Gaps between teeth are common. Some people don’t think too much about them and see them as an attractive feature, while others feel bothered and seek to get them fixed.

When there’s space between teeth, food debris can get trapped, eating can become uncomfortable at times, and you might feel conscious about the appearance of your smile.

Various treatment options are available at the dental office to address this. Here are some of them:

• Bonding. A tooth-colored composite resin material is used to cover the gap between teeth. Then, teeth are polished to ensure an even appearance. This is the simplest option for addressing a gapped smile.
• Veneers. Veneers are custom-made, thin shells attached to the surface of teeth. They’re permanent restorations that require removing a portion of the enamel. The procedure is irreversible, so it helps to thoroughly understand how it works as an option for closing gaps before proceeding.
• Bridges. Another way to close a gap left by a missing tooth is by getting dental bridges. A dental bridge requires healthy teeth on either side of the gap. These teeth will serve as support for the artificial tooth that will be placed in the empty space.
• Implants. A dental implant is a permanent solution to missing teeth. It keeps the adjacent teeth intact since it does not require filing the enamel. An implant is embedded in the space to replace tooth roots and serve as the foundation for the artificial tooth. Once the implant fuses with the jawbone and the treatment area heals, the crown is attached to it, revealing a natural-looking tooth replacement.
• Invisalign. Using custom plastic aligners to move the teeth can also effectively close gaps. Addressing gaps may not be a straightforward process because other teeth can also move, affecting the overall tooth alignment. With the help of Invisalign, the positions of teeth on the entire arch is adjusted, eliminating unwanted spaces.

Why Tooth Gaps Must Be Addressed

Gapped teeth are more than just an aesthetic concern. Aside from affecting how your smile looks, the spaces can also make your teeth and mouth harder to clean. Deposits can keep getting caught in them.

When not completely removed, they can cause plaque to accumulate in the area and result in tartar buildup. Not taking action can cause the issue to progress and lead to toothaches, gum disease, and tooth loss.

As teeth shift from their ideal position, routine activities such as chewing and eating can start to become uncomfortable. The wider the gaps between teeth, the harder it is to chew food properly. And this could impact digestion and nutrient absorption.

Seek Professional Advice From a Dentist in Downtown Calgary, AB

Closing gaps between teeth can help you achieve a healthy and more attractive smile. But whether you would like to have your gapped teeth addressed or leave them as is, routine dental checkups will remain necessary.

At Centennial Smiles in Downtown Calgary, AB, we can help you fix gapped teeth or monitor their condition so you can continue smiling confidently. Connect with us today to request an appointment with the dentist.