If you have gaps or spaces between your teeth, you probably notice a number of issues associated with these spaces. Sometimes these spaces can impact your health, while other times the spaces affect your sense of self. Sometimes both health and appearance are affected. Thankfully we have many options at our Lansdale practice to address these spaces between your teeth.
We'd like to take a moment now to consider various orthodontic, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatments for tooth gaps and spacing issues. As you'll learn, there are different options available that can be tailored to your needs.
Problems Caused by Tooth Gaps
Tooth gaps can lead to cosmetic problems and dental health issues.
In terms of dental health problems, tooth gaps can lead to issues with dental alignment. This could mean an increased risk of teeth grinding (bruxism) as well as issues with dental pain. Eating certain foods might prove quite difficult, which can impact your diet and nutrition.
As far as cosmetic issues go, gaps between teeth can lead you to feel self-conscious, even around people you have known for many years. If your job involves you publicly interacting with others, the tooth gap can potentially lead to problems with your ability to to your job to the best of your ability.
Dental Bonding for Small Spaces
For very minor gaps and spaces between teeth, dental bonding can help. Dental bonding involves the use of tooth-colored dental resin that is painted onto the tooth in question, building out the tooth structure to help mask imperfections of various kinds.
Dental bonding is also a solid option to consider for minor chips, cracks, and stains.
Porcelain Veneers for Small Gaps
Porcelain veneers are another good option to consider for predominantly cosmetic gaps. A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of dental ceramic that is affixed to the front portion of a tooth. With a porcelain veneer in place, a tooth looks perfect and pristine, with any spaces hidden.
Porcelain veneers are also a solid option to consider for aesthetic chips, cracks, stains, and issues with asymmetry.
Orthodontics for Serious Issues with Tooth Alignment
When the spacing issues cause health problems or affect overall alignment of your bite, the ideal option for treatment is orthodontic care. The use of braces and other kinds of orthodontic appliances can shift your teeth into proper alignment, improving overall dental health as well as the aesthetics of your smile.
Restorative Options for Gaps Left by Missing Teeth
When you're missing a tooth or multiple teeth, the gaps can be especially pronounced. This is especially true when it comes to the most prominent teeth in your smile. To address these kinds of gaps, prosthodontics is the ideal solution. This includes the use of appliances such as dental bridges, dentures, and so forth. Implant dentistry may also be an option for your needs depending on the nature of your tooth loss. We can go over all of these options with you in greater detail during a visit.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Care
For more information about your dental care options and how we can help you smile with renewed confidence, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The team at our practice will work with you to enhance the health and beauty of your smile.