A gap between two teeth, also known as a diastema, can be a beautifully distinctive trademark of your smile. In fact, many celebrities are known for their gap-toothed smiles, including Madonna, Eddie Murphy, Elijah Wood, Lauren Hutton, Seal, and Brigitte Bardot. Clearly, a smile doesn’t need to be gapless to be gorgeous. However, if you’re bothered by the gap in your teeth and would prefer to get rid of it, you have options. Braces or Invisalign can be effective solutions, especially if you’re also dealing with crooked or overcrowded teeth, but you might also be interested in a bonding treatment. Never heard of it? Let’s explore how dental bonding for gaps works and why you might want to consider it for your diastema.
How Dental Bonding for Gaps Works
A gap between two teeth is usually not harmful to your dental health. Your dentist will let you know if your diastema presents a health or development concern. For example, a tooth gap may cause speech problems, threaten your gum health, or accompany a larger alignment issue (which can cause uneven wear, jaw discomfort, etc.). In these cases, your dental team or another health professional may recommend that you address the gap. However, in most situations, it’s a cosmetic issue that you can choose to embrace, ignore, or correct.
Dental bonding can fix tooth gaps by using a tooth-colored resin material to fill in the empty space, creating a uniform, natural-looking smile. The process typically involves the following steps:
- Your dentist will lightly roughen the surface of the two teeth on either side of the gap and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere.
- To ensure a seamless result, your dentist will carefully color-match a soft, putty-like resin material to your natural teeth.
- Your dentist will apply the resin material to both adjacent teeth, molding it and shaping it to close the gap and provide an inconspicuous, symmetrical finish.
- A special blue light will harden or “cure” the resin to keep it firmly in place.
- Finally, your dentist will smooth and polish the resin so that its texture and shine match those of the surrounding teeth.
After the bonding is complete, continue caring for your teeth as you always have. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and schedule check-ups every six months.
Benefits of Bonding
Choosing whether or not to address a tooth gap is a personal choice, but if you’re interested in mending your gap, why should you choose bonding?
- You can transform your smile in just one treatment.
- You can avoid more invasive and expensive treatment options.
- You can mend the gap painlessly.
- You can achieve a uniform smile.
- You can enjoy a confidence boost (if you’re self-conscious about your smile).
Keep in mind that Invisalign is also a wonderful option. Both treatments have unique strengths and downsides, so it’s important to discuss your options with your dental team, taking into account your specific teeth, your goals, and your budget. Generally, bonding is best for those hoping for a quick cosmetic fix because it’s painless, non-invasive, and instantaneous. Invisalign is a slower fix that requires commitment, but it can shift your entire smile and correct misalignments, bite issues, and more.
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Bonding is a fast and effective way to close the gap between two teeth. While it may require touch-ups or replacement several years down the line, it’s a popular choice due to its convenience, affordability, and ability to provide an instant smile makeover. Are you interested in dental bonding for tooth gaps?
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Our team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. Schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!