Bronx, NY – Gaps between the teeth are common, and for some, with gaps between their front teeth, it becomes almost a personality trait. Who would Michael Strahan or Madonna be without their signature gaps? Still, for many others, it’s a feature they’d like to correct. Dr. Catherine Woo and her team at Riverdale Family Orthodontics explain some of the most common ways to correct tooth gaps.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding provides the quickest and most cost-effective fix for small to moderate gaps. A tooth colored resin is applied directly to the teeth. It gets sculpted to close the gap and widen the appearance of the teeth. Then, it is cured with a special light and polished to look just like your natural teeth.
This is not a permanent solution as the bonding will need to be touched up or replaced as needed. The resin can also stain, chip, or wear down over time.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers offer a smile makeover. Thin, custom-made shells are bonded directly over the surface of the natural teeth to cover a gap. For the veneers to fit properly, enamel must be shaved off the teeth. This makes the veneer process less able to be reversed. Porcelain and composite veneers can last many years with proper care, but can also need to be replaced if better color matching is desired.
Orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment provides the most long-lasting and stable solution for patients looking to close a gap. Sometimes a gap is too large for veneers or bonding to properly address and esthetically unnatural. And, many times, a gap is also the result of an alignment or bite issue that requires orthodontic treatment to correct.
Traditional braces or clear aligner treatment are both good options for correcting diastemas. Depending on the severity of your issue and which treatment option you choose, it could take longer than the restorative options above, but will not involve drilling into the teeth. The results from orthodontic treatment are less invasive, and with continued retainer wear, patients can enjoy their gap-free smiles for life.
Dental bonding and veneers can offer fast fixes; it’s important to remember that these fixes are only cosmetic. Orthodontic treatment is the only solution that works to get to the root of the problem and correct it. Bonding and veneers only address the visible surface of the tooth and do not address any underlying occlusion issues. They also need to be replaced as needed, while orthodontic treatment is less invasive.
If you are ready to transform your smile and close your gap, discover why orthodontic treatment is the best and longest-lasting solution. Dr. Woo and her team are ready to help you on your smile journey. Call today at 718-884-7700 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
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