Everybody’s smile has a few quirks, and some of them are more prominent than others. If you have a diastema, also known as a gap between your teeth, it may be the defining feature of your smile.
There’s nothing medically wrong with a diastema, but some people wish that they could do something about theirs. Thankfully, with cosmetic dentistry that’s possible. In fact, there are multiple ways that an experienced cosmetic dentist can address this issue. If you’re wondering, here are a few of them.
How to Fix a Diastema
If you’re looking to close the gap between teeth, there are two cosmetic treatments that your dentist can use to do that for you.
Direct Bonding
Have you ever had to spackle up a hole in some drywall? You can put a tiny amount of this substance in the hole and wait for it to harden into place, blending in seamlessly with the rest of the wall.
As it turns out, your dentist can do something similar by placing composite resin in problem areas, something known as direct bonding. In this way, your dentist can subtly reshape two of your teeth so that they touch.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that can be layered over the tooth, giving you the appearance of a beautiful smile. Because the veneers cover your teeth, they can also be a little bit of a different shape than the natural teeth underneath, even connecting two teeth that were spread apart before.
Where Does Diastema Come From?
Diastemas aren’t the result of any medical issue, so they come about the same as any other kind of misalignment—a combination of genetics and habits you may have formed from a very young age. There’s a real possibility that your teeth are naturally on the small side, or that you have a large jaw.
Your teeth may also begin to spread apart if you’re missing one. If you didn’t have a diastema before and you do now, that may be the case for you.
About the Author
Dr. Teresa Knott is a general dentist with over 20 years of experience in her field. She aims to understand each patient’s individual needs, and to use the latest technology to provide them with a treatment plan. Dr. Knott received her dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Since then, she has studied extensively with the Texas Dental Study Club and SPEAR Education.
If you have any questions about gapped teeth, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (972) 530-5200.