Fixing The Gaps in Your Teeth - Cosmetic Dentistry Options

We live in a world where confidence seems to go hand in hand with an appealing physical appearance. A simple smile can deliver characteristics about a person's personality, and can definitely reflect a person's confidence and approachability. Can you imagine if you are holding back your smile because you are embarrassed or displeased by what your teeth look like? It could possibly deliver the wrong message about your personality, and hinder your ability to flourish socially and even career wise.

For many people, the problem of Diastema (severe gap or space between two teeth) is real and can lend to a person's lack of self-esteem or confidence in this "beauty is everything world" we live in. Diastema is commonly seen as a widened gap between the two upper front incisors. When a person has a gap in their teeth, they will tend to have a more timid and shy smile. The only way to fix tooth gaps like this is through orthodontic and cosmetic dentistry.

Once you have decided to rebuild your smile and gain back your confidence through an extreme dental makeover, you should become familiar with the possible cosmetic dentistry that is available. Keep in mind that most cosmetic dentistry options are costly and may not be fully covered by dental insurance, and this may help you make your choice. Also, a visit with an orthodontist may also help you choose the best option to fix your degree of Diastema.

Fixing Gaps in teeth can consist of the following options:

Depending on how severe the gap is, a trip to an orthodontist may be all you really need. The orthodontist will determine whether or not your specific problem will have long-term benefits from the application of braces. The braces will be applied either as partials or full, and through periodic tightening the braces will pull the gap closed. It may only take a few months to achieve, or a few years, and may require wearing a night retainer long-term after the braces are removed. The retainer will work to prevent the teeth from shifting back and re-forming a gap. Braces are the least expensive method for fixing gaps in teeth, but it also may not be effective with every person's situation.

Invisalign is another orthodontic treatment for gaps in teeth. For adults who do not want to have the visible appearance of braces in their mouth, this method is more discreet. Invisalign is a special clear aligner that is created and molded to fit the person's teeth. It is removable, which allows you to eat without it, and clean it properly. The benefit is that no one really knows that you are wearing. Again, this method may not be for someone with a severely wide gap in between their teeth.

Severe gaps may require the cosmetic dental procedure known as Bonding. Dental bonding is performed by applying a specialized thin white dental plastic/resin to the anterior (front) of the teeth. It rebuilds the teeth while filling in the space, making it less severe or completely filled in. The cost can run a person anywhere between $300 and $700 per tooth.
Rebuilding the teeth with Porcelain Veneers is another way to cosmetically fix gaps in teeth. Porcelain Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are affixed and bonded to the outside of the tooth. In order to do this procedure, it may require shaving and filing down of the natural tooth before the veneers can be applied. Depending on the type of veneers chosen, it can be a very costly procedure that runs about $900 to $2,500 per tooth, and the person should note that they may have to have them redone every several years or so.

If it has been determined that the specific gap is due to teeth missing, the person may benefit from the cosmetic dental treatment known as Fixing Bridges. The fixing bridge will work to replace the missing teeth as it fills in the gap. The cost of a dental will vary and average anywhere from $500 to $900 per tooth.

The investment to fixing the gap in your teeth may outweigh the actual cost it may involve. What you will gain is the ability to learn to smile again and to rid yourself of the self-conscious and often awkwardness you may have felt due to the presence of Distema.