For some communities, gaps between teeth are a beauty mark and thus something to be proud of. This is, unfortunately, one of the leading contributors of various dental health issues. With gaps in your teeth irrespective of their size, other teeth will shift and thus cause crooked and unsightly teeth. Moreover, the gaps form the perfect breeding spot for microorganisms owing to the food debris that accumulates in them and leads to various dental diseases. You can thus not have optimal dental health with gaps.
Dental implants inserted by a Townsville-based dentist are currently the most popular choice for filling gaps between your teeth. There are, however, presently multiple ways of filling the gaps thanks to advancements in dental technology. Here are tidbits on your options to enable you to make the right choice for filling dental gaps.
Dentures
These are made of metal or acrylic and can be fastened onto your natural teeth using one or several clasps to make them secure. The appliances are customized so that they fit securely around your gums and allow you to eat and speak comfortably. Dentures are typically fixed immediately after tooth extraction. They, however, need re-fabrication after 5-7 years to make up for the shrinkage of your gums over a set period that might leave the dentures as ill-fitting appliances.
Dental Bridge
A bridge comprises a customized appliance that anchors crowns placed on teeth on either side of a diastema and a false tooth that fills the gap. This appliance will be held in place by a strong dental adhesive that makes it permanent. The dental bridge ideally lasts for about five years and from there re-fabrication is necessary to account for gum changes. It is only used when the teeth around the gaps are strong and healthy for them to support false teeth. Though a dental bridge is generally discrete since it matches the surrounding teeth, dental visits are essential to ensure it does not compromise the health of the teeth around it.
Dental Implants
These support one or several false teeth. An implant comprises a titanium screw placed in the gap then used as an anchor for dentures or crowns. Before the placement of the dental implant, the dentist will first assess the capacity of your jaw bone to ensure it adequately supports the implant. If inadequate, he/she might recommend gum grafting. It takes 3-4 months for the gums to heal around the implants.
Dental Bonding
This is considered a quick fix alternative for dental gaps. Here, a resin is applied to your teeth on either side of the gap and dries after a few hours. Dental bonding is generally used for fixing slightly broken or chipped teeth. Though inexpensive, the option is not as durable as your other choices.
The above management options seem unnecessary for most people but will have a significant impact on your dental health. They are thus essential or anyone aiming for a perfect smile and the highest level of dental hygiene. Some parents assume that gaps in their children’s teeth are normal. These should, however, be checked by a pediatric dentist to ensure they do not affect their permanent dentition.
