Closing the Spaces Between Teeth

The Space Between Your Teeth

If you have spaces between your teeth, you may feel self-conscious. It may be that you avoid showing your teeth in pictures. You may have more significant issues with spaces between your teeth. Gaps can cause food to be trapped between teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Spaces between teeth can also cause speech issues. People who have spaces between their teeth may have speech difficulties like a lisp or another problem.

Are spaces between the teeth a good thing? Is it ok to have gaps between teeth? The issues listed above indicate that you may want to have the gaps between your teeth closed. There are several ways to go about this, but first, let’s talk about why there are spaces between the teeth.

Why Do My Teeth Have Gaps?

 Here are some reasons why your teeth may have spaces between them.

• Missing or Small Teeth – If your teeth are small in proportion to the size of your mouth, you may have spaces between the teeth.
• Genetics – In the same way, genetics may dictate a disparity between the space your teeth fill and the space your mouth allows for your teeth.
• Gum Disease – When the gums become infected, bone and tissue loss may occur. This may create gaps in the teeth and cause them to become loose. Gum space between teeth can sometimes be a result of periodontal issues.
• Cavities – Cavities don’t usually cause gaps between teeth, but tooth decay can lead to tooth loss, which can cause gaps.  
• Habits – Sometimes children who suck their thumbs or use a pacifier for an extended period can develop spaces between the teeth.
• Tooth Loss – When teeth fall out or are extracted, nearby teeth may shift into neighboring spaces, leading to gaps between all the teeth.
• Alignment Issues – Bite and alignment issues can create gaps because the teeth don’t fit together correctly.
• Large Labial Frenum – The labial frenum is the tissue that connects the gum to the upper lip. When this tissue is oversized or enlarged, the two front teeth can be pushed apart, causing a gap. Spaces between front teeth can often be attributed to an enlarged labial frenum.

Can Gaps Between Teeth Be Fixed?

Luckily, there are solutions to the issue of spaces between the teeth. Many methods can be used to close these gaps. The technique your dental specialist will choose will depend on the cause of the gaps.

Ways to Close a Gap Between Teeth 

Some ways to close gaps between teeth include:

• Braces – Traditional braces are a great way to close gaps between teeth quickly. With this method, an orthodontist or other dental professional attaches brackets with adhesive and connects them with wires.
• Invisalign – Invisalign is another form of orthodontia in which a patient wears a series of clear trays. These trays gradually move the teeth into place.
• Porcelain Veneers – Porcelain veneers are a bit more costly but worth it. They can solve issues caused by small teeth, misshapen teeth, or genetic malformations. They are an excellent choice for fixing gaps between teeth.
• Dental Implants – Dental implants can solve more significant gaps between teeth. This is a great solution for people with missing teeth.

Conclusion

Whether the issue is misshapen teeth, small teeth, missing teeth, or genetic malformation, gaps between the teeth can present themselves and become a problem. These spaces between teeth, whether large or small, can create problems. They can cause food to become trapped, which causes dental hygiene to suffer. They can also cause speech impediments. Spaces between the teeth can also be an issue for cosmetic reasons. Whatever the reason you’d like your spaces between the teeth fixed, there are several options. Braces, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, or dental implants can all be effective in closing the gaps between the teeth and changing your smile for good.

Call Portage Northern Dental Today

If you have questions about closing the gaps between your teeth, contact Portage Northern Dental. At Portage Northern Dental, we take your dental needs seriously and will help you identify the cause of the gaps between the teeth; then, we will help you remedy the situation. We offer porcelain veneers, Invisalign, and dental implants. You can be confident knowing that when you choose Portage Northern Dental, you are making the best decision for your family. From cleanings and x-rays to cosmetic dental procedures and routine exams, we offer all our treatments in a single office so that you can be on your way. For more information, visit our website or contact us.