couple of weeks to get the final restorations back from the dental lab, but it’s well worth the wait! Your gap will disappear, and you’ll have a confident smile.
In cases where the front two teeth already have large fillings or may be damaged or decayed, dental crowns may be the best option. Dental crowns are like caps that enclose the entire tooth above the gumline. They also are made of dental porcelain and look natural for a seamless smile. If you aren’t sure which option is best for you, schedule a consultation with our Marin dentists at Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500.
