Fixing Gaps In Teeth For Better Smiles in Burton

Gaps between teeth might be more noticeable than you think. Here’s how to fix it.

While we would all like to have perfect teeth, the reality for most of us is that this isn’t the case. Even minor issues such as small gaps between our teeth can change the way we look and spoil what would otherwise be a smile that we would be very happy with.

In the past, we would perhaps have chosen to ignore this, noticing it only when we passed a mirror. Today though, we have constant reminders with phones taking so many photos each day and our gappy teeth smile posted on social media for the world to see. There are different kinds of gaps, of course, some are quite large and most people would want to have these straightened. Then there are those where the gap is relatively small but just large enough to spoil our smile.

Why do gaps appear?

There can be a number of reasons for this to happen. Sometimes our teeth simply don’t fill the space provided by our jaw, causing them to spread out a little more. Sometimes they move a little, closing a gap on one side but making the space on the other side even wider. Genetics can play a part too. Some factors are more preventable, with gum disease being one of them. As the tissue and bone that support the teeth become damaged by the bacteria that causes periodontitis, the more advanced form of gum disease, the teeth can start to move apart a little. In some cases they may also become loose and potentially fall out.

Unfortunately, gum disease is one of the more common problems that we see at the SG Dental and Implant Centre and having a regular check up is an important part of ensuring that this can be treated in its early stages, as well as providing an opportunity to offer advice to improve the situation. Where gum disease has caused issues with teeth alignment, clearly we have to get this completely under control before considering anything else.

Orthodontic treatment

One of the most widely used methods of straightening teeth is orthodontics, sometimes still referred to as ‘dental braces’. This is an effective method but some patients are deterred by the thought of having to wear metal braces. The good news for patients of our Burton dentists is that we are able to offer them a much more discreet treatment in the form of Invisalign aligners. Unlike traditional braces, these don’t use metals to create the wires and brackets that are used to straighten teeth. In fact, they don’t use these at all. What you will receive are a series of transparent ‘trays’ that fit directly over your teeth. Each tray is worn for a short while before you replace it with the next. These trays progressively move your teeth to their required position.

Invisalign also offers other benefits as well as being almost invisible. Unlike other braces, you can remove them when you are eating meals and for cleaning your teeth. This convenience is a key attraction for many patients who require their teeth to be straightened.

Minor corrections

The idea of wearing braces for a long period of time isn’t something that most people find attractive, especially if traditional braces are used. We can also offer other orthodontic options though which can sometimes correct teeth that are slightly out of position in a much shorter period of time. Alternatively, if you are having your teeth straightened predominantly for aesthetic reasons, both cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers could be used in some situations. More on these options next.

Bonding

By using a tooth coloured bonding material, we can build up your teeth to a more natural shape and this can be used to close small gaps between the teeth. This is usually a non-invasive and straightforward treatment and one of the least expensive options where suitable. This is perhaps ideal where you want your teeth straightened for a particular one-off occasion such as your wedding day when you want your wedding photos to look as good as possible. Although bonding is effective for some time, it is a porous material and will gradually darken over time, it can usually be removed and replaced though. If you are looking for a more permanent solution, veneers can work in some situations.

Veneers

Veneers can be produced to close the gap between teeth where it is relatively small. They are then fitted to the front of the teeth to close the gap. As porcelain is stain resistant, this is an excellent way of straightening your teeth without having to worry about future discolouration. Veneers often require the removal of a fine layer from the front of your teeth though, and while an excellent option in some situations, it is a permanent one and once you have veneers, you will need to keep them for life. The good news is that the quality teeth veneers that we use at the SG Dental and Implant Centre should last for at least ten years if you look after them well. Eventually though, they may need to be replaced.

One thing that we strongly recommend that you DON’T do, is to try any DIY teeth straightening that you might see online, or buy online orthodontics. Both of these options could not only see them failing to work, but also potentially cause more serious harm to your teeth.

If you are unhappy with the way that your teeth look and would like to see how we can help you improve this, our team will be happy to help. You can book an initial consultation to discuss by calling our Burton dental practice today on 01283 84 345.