Gaps Between Teeth? 3 Ways To Close Them

A diastema, more commonly known as a gap between two teeth, is fairly common. There are a variety of things that can cause a gap between teeth including a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jawbone, missing or undersized teeth, and even certain habits such as thumb-sucking. While many find gap tooth smiles charming, others are quick to have their teeth realigned in order to close the gap. The good news is that there is more than one option for closing an unsightly gap. 

Orthodontics

Orthodontics, more specifically braces, are often the solution for gaps in the teeth. Orthodontic treatments are also a great option when there are other alignment issues present. The cost of braces can vary depending on the type of treatment, more specifically the type of braces used. The average cost for traditional metal braces is between $3,000 and $7,350 while clear Invisalign aligners run between $3,000 and $8,000. Lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, cost between $5,000 and $13,000. In general the less obvious the treatment, the more expensive it is.

Bonding

While orthodontic treatment works best for certain cases, there are other ways to close the gap between two teeth. Dental bonding is a quick way to reduce gaps between teeth. Bonding is where a tooth colored composite materials is added to the surface of the tooth, molded into the desired shape, and then hardened. The average cost is between $300 and $600 per tooth and the entire procedure can often be done in less than one hour. Dental bonding works best to close smaller gaps and can also address other issues such as chips and stains. 

Veneers

Dental veneers are another way to address a gap between teeth. Dental veneers are thin shells that are made up of either porcelain or composite. These shells are then affixed to the teeth in order to change their shape, color, and even size. Veneers can be very effective when it comes to correcting gaps between teeth. Porcelain veneers are often more expensive than composite veneers, however, they are longer lasting. The average cost of porcelain veneers ranges from $925 to $2,500 per tooth while composite veneers cost between $250 and $1,500 per tooth. 

While some people may like having a gap between their teeth, others prefer to correct their teeth's spacing issues. There are multiple ways to address gaps between the teeth. Orthodontic treatments offer a long-lasting solution to gaps between the teeth. Dental bonding and dental veneers can also close the gap and are great options for those who are looking for a quick solution. 

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