Bridging the Gaps With Dental Bonding: Can Multiple Gaps Between Teeth Be Closed With Dental Bonding?

Dentist Blog

In the animal kingdom it is quite normal for plant-eating mammals (herbivores) to have a gap, also known as a diastema, between their gnawing teeth and their grinding teeth. Rabbits, for example, have two long front incisors used for gnawing at vegetables. In humans, such gaps are not necessary. They serve neither a functional nor an aesthetic purpose and therefore tend to look out of place in a smile.

The most common of these gaps is the space between the two upper central incisors. This single gap can be easily treated in a number of ways. Dental bonding is one such way. However, when there are multiple gaps, dental bonding might not be the best course of treatment. There may be other issues that should be dealt with first.

Are Your Teeth Undersized?

One of the most common causes of multiple gaps in the smile zone is undersized teeth. This condition is known as microdontia and is usually hereditary. It has also been linked to hormonal imbalances and genetic disorders such as down syndrome. If your teeth are undersized, bonding can be used to enlarge your teeth in order to close the spaces between them.

Small teeth can also be lengthened with dental bonding. However, the bonding will need to be replaced every few years. If you drink coffee, red wine, or smoke then you may need to replace the bonding every few months so you should either opt for veneers instead, which don't stain, or cut down on staining foods.

Are Your Teeth Crooked?

If the gaps are present because your teeth are crooked or overlapping, bonding is not the answer. If bonding were to be added to crooked teeth, the results would likely be unsatisfactory as the teeth aren't straight to begin with.

In this case, porcelain veneers would be a better option if you don't wish to straighten your teeth with braces.

Is Your Bite Misaligned?

Dental bonding shouldn't replace braces. Flared teeth, in other words, teeth that protrude outwards, do so because the jaw is too small to accommodate all the teeth. These would be better treated with braces and perhaps interproximal reduction. Likewise, any other kind of bite misalignment should be corrected with braces. Orthodontics would close the gaps caused by the misalignment.

Later, if gaps are still present then composite bonding can be used to finish off your treatment. Dental bonding can be used to fill multiple gaps in almost any situation, however, do not try to use dental bonding as a substitute for braces as the results will only be temporary. For more information, contact a local cosmetic dentist.

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30 October 2017

Travel With An Australian Dentist:  The Best In The World

Miranda Raff here. My brother is a stressed-out dental student, so I'm starting this blog on his behalf. I work in a travel agency and my brother is mortified by the number of dental tourism stories I bring home. I book short holidays for people who seem as though they are going to enjoy some relaxation in an exotic country, only to learn that they plan to have cheap dental procedures. Whilst there are good dentists in developing countries, according to my brother, the complex procedures these people plan to have simply can't be finished in such a limited time. This blog is an attempt to inform you about the high skill levels and advanced technology found in Australian dental surgeries. New techniques are being developed every year and Australian dentists are at the forefront of offering these solutions. I really hope this blog helps you to appreciate our dentists.