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Posted by Shullman Orthodontics on 11/13/2019

Can Braces Fix Gaps in Teeth

Can Braces Fix Gaps in Teeth

Gaps in-between teeth is one of the most common cosmetic dental issues.  When a “gap between teeth” occurs, separating the two upper front teeth, it is referred to in medical terms, as a diastema. “Gaps in teeth” may also occur between any two teeth and can by be easily fixed with orthodontic care.

Gaps in teeth are caused by a number of things including a mismatch between the size of the jaw bones and the size of the teeth, crowding of teeth, size of teeth, missing teeth, thumb sucking and other reasons.  Although many people are concerned with the aesthetic appearance of gaps between the teeth, there are actually health risks associated with leaving gaps in between your teeth.  Your teeth are there to protect your gums; and when there are spaces leaving your gums unprotected, you can experience trauma to your gums. You are left at risk of losing teeth due to trauma, and hard foods can get jammed into your gums which may lead to other issues.

One of the most common ways to close a gap between teeth is with braces.  Depending on the size, cause, and location of the space between your teeth, your Wellington orthodontist will help you choose the best procedure to fix the gap or gaps in your teeth.  Some conventional methods for closing gaps in teeth:

  • Invisible braces (clear braces)
  • Conventional braces (self-ligating)
  • Hidden braces (lingual braces)
  • Removable aligners or Invisalign

You may have heard of do-it-yourself” (DIY) braces. This method is much cheaper than braces or other methods your orthodontist may recommend and perform. Attempting to use “teeth bands or gap bands” can cause serious lifelong consequences. There are many problems associated with attempting to re-position your own teeth; remember, an orthodontist goes through an extensive amount of training to learn the mechanics of tooth movement.  In fact, an orthodontist goes to school to become a dentist, then attends three years of specialized training to learn specifically about orthodontics.  A few of the disadvantages to do-it-yourself orthodontia or “gap bands”:

  • Sloppy results
  • Pain and inflammation
  • May result in harm to the gums and connective tissue
  • Irreversible damage and tooth loss
  • Bone loss
  • Allergic reactions to latex

If you are considering fixing the gaps in your teeth, and want to get it right the first time, set up an appointment for a free consultation with Dr. Shullman today! Call us at (561) 537-3138.



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