Treatment for Gapped Teeth Can Enhance Your Smile
At North Pier Dental, led by experienced dentist William J. Couvelis, oral health is our top priority. However, even a healthy smile can be flawed by cosmetic imperfections, which is why we also offer an extensive range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to address blemishes and enhance the beauty of the smile.
Gapped teeth are one imperfection that leaves many of our patients feeling self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth and smile. Fortunately, there are several treatments for gapped teeth at our Chicago, IL practice. These treatments eliminate gaps and help patients achieve a straighter, more even-looking smile.
Treatment Options for Gapped Teeth
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is one of the fastest and most affordable solutions for gapped teeth. This is a non-invasive treatment that involves the application of a tooth-colored compound to the surface of the teeth. The compound can be shaped to conceal a number of cosmetic flaws, including gapped teeth.
In the case of gapped teeth, the compound is applied to the two teeth directly adjacent to the gap (which is most commonly the top, center teeth). The compound extends the width of each of these teeth and gives the impression that the spacing between them is consistent with the rest of the mouth. When Dr. Couvelis is satisfied with the shape of the teeth, a special light will be used to harden the compound and bond it to the teeth.
Cosmetic dental bonding offers effective results for gapped teeth. However, these results can only be expected to last for around five to seven years. Eventually, treatment will need to be repeated to maintain the aesthetic results.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are more costly than cosmetic dental bonding and require a more invasive treatment procedure (they require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel). Still, porcelain veneers are extremely popular. They provide longer-lasting results than dental bonding (porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years), and they are a more comprehensive form of treatment.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. Because they conceal the natural teeth, they can address a full range of cosmetic blemishes, including discoloration, stains, chips, cracks, fractures, and, of course, gapped teeth. If a patient has a number of oral flaws that they’d like to address, porcelain veneers are most likely the best cosmetic dentistry treatment option. With just a single application, porcelain veneers can completely makeover a patient’s smile.
Invisalign®
Poor spacing between the teeth may indicate that the teeth or jaw are out of alignment. In these cases, it is necessary to improve the bite to avoid further oral health complications. Invisalign® is a comfortable and convenient teeth straightening treatment that improves the appearance of the smile without brackets and wires.
During Invisalign® treatment, patients progress through a series of clear, plastic aligners that provide subtle pressure to move the teeth into proper alignment. When treatment is complete, patients will benefit from a straighter and healthier smile.
Contact Us
With the wide range of cosmetic dentistry treatments that are available, there is no need for any patient to settle for a smile that is less than beautiful. If you are concerned about gapped teeth or other aesthetic blemishes and would like to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, request an appointment below.
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