San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland, CA
If you are an adult with gapped teeth, you might wonder how it got there. Many factors cause an unwanted space between teeth, and you may have had it for so long now that you can’t even remember not having that space in your smile. Glen Park Dental wants to point out oral health problems that can cause gapped teeth. And, if you want to know how to fix a gap in your smile, we’ve got solutions for you.
Jaw and Tooth Alignment
For a lot of adults with gapped teeth, their teeth probably developed this way due to the natural pattern of their jaw and tooth alignment. And sometimes, gapped teeth can even be hereditary. But, that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck with it forever.
Untreated Lip-tie
A lip-tie involves thick or restrictive labial frenum, which is the string of tissue that attaches the inside of your upper lip to the ridge on your gums. You may be able to feel it with the tip of your tongue. When this tissue is too thick, it can cause the two front teeth to be gapped. Nowadays, the dentist can use a simple laser procedure to release the restriction, although a corrective or cosmetic dental procedure may still be needed to close the gap.
Bad Oral Habits
When you see an infant sucking its thumb, it’s cute. But, those type of habits should stop long before the kid becomes school age. Unfortunately, bad oral habits like digit sucking or the use of a pacifier continue beyond a child’s first birthday. Bad oral habits like this can impact how the jaw and upper palate develop, which directly relates to how the teeth align when they erupt.
Other bad oral habits like tongue thrust or mouth breathing can lead to gapped teeth, or other tooth alignment problems that are unfavorable and make adults feel self-conscious.
Periodontal Disease
Also known as gum disease, this oral health condition is the number one cause of tooth loss among adults in the U.S. between the ages of 30-65. If you begin losing teeth, your other natural teeth will likely begin to drift over time. This may cause gaps between, not just your front teeth, but in any area of your smile. Periodontal disease, however, is preventable with good oral hygiene habits, and regular visits to your dentist. And, if you have gum disease already, it can be managed to prevent it from getting worse. Just talk to your dentist about a treatment plan and stick to their recommendation to keep your oral health in check.
Treating Gapped Teeth
Cosmetic dentistry allows us to provide an easy solution to patients dealing with unwanted gaps in their smiles. The best solution for you will depend on the condition of your oral health, as well as your smile goals. Glen Park Dental offers solutions like instant orthodontics that uses dental bonding that is applied in a single office visit. And, options like orthodontics for adults, or porcelain veneers. Each of these procedures come with a different price tag and treatment timeline. So, if you would like to get rid of a gap between your teeth, or find a cosmetic dentist in the Bay Area, contact Glen Park Dental by calling (415) 585-1500 to schedule a consultation.
Glen Park Dental is proud to offer comprehensive oral care services to patients in the areas of Marin, Oakland, and San Francisco, California.
