The front tooth-gap trend has been around for decades. From the likes of models like Georgia May Jagger and Lara Stone, to Madonna and Elton John, many people have been inspired to wear their gap with confidence over the years. 

However, in some cases, a large tooth gap, also known as diastema, can cause a lack of self-confidence, whilst multiple gaps in teeth could be the result of gum disease, tooth decay or impact/injury. Here, we offer an expert guide to the various treatment options for large gaps and missing teeth, including orthodontic treatment, removable dentures and more. 

If you’d like to find out more about the services we offer at E11even Dental to fill a tooth gap or replace missing teeth, get in touch today! 

What Causes a Tooth Gap?

There are many reasons why a tooth gap may form. If you have a habit of pressing your tongue against your teeth when swallowing, you may end up with a gap between your front teeth over time. It’s also well known that children who suck their thumbs or use dummies for a long period of time will likely develop a tooth gap in their baby teeth. 

It is also possible to be born with gaps between your teeth, in fact, the top cause of a tooth gap is when there is improper spacing in the mouth. Oversized gums or enlarged tissue at the top of the gum above the front teeth can also cause a tooth gap and can be treated with minor surgery. 

If you’re noticing gaps developing in your teeth as an adult, it could be caused by periodontitis, also known as advanced gum disease. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, if left untreated, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Symptoms include swollen gums, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, tender gums and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite. 

How To Fix a Tooth Gap

If for whatever reason you do decide to close your tooth gap, there are many treatment options available to you, the first one being orthodontic treatment. 

Invisalign

Invisalign is an excellent option for adults looking to close small gaps in a relatively short space of time, through the use of removable, clear plastic aligners. It is advised that they are worn for 22 hours a day and changed every two weeks, closing your tooth gap gradually as the weeks go by. 

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth, offering a less-noticeable alternative to traditional braces. 

At E11even Dental, we’re proud to be named as one of the best specialist lingual orthodontics in London, offering revolutionary hidden orthodontic treatments. We’re also the first orthodontic practice in Harley District, London to offer SureSmile combined with Lingual braces, reducing treatment time by 6-9 months – so you can close your tooth gap quickly and discreetly! 

If you’d like to find out more about the various orthodontic treatments we offer at E11even Dental, get in touch, today. 

Dental Implants

For a single tooth gap, dental implants can offer a long-term solution to fix a tooth gap in a short time frame. A dental implant looks and functions in the same way as a natural tooth, improving comfort, self-esteem and overall oral health. Implants are also extremely durable and, with good care, can last a lifetime, so you’ll never have to look at your missing tooth gap again! 

Fixed Dental Bridge

A fixed dental bridge is commonly used when multiple teeth are missing from the same section of the mouth. A fixed dental bridge offers a permanent solution to fixing a missing tooth gap, and can be made almost indistinguishable from your natural teeth. 

Choosing to replace a missing tooth is extremely important to protect the quality of your existing teeth. To ensure there’s no need to replace multiple missing teeth, seek professional advice on how to best go about closing your tooth gap, today. 

Removable Partial Dentures 

If dental implants or a fixed dental bridge aren’t an option for you, a removable partial denture could be the most appropriate solution to fill a missing tooth gap. A removable partial denture works in a similar way to a retainer, inserted into the mouth and clasped onto your healthy teeth. The key difference however is that there are one or more artificial teeth attached to the denture, restoring your smile in one simple click. 

Should I Close My Tooth Gap?

As long as your tooth gap isn’t being caused by tooth decay, trauma or gum disease, it’s completely up to you to decide whether or not you wish to close your tooth gap. If you do wish to do so, there are a number of treatment options available to you.

At E11even Dental, we understand the importance of choosing the right treatment plan to suit your specific needs, that’s why we’re dedicated to providing our clients with expert advice, tailored to them. 

If you’d like to find out more about the various treatment options we offer to fix a missing tooth gap, please do get in touch. Call us on 020 3885 1420 and speak to one of our friendly, experienced team members, today!