Gaps between teeth might not seem like a big deal, but those slender spaces are plenty wide enough for tiny bacteria — and that means they may also increase your risk of decay. What’s more, gaps can affect your bite mechanics and confidence, too.
The good news is dental bonding and orthodontic treatment can close unattractive gaps. The key is knowing which option is right for your needs and goals.
As a leading general and cosmetic dentist, Minal Patel, DDS, specializes in custom dental treatments, helping patients at Park Place Smiles close gaps between teeth and improve their overall smile aesthetics. Here, learn how orthodontics and bonding work to address gaps between teeth and how to decide which option is right for you.
Braces and aligners use special devices and techniques to move teeth into better alignment over time. For gaps, that means gradually shifting the positions of your teeth to close gaps and provide a more beautiful smile.
But that’s just part of what orthodontic treatment does. By correcting alignment issues, braces and aligners help maintain your bite balance, preventing jaw strain and uneven tooth wear that can lead to more complex issues, like tooth decay, tooth loss, jaw pain, or chronic headaches.
Of course, orthodontics corrects more than gaps. If you have more complex alignment needs, orthodontic treatment will probably be the better option to correct and improve your smile and prevent problems in the future.
Bottom line: Orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners is typically a good choice for large gaps or complex smile restoration needs. Because it repositions your teeth, orthodontics offers a permanent solution for gaps and other issues.
Bonding is a cosmetic solution for gaps. Instead of shifting your teeth into ideal alignment, bonding uses special composites to “fill in” those unattractive spaces, helping your smile look more balanced and attractive.
Cosmetic bonding is quick, too, typically taking about an hour and usually requiring just one visit. Dr. Patel applies the bonding agent in layers, expertly shaping the material so it matches the natural contours of your teeth, filling in unwanted gaps and correcting other flaws. The bonding agent is custom-tinted to match your natural teeth, so once it’s applied, it blends in beautifully.
It’s important to note that composite bonding material can’t be whitened, so the tint that’s selected is the tint you’ll have for the life of the bonding. To make sure your bonding always matches your teeth when they look their best, consider having professional whitening treatment first.
Bottom line: Bonding may be a good option for small gaps that don’t involve alignment issues or impact your bite balance. It’s also worth noting that bonding doesn’t last forever; with proper care, including regular brushing and twice-yearly checkups, your bonding can last for up to a decade before it needs to be replaced or restored.
Dr. Patel and our team specialize in state-of-the-art dental techniques focused on helping every patient enjoy better oral health and an attractive smile. To learn how we can help you achieve your goals, book an appointment online or over the phone with us at Park Place Smiles in Glendora, California, today.
