If you notice that you have a gap in between your teeth, this condition is called diastema. Dentists can treat this dental concern in various ways. Dr. Paul Karpovich is a talented dentist that offers treatment for a gap in teeth in Timonium, MD for those who wish to close it.
Having a small gap between your teeth, especially the front ones, is not unusual or harmful. Some people really like the way their tooth gap looks, it can even be part of their unique smile! Others may wish their teeth were closer together.
For some people, a tooth gap can make it harder to speak clearly or chew food properly. But for many others, it doesn’t cause any problems at all. Most of the time, the gap shows up between the two top front teeth.
If a child has a gap when their baby teeth are falling out and adult teeth are coming in, it often closes on its own by the time they turn 10 years old. But if all the child’s adult front teeth, including the canines and incisors, have grown in and the gap is still there, it may stay that way unless treated.
What Causes the Gap in Teeth?
There are many reasons why people have slight tooth gaps. Some are simply born with minor defects and some develop the gap due to certain habits. No matter how you got your gap, there is a way we can treat it. The most common causes for a gap in teeth include:
- Tongue thrusting
- Pacifier use
- Thumb sucking
- Missing adult tooth
- Large labial frenum
- Large jaw
- Protruding teeth
- Oversized oral tissues
- Periodontitis
- Mesiodens
Treatment for a Gap in Teeth in Timonium, MD
Dr. Karpovich can help close your tooth gaps in his office. He provides restorative and cosmetic treatments to treat tooth gaps:
Invisalign
If you have other dental problems, like crooked teeth or bite issues (such as a crossbite), Invisalign can be a good way to close a large gap in your teeth. But it works best if you already like the color, shape, and size of your teeth. Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to slowly move your teeth and close the gap. You’ll wear each set of aligners for about a week before switching to the next set. Over time, the gap will get smaller until it’s gone.
Porcelain Veneers
If the gap is smaller, your dentist can use porcelain veneers to treat it. A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that we cement to the front and side of a tooth. It will hide the gap, cover stains and chips, and even change the shape of your teeth. A tooth veneer can dramatically change the appearance of your smile.
Dental Bonding
The most affordable method we offer to instantly close a gap in teeth is dental bonding. Bonding is a simple treatment however it does require a dentist with some level of skill. Dr. Karpovich will place the bio-composite material onto the tooth and mold it by hand into the desired shape. To close a gap, he’ll add the resin material to one or both sides of the two teeth.
Dental Crowns
Tooth crowns aren’t just used to fix damaged teeth, they can also improve the way your smile looks. One way we use dental crowns for cosmetic reasons is to close gaps between teeth. Dr. Karpovich will look at your teeth and decide whether one or both of the teeth next to the gap should be covered with crowns.
To get a tooth ready for a crown, the dentist has to gently shape it by removing a small amount of the outer layer. This makes room for the crown to fit properly. Once Dr. Karpovich places your crowns, they close the gap between your teeth right away.
Tooth Gap FAQs
Read answers to common questions about how we can treat and close tooth gaps in Timonium, MD:
How long does it take to close a gap between teeth with Invisalign?
The time it takes to close a gap between teeth with Invisalign depends on how big the gap is and if there are other dental issues, like crooked teeth or a bad bite. Treatment can take as little as 3 to 6 months for small gaps. It can take 12 to 18 months to fix larger tooth gaps or more complex problems.
Can tooth gaps cause speech issues?
Yes, tooth gaps can sometimes cause speech issues. When there’s a gap between your teeth it can affect how your tongue moves when you talk. This might make it harder to say certain sounds, like “s” or “th,” and could cause a slight lisp.
Not everyone with a gap has trouble speaking, but if the gap is large or in a spot that affects your tongue’s movement, you might notice speech problems. Dr. Karpovich can look at your teeth and let you know if closing the gap could help improve the way you speak.
Do you offer same-day bonding to close small tooth gaps?
Yes, our Timonium dental office offers same-day bonding to close small tooth gaps. Dental bonding is a quick and easy treatment where the dentist applies a tooth-colored material to your teeth to fill the gap. It’s shaped to look natural and then hardened with a special light.
Most of the time, bonding can be done in just one visit, so you can leave the office with a more complete smile the same day. If you have a small gap and want a fast solution, ask us about same-day dental bonding.
What is the most cost-effective option to close a tooth gap?
The most cost-effective way to close a tooth gap is usually dental bonding. Bonding costs less than other treatments like braces or veneers and still gives your smile a natural look. It’s a great choice for small gaps, especially in the front teeth.
Request an Appointment
If you want to learn more about treatment for a gap in teeth in Timonium, MD, call the office of Dr. Karpovich today at (410) 221-3085. You can also request a consult online on our website.