Having gaps between your teeth can be another issue that may make your smile appear different and affect your confidence. You may worry about people noticing the gaps between your teeth, and sometimes it can create problems with food getting stuck in those spaces. Fortunately, there have been significant advancements in dental treatments, and there are several ways to address gaps between teeth.
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Orthodontic treatment, tooth extraction, or dental prosthetics are some of the methods used to address gaps between teeth. Additionally, another convenient and safe option is closing the gaps using dental materials specifically designed for this purpose. This method is easy, convenient, and doesn't require a lengthy treatment process.
The method of treatment for correcting gaps between teeth will depend on the dentist's assessment of the cause of the gaps. The objectives of correcting the tooth spacing, the position of the teeth, and the dental health will be taken into consideration. However, if you have any oral or dental health issues or gum disease, it is recommended to consult with a dentist for treatment before undergoing cosmetic procedures to address the tooth gaps.
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There are several possible causes of tooth gaps, including:
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- Teeth that are too small in proportion to the size of the jaw, which can be a genetic factor.
- Abnormalities in the supporting bone or gums that hold the teeth.
- Missing teeth, resulting in spaces due to tooth loss or tooth movement.
- Swallowing abnormalities that cause the tongue to push the teeth apart.
- Extra teeth present, creating gaps between the existing teeth.
can cause insecurity and dissatisfaction with one's smile. Many Chinese people believe that if there are gaps between the front teeth, it can lead to financial loss. They often seek solutions to close these gaps. However, for Thais, it is more about aesthetics.
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There are several methods to correct tooth gaps, with two main options:
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- Orthodontic treatment (braces or aligners)
- Dental restorations (or a combination of methods)
is suitable and beneficial for individuals with multiple tooth gaps or those who want to correct the alignment of their teeth. It can also be used to bring teeth back to their previous favorable positions. The advantage of orthodontic treatment is that it achieves proper teeth alignment while maintaining the natural teeth without the need for additional dental restorations (which may change color, chip, detach, or deteriorate over time). The downside is that it requires a longer duration and often involves wearing orthodontic appliances.
which may involve the use of filling materials, tooth shaping, or dental veneers (similar to dental crowns but applied only to the front and slightly on the sides, not fully surrounding the tooth), has its advantages. It can be performed quickly compared to orthodontic treatment, which takes approximately 6 months to 2 years. However, the downside is that the materials used for restoration may change color over time (requiring replacement) if they are fillings, or they may deteriorate, chip, or detach if they are ceramics (crowns or veneers).
