Astoria Dental Group continues to be one of the most advanced and trust dental practices in Queens. We offer cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of the teeth and gums, as well as general and restorative dentistry to address health issues.
One dental problem that our team is rather adept and treating is spacing issues and tooth gaps. Let’s take a moment right now to consider the various problems caused by tooth gaps and what treatments are available.
The Cosmetic Issues Related to Tooth Gaps
When you have gaps between your teeth, this can cause issues with overall smile aesthetics. A gap between your two print teeth can lead to self-consciousness, for instance, as can gaps between your other prominent teeth. In such cases, you may be reticent to smile, speak, or laugh, which can affect first impressions and social interactions.
The Potential Health Issues Related to Tooth Gaps
In addition to changing the appearance of your smile, tooth gaps can lead to problems with dental alignment. Having a major gap between your teeth can cause a person to suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism) since the teeth cannot find a proper resting position. In addition, this can cause a TMJ disorder over time and potential tooth damage.
Dental Bonding for Very Minor Gaps
If you have a very minor tooth gap that is purely cosmetic in nature, a good option to consider is dental bonding. Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin that is painted onto the tooth in order to build out tooth structure and fill the gap. The bonding material looks like natural tooth structure and can accomplish a great deal.
Porcelain Veneers for Cosmetic Spacing Issues
Porcelain veneers are also a great option for minor gaps that are cosmetic in nature. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are fixed in place over a tooth’s front surface. These shells will help mask imperfections, improving the overall look and size of a tooth. The porcelain veneers blend in seamlessly with natural tooth structure as well, meaning that no one will realize that a veneer is place, even when up close.
Orthodontic Care Can Address More Serious Gaps
For major gaps between your teeth, the ideal option to consider is orthodontic treatment. The use of braces or Invisalign aligners can help shift the position of misaligned teeth, closing gaps and helping address issues with crowding and asymmetry as well. The ideal orthodontic approach will be determined by your dentist based on your age, the severity of your spacing issues, and other factors.
Which treatment is ideal for me?
The ideal treatment for you and your needs will depend on the nature of your dental problem. Cosmetic tooth gaps are better dealt with by bonding and veneers, while tooth gaps that impact the overall alignment of your teeth are best treated through orthodontic care. The best way to learn more about all of these options is to meet with us here at Astoria Dental Group.
Learn More About Treating Tooth Gaps
To learn more about your treatment options for tooth gaps and other serious health problems, be sure to contact the dentists of Astoria Dental Group today. Our entire team will help you have a healthy and beautiful smile.