How An Orthodontist Can Make The Gaps In Your Teeth Disappear
A gap between two of your teeth is called "diastema." Diastema often occurs between to two front teeth, but it can happen anywhere. One cause is when the jaw bones and the teeth aren't matched in size, which makes your teeth look small, oddly spaced or crowded together. For whatever reason, having a gap between your teeth can be embarrassing. It makes you want to hide your smile from the world. A skilled orthodontist can offer a variety of solutions for fixing your diastema.
Braces
The old method that your orthodontist used to fix this problem is metal braces. These are painful and awkward. They require lots of cleaning and they can actually permanently damage your teeth. Braces carry a stigma for kids who have to wear them,
and they're even worse for adults. This is the old way to fix gaps in teeth, but now there are some better alternatives.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontist treatment that uses a less visible, easier and more effective alternative to braces. Instead of the metal gear, these have plastic trays that fit into your mouth with aligners that gradually reshape your smile. Your aligners are individually made and every two weeks a new set comes. Gradually, over the course of around 6 months, the gap in your teeth is closed up. This is a highly effective treatment that's almost invisible, but it costs quite a bit of money. Also, not ever orthodontist offers it yet.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are porcelain shells that are wafer-thin. They are fitted over the outside of the teeth to give them a better luster. Usually a treatment for chipped and cracked teeth, veneers can sometimes be used to cover up gaps. This is a quicker and easier method than Invisalign, but porcelain veneers are not altogether indestructible. Dentists use porcelain because it's easy to work with and looks real, but there is the risk of them cracking if you grind your teeth. Still, it's a quicker and cheaper option.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are just like the old metal kind with one major difference – they are set inside the mouth so that they don't show. You can get exactly the same treatment as you would with metal braces but it will not be visible to the outside world. Also called iBraces, these are great for people who want to get results but keep it quiet. They cost more than traditional braces, but what you're paying for is the cosmetic benefit.
If you suffer from diastema, the first step is to contact a good orthodontist and discuss these options with them. No one solution is perfect for everyone and they all have their drawbacks. There is also the expense to consider, and cosmetic dentistry is not covered by regular insurance. Talk to your orthodontist and find out from them the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as the risks. They'll be able to assess whether you're a good candidate and also show you examples of their past work. You don't have to hide your smile from the world because of gaps in your teeth!
