How to Fix a Gap in Front Teeth

Question:

I have a gap between my two front teeth and its awkward.  Can you suggest possible treatment options from the dentist?

Answer:

There are several options for closing a gap, also known as a diastema, between teeth, especially your two front teeth.  And, as expected, the price range for each procedure varies greatly, depending upon the involvement of each procedure.

Some options for closing a gap between teeth include the following:

• Tooth bonding/buildup
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Orthodontics/Braces

Tooth Bonding / Tooth Buildup

Tooth bonding involves adding tooth-colored material (usually composite) to the tooth to close the gap.  The dentist shapes the material according to your natural tooth shape so the material looks very natural.

Advantages

• Inexpensive
• No anesthesia needed for procedure
• Only one appointment required
• Natural tooth structure kept intact (does not have to be reduced)

Disadvantages

• Not as sturdy and secure as the other options
• Possibility of staining
• May have to get redone every 5-10 years

Veneers

Veneers are porcelain facings that fit over your natural tooth.  These facings can be used to close the gap and can even brighten your smile.  In fact, most celebrities wear veneers as a quick, easy way to close gaps and create the perfect smile.

Advantages

• Does not stain
• Can choose any tooth color you desire i.e. whiten your smile
• Look very natural
• Only 1-2 appointments needed

Disadvantages

• Natural tooth has to be slightly reduced
• Possibility of popping off (very slim possibility)
• More expensive than tooth bonding
• Anesthesia needed

Crowns

Crowns are a dental cap that is placed over your tooth.  They can reshape and enhance your smile.

Advantages

• Do not stain
• Can choose any color
• Secure and very stable
• Only 1-2 appointments needed

Disadvantages

• A lot of natural tooth structure has to be reduced (more so than any other option)
• Anesthesia needed

Orthodontic Braces

Orthodontics includes brackets, wires, or trays that can easily shift around your teeth to easily obtain a nice, even smile with no spaces.

Advantages

• No need to reduce natural tooth structure
• Permanent shifting of teeth, no need to worry about follow-up

Disadvantage

• Time consuming, can take a couple of months or years (in severe cases)
• Non-esthetics – depending on which method you decide, brackets and wires will be very visible and noticeable
• Most costly of all options
• Have to wear a retainer after braces to ensure teeth do not shift back into original place

Good news is that you have plenty of options and several factors to weigh out when making your decision.

Good luck!

Save My Smile Team