Are you unhappy with the appearance of gaps in your smile? If so, you may be considering treatment options to close them. Our Orange County dentists in Irvine often recommend Invisalign as a comfortable, discreet way to close many types of gaps, but the best solution always depends on what’s causing the spacing. Here are five different types of gaps and how treatments like Invisalign and other options can help close them effectively.
Best Diastema Treatment: Orthodontics (Usually)
A diastema is one of the most common causes of gaps in teeth, especially when a space has been present since the front teeth first came in. A diastema develops when the teeth erupt with a gap between them and is often caused by a large labial frenum, which connects the lips to the front of the gums.
In many cases, Invisalign is one of the best ways to treat a diastema, because the teeth on either side of the gap are often already quite large. Invisalign gently and precisely moves the teeth into proper alignment without making them appear oversized. However, if your teeth are naturally narrow, veneers or other cosmetic techniques may also be considered based on your goals.
Best Narrow Teeth Treatment: Veneers
Perhaps the gaps between your teeth are caused by teeth that are too narrow. This is uncommon, but it can happen, often because of peg laterals or retained baby teeth.
If this is the cause of your tooth gaps, then veneers are usually the best approach to close the gaps. At Rice Dentistry in Irvine, veneers can widen your natural teeth to give you the even, wide teeth that close all the gaps. Veneers can also reshape unattractive teeth, make your teeth taller, repair damage, and brighten teeth at the same time.
Best Crooked Teeth Treatment: Orthodontics (Usually)
Sometimes crooked teeth create gaps between your teeth. You might even have gaps in some areas and crowded teeth in others.
When gaps are related to crooked teeth, it’s usually best to use orthodontic treatment like Invisalign to straighten all your teeth and close the spaces at the same time. Invisalign allows for precise tooth movement while keeping your smile discreet throughout treatment.
However, in some cases, veneers may be a better choice. We may recommend veneers when they will work well and you have other cosmetic concerns you’d like to address at the same time. Veneers can also deliver faster results, although with accelerated Invisalign treatment, we can now achieve beautifully aligned results quicker than ever.
Best Missing Tooth Treatment: Dental Implant
Of course, it’s also possible that a gap between your teeth is due to a lost tooth or a tooth that never emerged. Either way, a dental implant at Rice Dentistry in Irvine, California, is usually the best option. Dental implants are like getting a new tooth in the space. An implant has an artificial root that supports it and an attractive, natural-looking crown on top. Implants look and function like natural teeth. And they’re especially good for young people looking to replace a lost tooth because they can last upwards of 50 years.
Best Black Triangles Treatment: Gum Restoration
Sometimes the gaps in your teeth don’t go the entire height of the tooth. Instead, the spaces appear as black triangular areas near the base of the teeth, often called “black triangles.” These gaps are commonly caused by receding gums, so the first step is addressing gum disease or other factors contributing to gum recession. Once your gums are healthy, we can close those black triangles using advanced solutions like BioClear, which rebuilds the natural tooth shape for a seamless, balanced look.
In some cases, we can also reverse the effects of receding gums with a gum graft. This restores the healthy, youthful appearance of your gums and creates a strong foundation for treatments like BioClear, helping you regain an attractive, confident smile.
You Don’t Have to Live with a Tooth Gap
If you have one or more gaps in your teeth that are making you unhappy, you don’t have to accept them. We have options to close the gaps in your smile. You can have a healthy, attractive smile that you’re proud to show off. To learn more about closing tooth gaps in Irving or surrounding areas of Orange County, CA, please call (949) 551-5902 to request an appointment with a cosmetic dentist at Rice Dentistry.
