Artistic Expressions Dentistry

Treatment Options for Tooth Gaps

Jun 30, 2013 @ 12:57 PM — by Bruce Wilderman
Tagged with: Porcelain Veneers Orthodontics Tooth Gaps Invisalign

When you want to have a smile that looks its absolute best, the teeth need to be straight, properly aligned, and properly spaced. Crookedness, even minor misalignments in some cases, can have a severely negative impact on your smile and even your general wellness. That's why many people visit our Doylestown cosmetic dentistry center.

Right now, we'd like to focus on particular problem related to tooth alignment: tooth gaps.

Tooth Gaps - Aesthetic and Functional Problems

In terms of aesthetic problems, tooth gaps leave unsightly spaces between the teeth, which can be off-putting. Tooth gaps may also be the cause of bite problems between the upper and lower dental arches, potentially contributing to teeth grinding. There are a few different treatments to consider to address tooth gaps, which can take care of the aesthetic and functional problems.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are adhered to the front facing portions of the teeth. When in place, porcelain veneers are able to address various dental problems related to smile aesthetics. The best part is that when they are in place, almost no on will realize that you have received porcelain veneers -- they look totally natural.

Ideal Candidates for Porcelain Veneers

The best candidates for porcelain veneers are people who have chipped teeth, cracked teeth, strained teeth, or poorly aligned/spaced teeth. These issues should be predominantly cosmetic in nature.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic care option that uses clear plastic aligners to reposition the teeth. These clear plastic aligners are so convenient in that they are nearly undetectable when in place and can be easily removed when a patient eats, drinks, or cleans his or her teeth.

Ideal Candidates for Invisalign

The best candidates for Invisalign are people with crooked teeth and issues with tooth alignment. Invisalign is often used as an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment that uses braces.

Orthodontic Treatment

When porcelain veneers and Invisalign are not good options for care, a cosmetic and restorative dentist may recommend more traditional orthodontic treatment based on the patient's need, such as metal braces.

Ideal Candidates for Orthodontic Treatment

The best candidates for orthodontic treatment are people who have more serious problems with tooth alignment and malocclusion that cannot be treated through the use of Invisalign or predominantly cosmetic procedures.

The Best Option for You

The best option for you will really depend on your needs. In terms of very minor gaps and spacing problems, porcelain veneers tend to be more ideal. Substantial tooth gaps will be better addressed through different forms of orthodontic care.

During your visit to the practice, we will be sure to go over all of your options in greater detail so that you can make a well-informed decision about your dental health needs.

Schedule a Consultation for Treating Tooth Gaps

For more information about porcelain veneers, Invisalign, orthodontic treatment, and your many other options for improved dental health, be sure to contact our cosmetic dentistry center serving the Philadelphia area today. The entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.