How to Shrink Those Excessive Gaps Between Your Teeth

When it comes to the spaces between your teeth, more is arguably healthier than less. If your interdental areas (the technical name for these spaces) are too narrow, then cleaning between your teeth can be difficult, and your teeth may be more vulnerable to interdental cavities. But this thought might be of little comfort when the spaces between your teeth feel excessive and are making you increasingly self-conscious about your smile. To reposition your teeth and decrease the gaps between them, won't you need orthodontic treatment such as braces?

Gaps and Alignment 

Orthodontic treatment can close the gaps between your teeth and correct their alignment, but just because you're dissatisfied with the appearance of these gaps, it doesn't mean that there's anything clinically wrong with the alignment of your teeth. This is certainly advantageous because you're not going to need prolonged, potentially intensive orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic dental treatment can offer the necessary solution.

Dental Veneers 

Dental veneers are ultra-thin covers for teeth and are customised for each patient. The veneer is shaped much like the tooth beneath it, with a few improvements, and is then permanently bonded onto the tooth. The natural tooth is concealed, and the veneer then considerably improves the appearance of your smile. So how does this work in terms of the gaps between your teeth?

Fractionally Wider

Your cosmetic dentist will configure your veneers to be fractionally wider than the underlying teeth. They'll extend slightly outwards into your interdental spaces, shrinking the widths of the gaps between your teeth. And just like that, the excessively wide gaps in your smile are history.

Veneer Materials

The veneer itself can be made from a variety of materials, but porcelain is your best option. It looks just like a natural tooth and offers the necessary strength. Acrylics should be avoided, as these don't last especially long, and can quickly become discoloured. In fact, many dentists don't offer them. Your veneers should be designed to last, and results can vary—but studies have suggested that porcelain veneers can last for more than ten years, or even double this length of time. 

Placing Your Veneers

Before your veneers can be placed, your teeth must be prepared. They'll have a tiny layer of their dental enamel removed so that the tooth isn't too bulky once the veneer is added. They'll need to be etched to make the bond between the veneer and your natural tooth as strong as possible. Once bonded into place, you just brush your veneers as though they're natural teeth.

Closing the excessive gap between your teeth doesn't have to involve intensive orthodontic treatment. That gap can be closed far quicker than you might realise.


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