Repairing Gaps in Teeth With Composite Bonding or Veneers

Do you have a gap in your teeth that you wish you could close?

Gaps in your teeth, also referred to as diastema, aren’t an issue for children, but as an adult you may want to consider seeking treatment for gaps in your teeth. Children’s teeth fall out and are replaced by their adult teeth, so those gaps in their teeth aren’t likely to last into adulthood, but when adults have gaps in their teeth they cannot rely on a new set of teeth to grow in and close the gap naturally.

There are a few ways that you can have those spaces closed. Composite bonding and porcelain veneers are the most common ways to have the gap in your teeth closed. There are pros and cons to each method, so it’s important that you discuss your options with your dentist before making a decision.

Composite Bonding

If you’re looking for a quick and easy option, composite bonding is your best bet.

This simple method of closing small gaps uses a composite resin that matches the color of your teeth. This is bonded to your teeth to change their shape. There are a wide range of tooth colors available so you don’t have to worry about the composite bonding standing out. After treatment, you won’t be able to tell that you are missing a tooth.

This is a quicker treatment than most, but the material used stains easily and wears more quickly than porcelain or natural teeth. While this method is secure, the boding lasts an average of three to seven years.

Porcelain Veneers

If you’re looking for something that lasts a little longer you may want to consider porcelain veneers. These typically last between four and twelve years. They are just as secure as composite bonding but are much stronger and more durable. Of course, they can crack and chip, but they can be easily replaced.

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are placed on the front of your teeth. These can easily transform your smile by covering chips, stains, and misaligned teeth. These can also be matched to the color of your existing teeth.

If you have more than a few teeth missing, porcelain veneers can be used to fill wider gaps more easily than composite bonding. This option is more expensive than bonding because it can take as many as six veneers to fill a gap and correct an uneven smile.

There are pros and cons to each of these options, but your dentist can help you decide which is best for you. If you’re interested in closing the gap in your teeth and getting the straight smile that you dream of, schedule an appointment with our office today.