With several mind-boggling home remedies, it’s much easier to whiten your teeth without going to a dentist. That said, what would you do if you have gap teeth?
For some, gap teeth are not a big problem but for others, it is something that affects their self-confidence. It makes them feel insecure and hide their mouth while laughing or eating. Apart from that, gap teeth cause several issues while eating, like food trapping between teeth, sore and tender gums etc.
Thanks to the latest dental procedures, fixing a tooth gap is no longer a big deal. Those looking for gap teeth solutions would be glad because we have done a detailed guide on how to fix a gap in your teeth and what to expect from the treatment.
4 Types of Teeth Gaps
Before we start on the treatments, first we need to learn what types of gap teeth are there. So here you go!
- Gap between your front teeth and side teeth only
- Gap near canines on one side of the mouth
- Gap between the incisors (front teeth) only
- Gaps between all your teeth.
Why do you have Gap Teeth?
Gap teeth, also called Diastema, are a common dental condition usually observed by birth. The gaps are likely to appear between the incisors but not necessarily. It can occur between any teeth and anywhere in your mouth.
There could be several reasons why one has gap teeth. While it does not bother some aesthetically, it is crucial to get them checked to determine if it’s due to gum disease or what. Also, gap teeth also mean improper bites, eventually leading to chipped or crooked teeth. Below we have listed some common causes of Diastema.
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Teeth and Size of the Jawbone:
When a person has a bigger jawbone relative to their teeth, gaps may appear between the teeth. And since teeth and jawbone sizes are genetic, Diastemas can pass down to your generation.
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Undersized or Missing Teeth:
Diastema can develop if some teeth in your jawbone are smaller than other teeth. This condition typically occurs in the maxillary lateral incisors, located on each side of the upper incisors. If the maxillary lateral incisors are relatively small or missing completely, gaps may develop between the front teeth.
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Gum Diseases:
Sometimes, gap teeth occur due to tooth migration - a condition that happens when there is an uneven distribution of forces that otherwise work to maintain teeth in their original position. Tooth migration indicates advanced gum diseases. When this condition happens, people experience inflammation leading to bone damage that supports the teeth. Eventually, this causes tooth loss and gap teeth.
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Oversized Labial Frenum:
Labial Frenum can cause gap teeth. It is a piece of tissue attached to the upper lip from the inside and is extended to the gum over the incisors. If the labial frenum is oversized, it can form a gap between teeth.
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Incorrect Swallowing Reflex:
When a person pushes their tongue against incisors or front teeth while swallowing, the pressure against the teeth shoves them forward, as a result, they form a gap in your teeth.
In the correct swallowing reflex, the tongue touches the mouth roof while swallowing.
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Habits:
While it doesn’t sound like a legit cause to some, habits like thumb sucking, tongue thrusting or lip sucking can cause gap teeth as they exert force on front teeth, making them push forward.
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Loss of Primary Teeth:
It happens in children when they lose their temporary teeth, a gap forms between their teeth until their permanent teeth come in. however, it’s rather a more common situation which gets treated on its own.
Dentists consider it a part of the growth process. No treatment is required for this.
How to Fix a Gap in Your Teeth - 5 Methods
Fixing a teeth gap majorly depends on the size of the gap as well as the desired result from the aesthetic and functional point of view. Below are a variety of treatments used to fill a teeth gap to bring out a fuller smile. Check them out:
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Braces:
Cost: $3000 - $10,000
Braces are old school but one of the pioneer methods to restore smiles. It not just closes the teeth gap but treats misaligned teeth and bite problems. If the teeth' color, shape and size are not your primary concerns, then you can definitely go for this treatment, as it delivers the best possible results. However, for a more desirable look, you will require to get veneers afterwards, which can further increase the treatment’s cost.
If you opt for braces, you need to be patient with the results, as it takes around 12 to 18 months to show the magic.
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Dental Retainers:
Cost: $250 - $600
Retainers are custom-made dental devices used to maintain the teeth' alignment after the removal of braces. They also treat minor problems left after using the braces, like crooked teeth or small gaps.
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Invisible Aligners:
Cost: $3000 - $5000
Invisible dental aligners are another method to close the teeth gap. It looks more aesthetic than braces and corrects other minor dental issues as well. They are clear/transparent thin thermoplastic polymers applied to the teeth to exert pressure on the specific teeth to move them in the desired direction.
They come in sets of trays which move the teeth in little increments. You can have them directly at your home and use them according to your dentist’s instructions. Also, they are cheaper than braces.
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Dental Bonding:
Cost: $100 - $400
Resin bonding is often used as a cheap fix to close the teeth gap. In this method, tooth-colored resin bonding is applied next to the gap to restore its shape. It is an effective method for minor gaps and is extremely budget-friendly. Apart from that, it can be done in 30 minutes in a single visit, depending on your dentist. It may not be a durable solution, but it is the least invasive and provides a quick fix.
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Veneers:
Typically veneers are used for cosmetic purposes. Dentists also used it to fill the gaps between teeth. They work like false nails. They are false teeth glued on the front side of the teeth. “Veneers are made by your dentist and a dental lab to fit over your front teeth, and they can be shaped to close any pre-existing gaps,” said founder/owner of Advanced Dental Arts and New York-based general dentist, Todd Bertman. “This option is appealing to some patients because it is a permanent solution that addresses all of their cosmetic concerns, including closing gaps in their teeth, and the results can be achieved in a much shorter time period than traditional orthodontic treatment,” said Bertman.
To apply them, dentists need to remove a certain amount of tooth to fix them properly and make them look natural. There are two types of veneers, porcelain and composite. Both works differently in different cases.
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Composite Veneers:
Cost: $250 - $1500
Those with a teeth gam ranging (from 1-3mm) require composite veneers. They are the best way not just to close the gap but treat discoloration and unfavorable shape. It covers the entire tooth from the front and makes them look aesthetically pleasing. Moreover, composite veneers require less preparation and are price friendly than porcelain veneers. That said, good results only depend on the dentist’s skill and experience in the field.
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Porcelain Veneers:
Cost: $900 - $2500
Porcelain veneers work well on slightly bigger gaps and mask imperfections excellently. With these veneers, more modifications are possible. They are typically used to be applied on the back teeth as bites loads are greater over there. Its only setback is that they require more preparation and cost slightly greater than composite veneers.
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Dental Crowns:
Cost: $500 - $3000
Dental crowns and veneers are used for the same purpose. Both reduce the gap between the teeth. According to a Tennessee-based cosmetic dentist Tiffanie L. Garrison-Jeter, “Crowns are porcelain material that covers the entire surface of the tooth and can be used in a manner similar to that of veneers to close gaps in between teeth.”
Unlike veneers, crowns need to remove some parts of the tooth and gum to get fixed. “For crowns to fit properly, some of the tooth and gum are removed,” said a California-based registered dental hygienist, Christine Songco.
For crowns to fix, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and will create a model for the final look of your teeth after using the crown. If the patient approves then the treatment starts.
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Dentures:
Cost: $1000 - $15,000
Whether you have gaps or one or more missing teeth, clinicians can use dentures to fill the teeth gap. Depending on your choice, you can go for complete or partial dentures to fix your smile. They fill in the small gaps and work as removable implants. The only downside is that they get loose and cause discomfort over time.
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Dental Implants:
Cost: $1500 - $2000
People who have a foot-tooth wide gap should go for implants. They are removable fixed teeth that are inserted in the jawbone to blend with other teeth in your mouth. They have a long procedure with several follow-up visits. Only experienced dentists can perform dental implants.
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Surgery:
Cost: Varied depending on the surgery type
When a teeth gap occurs due to an outsized labial frenum, your dentist will suggest going for a frenectomy. It is a small surgery in which excess tissue is removed to reduce the size of the tissue. This method is only for oversized labial frenum. The rest of the other treatments are good enough to close the teeth gap.
Teeth Gap FAQs:
How much does a tooth gap fix cost?
For a simple and quick fix, dental bonding is used, which costs around $100 to $200 per tooth. As we move upwards for a durable treatment, you can expect to pay $800 to $1000 per tooth.
How to fix teeth gaps without using braces?
You can try veneers or crowns to fix small gaps. However, for bigger gaps, you need to invest in invisible aligners. It looks more natural and less expensive than braces.
What is the cheapest way to fix a teeth gap?
Dental bonding is for sure the cheapest, quickest and least invasive method to fix a teeth gap problem. We have already mentioned above how it’s done.
How to fix teeth gaps at home?
Unfortunately, there is no way you can fix your teeth gap at home. However, you can opt for clean aligners, they are aesthetically pleasing and don’t dent your wallet.
Conclusion
Indeed, there are several minimally invasive methods for closing the teeth gap. We would highly recommend you first consult your dentist to get suggestions on which treatment is best for your situation. In general, braces are the safest and most effective solution for fixing the gap in the teeth. If you have a budget, you should definitely go for it.