How Teeth Gap Filling Can Enhance Your Smile? – List of Procedures, Cost, Prevention, and More!

A beautiful smile enhances confidence and self-esteem while gaps in teeth can instigate feelings of inadequacy.

There’s a connection between your oral health and mental health; a smile spreads happiness and warmth, but if you have gaps in your teeth, you often feel conscious about the way you smile.

In this article, you will learn about teeth gap filling, the reasons behind it, and the best options to fix these gaps.

Gap Between Teeth – Why Does That Happen?

Gaps in teeth are an extra space between two adjacent teeth. It is even more annoying if it is the front two teeth. Moreover, many of us are embarrassed about that extra space in our teeth that shows up while smiling.

The gaps in teeth are known as diastemas, and if they are the front two teeth, they are more specifically known as midline diastemas. Now, coming to the reasons, there can be many, as mentioned below: 

• Missing teeth – Sometimes, a tooth is missing by birth for no exact reason. A tooth could also be lost in an accident or an injury. In such cases, the surrounding teeth can shift and form irregular spacing, making you feel awkward about that smile. However, you have several choices for fixing missing teeth.

• Tooth size discrepancy – If the tooth is smaller in size by birth, the adjacent teeth attempt to take up that space and cause an extra gap between teeth. 

• Jaw size – In a few people, the tooth or jaw size does not match with each other. Some have larger jaws and smaller teeth, which leads to spacing in the dentition and therefore an unappealing smile for you.

• Gum overgrowth – Gums can grow a little extra and creep in between two teeth, which creates space. Although uncommon, it can surely happen in some cases. 

• Periodontal disease – An infection or inflammation of gums at a specific site or uniformly can potentially create gaps in teeth. 

• Habits – Habits like thumb sucking or prolonged use of pacifiers can exert extra pressure on teeth and create unwanted spacing.

• Decay – Carious teeth or long-standing cavities can perpetually cause teeth to fall off early on, creating unwanted space. These black teeth even look shabby, to begin with.

• Genetics – Hereditary predisposition can play a role, and you might have that extra space just like your mom, dad, or even grandparents.

• Crooked teeth – Have you heard of the term malalignment? Well, it’s just a fancy word for teeth that are improperly placed. In addition, crooked teeth can create undesirable gaps and make you feel awkward when you flash pearly whites. 

• Thicker frenum – It is gum tissue extending from the upper lip, and in some cases, it becomes too thick and creates a space between the front teeth.

• Improper Swallowing reflex – Swallowing is a natural phenomenon, but some people tend to exert too much pressure with their tongue against the front teeth.

The extra pressure over a prolonged period can also form gaps in front teeth. A qualified dentist plays a crucial role in determining the exact cause and will present multiple options for you to consider.

Even if the gaps between teeth don’t bother you, get them checked to diagnose the possibility of a hidden cause behind them that could create further problems. Moreover, gaps in teeth could also indicate improper occlusion or bite that could chip teeth.

Treatment Options For Fixing Gaps in Teeth

Now, let’s get to the good stuff—how to fill those gaps and bring back your confidence. Everyone can attain a beautiful smile, irrespective of how bad gaps in teeth are, with the advancements in the field of dentistry.

Let’s discuss various options in detail:

Dental bridges are a dentist’s go-to for most cases of spaces in teeth. Most commonly known as ‘caps’, come in handy in most cases with small or missing teeth.

Technically known as the crown, it is a tooth-colored cover put over the damaged tooth or tooth adjacent to the missing one. 

The procedure to get bridges done includes:

• Tooth preparation – During this procedure, the tooth adjacent to the missing one is reshaped to accommodate the crown.

• Impression – After shaping the tooth, an impression with a suitable material is recorded, and a cast is made.

• Temporary crown – A temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth until a permanent crown is manufactured in a dental lab. Temporary crowns are mostly prefabricated and come in various shapes and sizes.

• Permanent crown – In a few days, a permanent crown is fabricated and securely cemented over the prepared tooth to cover the extra space. 

  

Bridges have benefits like – 

• Offering a reliable solution that lasts for many years. 

• Provide a natural look and effectively close the gap. 

While that is true, it requires reshaping of adjacent teeth, even if they are healthy.

Dental bonding is a minimally invasive and cost-effective procedure for teeth gap fillers. 

It involves the application of tooth-colored resin to fill the gap in teeth. 

How is it done?

A special resin is applied to your natural tooth to match the contours and shape while filling the unwanted gaps. 

The procedure is done without much alteration and cured with the help of a specific laser light. 

It offers several advantages, including:

• Quick procedure – The process does not require much time and is usually completed in a single sitting.

• Minimal tooth reduction – Unlike other options, dental bonding does not require extensive tooth preparation.

• Painless – Here is what makes most patients comfortable. It is a non-invasive and quick procedure that does not require anesthesia. 

• Budget-friendly – One more pro is its cost. It will not burn a hole in your pocket and still has the potential to grant the perfect smile.

However, you need to keep these points in mind:

• It might not be as durable.

• It usually stains over time and might need maintenance.

• It will require replacement after a few years.

• Resin is not the solution for everyone and can only rectify smaller defects.

These are thin shells made out of porcelain that are bonded over the front surface of your natural teeth. 

It is an excellent choice for people seeking a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution. 

The veneers offer the following pros:

• Natural appearance – It provides a look that closely mimics real teeth, and it would be hard for someone to identify the shells on your teeth.

• Stain-resistant – Unlike resins, these do not pick up stains easily and provide a longer life to your bright smile.

• Quick results – Veneers can be designed and fixed in a few short visits.

However, there are a few points you need to consider before stepping into the world of veneers.

• It is an irreversible procedure and cannot be undone, as it requires mild removal of enamel (a thin layer of the tooth). 

• Veneers are an expensive alternative and might not be the right fit for everyone.

• It is mostly opted for by people from industries where aesthetics take a prime position in the career. 

If your gap is due to a single missing tooth, implants could be the right option for you. Dental implants are one of the best tooth replacement options, as they are surgically placed right into your jawbone, giving you a solid foundation.  Implants not only fill your gap but also restore the functionality of your smile. 

The process of getting implants involves these steps:

• Implant placement – A titanium implant is placed surgically into the jawbone in place of a missing tooth. It serves as an artificial root once placed.

• Healing period – A brief window is integrated into the process after implant placement that allows for healing to occur post-surgery. This period helps in the fusion of the implant with bone and is known as osseointegration.

• Abutment and crown –  After the implant has integrated with the bone, an abutment is attached, and a custom-made crown is secured on top, effectively filling the gap in the teeth.

Implants have advantages, including – 

• Long-lasting, and it can be maintained for life if taken properly care of.

• It provides a highly durable solution.

• Implants feel and look like natural teeth once they are placed.

Things to consider before opting for implants are – 

• Higher cost when compared to other alternatives.

• It needs a minor surgical intervention, which might not be a great fit for everyone.

• Placing implants is a rather long process and requires multiple visits over a few months.

Orthodontic treatment is the most popular treatment protocol for closing the gap in teeth. It involves using braces or aligners to reposition the malaligned teeth. 

It is a longer procedure and depends on the patient’s age and the complexity of dentition, That’s why you should consider if getting braces is the right option for you.

Braces – Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are attached to teeth. With the help of these components, controlled pressure is applied to teeth to cause gradual shifting of teeth into desirable positions. In addition, if you take care of the braces, they could be highly effective for teeth gap filling and other dental issues.

Invisalign – Invisalign is a popular and newer alternative to braces. It utilizes clear and removable clear aligners that are custom-made for everyone. It is less noticeable and more comfortable, making it a preferred choice for teenagers and younger adults. 

The kind that will suit your criteria depends on several factors. Let a qualified dental professional make that decision for you.

Removable partial dentures (RPDs) are dental prostheses that offer the replacement of one or more missing teeth. The replacement artificial teeth are attached to metal or acrylic bases, which are designed to match your gum tissue. It can have additional metal clasps to attach to natural teeth to provide stability and retention.

The pro list is short and includes:

• Lower cost – It is a rather cheaper alternative for those who cannot afford expensive dental procedures. 

The cons include – 

• Comfort – The prosthesis is not a comfortable approach as it easily comes off and has to be worn in a specific manner.

• Maintenance – RPDs need regular care and maintenance to improve their longevity.

• Cleaning – You should learn to wear and clean the prosthesis properly to maintain oral hygiene.

  

In some cases, an overgrowth of gum tissue can cause a noticeable gap between teeth. Gum contouring, also known as gum reshaping or gum lift, is a cosmetic procedure to address the issue.

The procedure includes – 

• Local anesthesia – The area is numbed using local anesthesia, which ensures a painless procedure thereon.

• Tissue removal – Excessive gum tissue is carefully removed to reveal more of the tooth’s surface.

• Reshaping – The gum line is reshaped to create a more even and harmonious appearance.

• Suturing – The operated area is sutured to facilitate proper healing.

It is a quick and effective solution for specific strata where spaces in teeth are due to gummy smiles or uneven gum lines.

A snap-on smile is a removable dental appliance that provides a non-invasive and cost-effective way to enhance your smile while temporarily filling the gap. It consists of a thin, flexible arch that snaps on your existing teeth while hiding the gap and imperfections.

Nonetheless, it is only a temporary solution, and you need to consider all the pros and cons before opting for this one. While these are all the options for tooth gap fillers, you need to understand that there is much more to learn and consider before making the final choice.

If a certain gap in the tooth annoys you, visit a dentist nearby and ask for the most suitable option for you. Pick the one that suits your pocket and meets your demands.

Suggested Read: 6 Tips for Keeping Your Jaw Healthy as You Age

Prevention and Cost of Treatment Strategies to Fix Gap in Teeth

You might have a gap in your teeth like your father has, but in some cases, it is possible to avoid the extra space from happening. 

You can do it by maintaining oral hygiene and adopting these habits – 

• Brushing your teeth twice a day
• Flossing daily
• Get regular scaling of teeth from the dentist
• Avoid thumb-sucking in children
• Rectifying your swallowing reflex
• Wear a mouth guard if you have the habit of grinding teeth

Cost of Closing the Gap Treatments

Treatment Option	Average Cost
Dental Bridge	$2000- $5000
Dental Bonding	$100 – $1000
Veneers	$1000 – $2500
Implants	$3000 – $4000
Gum contouring	$350 – $1500
Orthodontic treatment	$2500 – $8000

The cost of treatment is variable and will depend on several factors, like the number of teeth involved, type of tooth gap, location, and material, to name a few.

You can book an appointment with your dentist to learn about the suitable treatment and the cost, as per your requirements and budget.

Bottom Line

A noticeable gap in your teeth can impact your self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, there are several effective options for teeth gap filling, ranging from orthodontic treatment to cosmetic procedures. 

The choice of method to pursue depends on a broad spectrum of factors, including your preferences, time, and budget. 

Consulting with a dentist will enable you to assess your specific condition and figure out the most suitable option.

Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a beautiful and confident smile that you can proudly share with the world.

Your radiant smile awaits you, so take the leap and let your confidence shine through.

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