A Root Canal

Is Closing Your Teeth Gap Necessary?

Gaps in teeth are not uncommon. Some people choose to live with them, while others want them closed. Whether the gap should be closed is a decision that should be made between you and your dentist. To help you decide if your gap should go, here is what you need to know.

Why Should You Close Your Gap?

In some instances, getting rid of the gap is purely a cosmetic concern. Feeling self-conscious about the gap can lead to a lack of self-esteem and even result in a person being less communicative with others. The lack of verbal communication could lead to isolation, which could have an impact on a person's emotional health.

Closing a gap is sometimes more than just a cosmetic decision. Sometimes, the gap can have an impact on how you eat and talk. Food can become trapped in the gap. Some people might have a slight lisp when talking. By closing the gap, eating and talking could be far easier.

What Options Are Available for Closing the Gap?

There are several methods available for closing the gap, including bonding the teeth. Bonding involves applying a carefully sculpted resin to the area between the teeth. The resin is specially treated so that its shade matches with your natural teeth. The procedure usually takes one visit to complete.

Once the resin is applied, the dentist will apply a conditioning liquid to help the bond set. After the bond is set, a soft-textured substance is placed on the surface and molded. After the mold is fit perfectly, the dentist will dry the substance using an ultraviolet light.

Another option for closing the gap is dental veneers. The veneers are designed to fit over your existing teeth to cover the gap. Your dentist will not have to make any changes to the enamel of the teeth to have the veneers fit appropriately. Veneers is the more expensive option, but they last several years before they need to be replaced.

Both bonded teeth and dental veneers do not require special treatment. You can continue to practice good hygiene habits, such as brushing and using antiseptic mouthwash, as you usually do. If you have other dental problems, your dentist will talk to you about how to handle those in addition to the bonded teeth or veneers.

Talk to your cosmetic dentist about other options to close a gap. He or she can assess the gap and decide which is best suited for your situation. Visit a site like http://www.accentdentalnwi.com/ for more help.


Share