Teeth gaps can be distinctive to someone’s appearance but many rather not have them. Yet, there are those who don’t want to go through the hassle and expense of orthodontic treatments complete with braces. They will be happy to know that you can close teeth gaps without braces through several methods.
Closing teeth gaps can help in more ways than just improve the looks of your smile or boost your confidence. Filling in teeth gaps can prevent food traps from forming, improving chewing function, and help you speak better. The advantages depend on where the gap lies but there are multiple benefits to closing them up.
Many choices exist for closing teeth gaps. Your final choice depends on whether you need other types of orthodontic work done, your oral health condition, and if you need other types of restoration done on other teeth. In some cases, closing teeth gaps can be a one-procedure event or it can be a part of a longer-range restoration.
Clear Aligners
Teeth gaps may not be your only problem. Those who have other orthodontic issues like crooked teeth or a bite issue should consider clear aligners to resolve all orthodontic issues. Invisalign is a well-known aligner that has a successful treatment plan. It works well for those eligible for the treatment.
Treatments exist for those who don’t need other types of dental correction.
Elastic Bands
Using elastic bands is one orthodontic method that can address a teeth gap without getting braces or aligners. Teeth bands are put on the teeth on both sides of the gap. They will, over time, close the gap. You must wear them for 12 hours a day. The length of treatment depends on the severity of the gap.
Other Dental Procedures
Dentists have other cosmetic dental procedures that can close teeth gaps without putting you through orthodontic treatments or braces. These include using crowns, veneers, and bonding.
Dental crowns are customized to fit over the tooth and fill the gap. They can be made out of a variety of substances but the porcelain or composite crown will look like your natural teeth. A dental crown can also restore chewing function and prevent food debris from getting into the gap, making it a food trap.
Veneers are similar to a crown but they are shells that are placed on the front of teeth. They also look like natural teeth and can easily fill teeth gaps.
Bonding is a common and fairly inexpensive way to fill teeth gaps. Dentists use a composite material made of resin to fill in the gaps. This is the same type of material many use for cavity fillings. Dental bonding is also used to fix chipped or damaged teeth.
How Long Do These Last?
Each method can have a different lifespan but the average for most of these procedures whether it’s a crown, veneer, or bonding is around 10 years before they will need to be replaced. The advantage of these types of treatments is all will restore or improve chewing function as well as improve looks. They will also prevent the gap from becoming a haven for bacteria and food debris.
Costs
The cost of each of these types of treatments differs. Orthodontic treatments like clear aligners or Invisalign are going to cost more, into the thousands of dollars, because they are an entire treatment spanning several months to years.
Dental crowns can cost from $900 to $1,500 and veneers have a price range of between $800 and $2,500. Bonding is the cheapest option and it can range in cost from $200 to $500.
Filling teeth gaps serves both a functional and a cosmetic purpose. It can help with chewing and keeping your teeth healthy as well as provide a more confident smile. Schedule an evaluation with us today to find out which option is best for you!
