Do you notice any gaps in your teeth? Maybe you have problems with food getting stuck between teeth, and cleaning is a bit more challenging, or you don’t always feel comfortable smiling in photos. Whatever the reason, gaps can cause a few different issues when it comes to our teeth. Luckily, at Osler Dental Professionals, our dentists in Towson, MD can assist with a few highly effective treatment options that will give you a smile you’ve always wanted.
The Effect of Gaps in Teeth
Some patients may not feel strongly about the gaps in their teeth and their cosmetic appearance, while others may desire to make a few changes. Gaps can exist for various reasons that include:
- A misshapen tooth (or teeth)
- Alignment problems
- Chipped or damaged teeth
- The size of a patients’ jawbone
- Overgrown tissue (commonly causing a gap in the front teeth)
- Thumb sucking during childhood
- Previous or current gum disease that shifted some teeth
Even with diligent oral upkeep, patients may still want to do something about their smile’s cosmetic appearance and general oral health outlook.
Why Fill in The Gaps in My Teeth?
Unwanted gaps between teeth can have implications beyond cosmetic appearance. Everyone’s teeth are different, but too many gaps can cause misalignment in the bite. In the case of having a misaligned bite, patients may potentially suffer from a few different issues:
- Accidental chipping or damage to teeth upon closing the mouth
- Discomfort
- Heightened risk for gum disease
- Increased risk for tooth decay
- Problems effectively cleaning teeth, as gaps allow bacteria and plaque to hide and accumulate over time.
- Self-consciousness or lowered self-esteem in social situations
- Reluctancy to smile in photos or in public
- Complications while chewing and digestion
Suppose you experience problems with your bite or feel concerned that you cannot clean your teeth efficiently. In that case, our team at Osler Dental Professionals can assess your specific situation during an initial consultation. With various treatments available to close gaps or handle misaligned teeth, we can correct any problems and set up your oral health for success! Please give our Towson dentist office a call at (410) 321-1144 for more information on getting started.
How To Fix Gaps Between Teeth
Some may feel concerned due to the oral health and cosmetic implications associated with space between teeth. Still, at Osler Dental Professionals, we can offer several orthodontic and cosmetic dental services to our patients in Towson, MD, filling gaps and lowering the risk for other unwanted conditions.
Dental Veneers: Imagine a “shell” that resembles the rest of your teeth and fits in with the rest of your smile. A dental veneer adheres to the surface of a misshapen tooth or one with a gap on the sides and effectively covers the gap. Commonly consisting of porcelain or composite resin, dental veneers offer a custom look that transforms a smile.
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding or teeth bonding for gaps can increase the surface area of a damaged tooth and help in closing unwanted gaps. This procedure can provide excellent results in the case of broken, cracked, misshapen, or otherwise damaged teeth from cavities, as the color of the bonding material matches the rest of your teeth!
Traditional Braces: A time-tested treatment for misaligned teeth, braces offer an incredibly effective option for patients wanting to correct their smiles. Braces may take some time, but they work in shifting teeth into desired alignments with gradually adjusted metal wires and rubber bands. Patients can rely on braces to correct imperfections in their bite, close any unwanted gaps, and achieve optimal function for smiling and chewing their favorite foods.
Invisible Braces: Clear or invisible braces give patients a considerable advantage when it comes to straightening up their smiles. Instead of using any metal or wires, patients use a series of clear aligner trays that appear “invisible” while wearing them. Patients should adhere to a treatment program and wear their trays for 20-22 hours each day to achieve desired results.
According to an article published by the International Journal of Dentistry, The Effect of Orthodontic Therapy on Periodontal Health: A Review of the Literature, patients choosing an orthodontic treatment (such as braces or invisible braces) can experience several noticeable impacts on their periodontal health.
If you have more questions about which treatment can work best for you, please get in touch with our office at your earliest convenience. Our professional team of dentists has plenty of experience in performing various treatments that can get your smile back on track!
Benefits of Straight Teeth
Each patient has their own situation regarding the gaps in their teeth. Some may have a higher level of risk for complications to their oral health than others, while some may feel a strong desire to change their cosmetic appearance. In any case, patients can experience a few benefits in their daily lives with treatment, such as boosted self-esteem, easier cleaning, and a general improvement in their oral health outlook.
Contact Our Dentist Office in Towson
We invite patients wanting to close the gaps in their teeth to schedule an appointment with our experienced team in Towson, MD. Our variety of treatments and professional staff can reform your smile and prevent oral health issues in the future.