Cosmetic Dentistry: Fixing Gaps Between Teeth

Cosmetic Dentistry: Do you have gaps between your teeth?

Who would not like to have a brilliant set of white, sparkling, well formed, teeth? A smile is a great way to break the silence or just say ‘hello’. In today’s fast paced life, where corporate culture has spread its wings to almost all spheres of life, having a nice smile is an important virtue.

A persons teeth can suffer from many problems including deformation, yellowness, cavities and tooth decay. Improper oral hygiene, accidents, calcium deficiency and bad eating habits are foremost responsible for most of the oral problems. While talking to a person, ones teeth are one of the first things to be noticed.

Today, there are a number of cosmetic options available in the market so you can have that perfect smile. Modern cosmetic dentistry can help whiten your teeth, fill gaps and fix broken or crooked teeth. We will look at some of the available cosmetic dentistry options available for fixing gaps between teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Many people suffer from physical deformities in their tooth surface. Porcelain veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to fix this problem. In cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers are used to give the face of the tooth, a new surface so that it’s proper natural structuring or cosmetic dental restructuring can be aided. One of the main uses of a Porcelain veneer is to give the desired shape and size to a natural tooth. Veneers are mainly used to fix gaps and crooked teeth.

Bonding

Probably the most common choices in cosmetic dentistry for fixing dental problems, bonding is used to treat gaps between teeth, stains due to calcium deposits, crooked tooth or any physical damage done to the tooth. The procedure includes placing a composite resin based filling over the teeth for fixing physical tooth related damages. To get the required shape, a thin layer of hard but malleable plastic like material is applied under a bonding material which bonds it to the tooth. The applied material is then carved to get the desired shape. The process is finished by drying the material in high-intensity light to make it hard. After polishing, the tooth gets a natural look and will last for next 7-11 years approximately.

Braces / Invisalign

These are one of the most common options for removing gaps in-between the teeth.

Different levels of gaps require different procedures. A large gap in teeth may not be not suitable to be fixed by bonding while a small gap can. Cosmetic dentistry is an investment so discuss your options with your cosmetic dentist so you can make the choice that is right for you.

Call your South Tampa Dentist, Marnie Bauer DMD, for all of your cosmetic dental needs – 813.839.2273 – Or schedule an appointment online.

6 Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry helps many people obtain a confident smile and also corrects many dental anomalies. Six of the most common cosmetic dental procedures are described below:

Dental bonding

This is carried out to fill gaps in the teeth and cover stains and chips. The process involves the application of a composite resin material to the tooth. The material, which is available in several shades, is sculpted to cover the desired area. It is then dried using a high-intensity light or a chemical. The process does not cause any discomfort to the patient except when a minor tooth roughening is done. Dental bonding does not require more than one visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other dental restoration techniques.

Tooth contouring and reshaping

This quick and non-invasive procedure is used to fix dental issues such as overlaps, shallow pits and grooves in the enamel, worn edges, and chipped teeth. The dentist uses a polishing instrument for the removal of a tiny amount of enamel and the tooth is reformed. The enamel removal procedure is carried out only after dentists confirm through x-rays that the teeth requiring reshaping are strong enough to withstand some enamel loss. The process is completed with the smoothing and polishing of the edges of the newly contoured tooth. The process usually requires a follow-up visit after the first visit.

Mouth guards and night guard

These are plastic appliances that offer protection to the mouth during sports and also while sleeping. Mouth guards disperse shock caused by violent contact and thus protect the head and neck. They are prepared using a cast of the teeth. The mouth guards can be stock, mouth-formed, or custom-made. Night guards prevent bruxing between teeth during sleep. They are ideal for people with worn teeth, those who suffer aches in the jaws, and people with teeth that are sensitive to cold.

Halitosis or bad breath

The breakdown of food particles by the bacteria present under plaque, in the crevices on the tongue, and between teeth leads to the generation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) that cause bad breath. Periodontal disease is also a cause of halitosis. Dentists determine the amount of VSC being generated by using a halimeter. Treatment usually involves following a prescribed oral hygiene routine that may include the use of irrigators, artificial saliva, tongue scrapers, etc.

Tooth whitening

This treatment is useful for removing stains that appear due to the consumption to tea, coffee, cigarettes, and wine. Whitening is carried out using bleaching gel, which is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The gel breaks down releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin and disintegrate the stains. The time required for results to appear depends upon the source of the stain and varies from a few hours to a few weeks.

Crowns and bridges

Teeth that need repair after an accident or excessive decay can be treated by using a crown, which is an artificial replacement for the upper portion of the tooth. A bridge involves placing an alternate tooth that is held in place using two crowns that are bonded on adjacent teeth.

Call your South Tampa Dentist, Marnie Bauer DMD, to schedule your cosmetic dental appointment – 813.839.2273 – or schedule an appointment online!