Cosmetic Dentistry Options for Gapped Teeth
Many people view a diastema–or large gap–between the teeth as a cute and memorable smile characteristic. But, people living with gapped teeth often find them more bothersome than cute. As a result, these patients may want to consider cosmetic dentistry options to close pesky gaps.
Luckily, Erik Swanson, DMD, and his dedicated team have numerous, high-quality solutions to close large gaps between the teeth. If you’re ready to see how we can help you, then schedule your appointment at our Visalia, CA, dental office today. Simply call (559) 732-4543 or send us a quick message online to get started.
If you’re still weighing your options to close a troublesome diastema, then keep reading. Dr. Swanson and his team explore five cosmetic options to give you a more comfortable and beautiful smile.
1. Dental Bonding
Dr. Swanson can close large gaps by bonding a tooth-colored composite resin material to the sides of the teeth. By mixing, shaping, and curing this material, Dr. Swanson can effectively alter the shape of your teeth. The result is a perfectly tailor-made smile that looks completely natural.
But, not only does dental bonding look realistic, it is also remarkably strong and long-lasting. With the proper care, dental bonding material can last for 10 years. However, some patients report several decades with their revamped smiles!
2. Porcelain Veneers
A popular solution to close gaps in between teeth is porcelain veneers. These tooth-shaped, color-matched, wafer-thin ceramic coverings adhere to the front surface of the teeth, which hides smile imperfections underneath (like gaps!).
Porcelain veneers are a highly-customizable treatment, which is why many patients choose to close gapped teeth with these permanent coverings. Indeed, patients can craft their dream smiles by helping Dr. Swanson and our team create the perfect shade and shape of veneers for their grins.
3. Lumineers
Lumineers are similar to porcelain veneers, but they are significantly thinner. The strong laminate material that dental professionals use to create Lumineers allows them to make Lumineers approximately 50% thinner than conventional porcelain veneers.
For patients who want to close a gap, the choice between porcelain veneers and Lumineers boils down to tooth-structure preservation. Dr. Swanson must remove a small amount of tooth enamel before applying porcelain veneers to the teeth. Lumineers, however, may require far less enamel removal or no enamel removal at all, which preserves the structure of healthy teeth.
4. Invisalign®
Invisalign is a simple and discreet way to close gaps in the teeth. Generally, patients can close a diastema in as few as three to six months with Invisalign. However, patients must wear their clear aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day to see results that quickly.
Nevertheless, patients can permanently close gapped teeth with clear aligners, especially if they wear retainers after Invisalign treatment.
5. Dental Implants
In some cases, the gap in a patient’s smile is due to tooth loss. For these patients, titanium dental implants and a lifelike tooth restoration (like a dental crown or bridge) are the perfect cosmetic solutions to close gaps from missing teeth.
Treatment for Gapped Teeth Near Me
If you’re ready to close pesky gaps, then schedule a consultation with Dr. Swanson now. Our team will gladly help you choose the best treatment option for you.
Call us at (559) 732-4543 or send us a secure message here to request your appointment.