Is it too late to close a tooth gap if I am 48? Although my friends tell me gaps are “in,” I have always been self-conscious about my smile. The gap is between my upper center front teeth. Thank you. Nikko
Nikko,
Thank you for contacting Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge about the timing for closing a tooth gap.
Is It Too Late to Close a Tooth Gap?
It is not too late to close a tooth gap. Although most people want to close a gap for aesthetic reasons, spaces between teeth can affect your oral health. A dentist’s treatment recommendations depend on several factors, including:
- Your oral health
- The condition of your teeth
- The gap size
- The results you want to achieve
Treatment Options to Close a Tooth Gap
Treatment options to close a tooth gap include orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry.
Orthodontics
Clear orthodontic aligners are one way to close a tooth gap
A dentist may recommend orthodontics if a tooth gap is large or if you want to align your teeth without cosmetic dentistry. Although many adults are concerned about how they will look while wearing braces, clear braces and aligners make orthodontic treatment less noticeable. Closing a tooth gap with braces may take six to eight months or longer.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a skill that advanced cosmetic dentists use to conceal small tooth gaps. A cosmetic dentist can blend composite bonding to match our tooth shade and shape it to replicate the characteristics of your teeth. The bonding will blend seamlessly with your teeth. Dental bonding usually takes one appointment.
Porcelain Veneers
A porcelain veneer is a custom shell of porcelain that fits the front of a tooth. Veneers usually require removing small amounts of tooth enamel to ensure the shells fit your teeth without looking bulky or protruding. A cosmetic dentist may recommend two or more veneers to conceal your tooth gap. You can get veneers in two to three appointments.
We recommend consulting with a dentist who has completed advanced training in aesthetics. After an exam and x-rays, the dentist can recommend treatment.
Baton Rouge dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher sponsors this post. Read about his education and training, and learn what he does to provide some of the best dental care in Baton Rouge.
