Many people have gaps in their smiles, and these spaces don’t always cause oral health problems. Also called diastemas, gaps in teeth are usually only of cosmetic concern, and many people even find them cute, endearing, or characterful. However, especially large gaps can leave the gums vulnerable to injuries, and some individuals find the gaps in their teeth to be distracting or unsightly. Here’s a brief guide to how cosmetic dental bonding works and how it can close the spaces in your smile.
What Is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Cosmetic dental bonding is a noninvasive cosmetic procedure that can address a host of minor dental defects such as chips, cracks, stains, and gaps. The process is completely painless without anesthesia and involves no recovery period afterward, which makes it especially excellent for patients with busy schedules. If you need a little extra help staying still and calm through the procedure, your dentist will be able to administer an appropriate sedation treatment to help you stay comfortable.
To perform cosmetic dental bonding, your dentist will place a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the targeted defect and shape it to match the natural curves of your smile. Your provider will then treat your teeth with a special UV light to harden your restoration. Composite resin readily bonds to your dental enamel, which allows it to create a durable restoration that will be indistinguishable from your existing tooth structure.
How Can Cosmetic Dental Bonding Treat the Gaps in My Smile?
By applying tooth-colored composite resin to the sides of the teeth that are spaced too far apart, your dentist can close the gap in your smile. This restoration will be able to last for three years or more if it receives excellent care that includes proper oral hygiene, avoiding chewing too vigorously with the treated tooth, and refraining from excessive consumption of acids and sugar.
How Else Can My Dentist Treat Gaps in My Teeth?
While virtually anyone can receive cosmetic dental bonding safely, it may not be the best way to address severe gaps or other extensive cosmetic issues. A few other treatments that can treat excessive spacing include:
- Porcelain veneers: These devices mimic the ideal appearance of natural dental structure and can conceal even severe dental defects.
- Invisalign: This modern alternative to traditional braces can realign smiles using customized sequences of virtually invisible clear aligners. This treatment allows patients to eat whatever they like and may be ideal for mild to moderate alignment issues such as crowding and spacing.
Don’t let an unsightly gap in your teeth diminish your confidence in your smile. Consulting with your dentist can help you find the best way to achieve your ideal grin.
About the Author
Dr. George A. Hoop earned his dental degree at the Emory University School of Dentistry where he also completed his periodontal residency. He regularly completes continuing education coursework through the Pikos Institute, the Misch International Implant Institute, and the Dawson Academy. His offices in Fort Myers and Naples provide general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as composite dental bonding. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact him online.