How To Correct A Gap Between Your Two Front Teeth
If you have a gap between your two front teeth, it can be embarrassing and can also be difficult to cover up. Fortunately, you are not alone and there are things that can be done to correct this problem. One of the most common reasons why patients need to get braces in the first place is that they have a gap between their two front teeth.
Causes of a Front Tooth Gap
Having a gap between your teeth can be caused by a variety of issues in early childhood, including how you sucked your thumb. Your teeth could also simply be too small to properly fill in the gap. If you did not experience a gap between your two front teeth until recently, the cause might be your oral hygiene.
When you have poor oral hygiene, bone loss can create the gap between your teeth. To prevent this from progressing further, you will want to discuss with your dentist better ways that you can protect your oral health through brushing and flossing. Otherwise, the bone loss will progress and there will be little you can do to stop it.
Braces are Usually the Best Option
To correct your two front teeth, the best option is to see an orthodontist at a clinic like Reed Orthodontics to get braces. The gap is usually covered by insurance companies for children, but not for adults. The younger you get them, the better the outcome is likely to be. The braces apply consistent force to your teeth to move them into the proper position. While doing so, they essentially damage the jaw bone so that it can heal as the teeth are moved into the correct position.
Alternatives to Veneers
Since getting braces can be the most expensive way to treat a gap between your teeth, if you are not able to get your insurance company to cover it, you may wish to seek an alternative. One less expensive option is to simply get dental veneers. However, the veneers require that a portion of your teeth be removed so that there is enough space for the veneers. Another option is to use teeth effect bands, which is by far the least expensive option. This approach, however, is painful and can cause damage to your teeth.
Teeth effect bands are slipped over the two teeth that are effected. They then create force necessary to slowly force the two teeth together. These bands are worn late at night. Since they are relatively new, dentists often caution against the practice because more research needs to be done. They should only be considered after you have looked at all the other options and have ruled them out.
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