COSMETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Closing the space between your teeth, thoughtfully.
A gap between the teeth can have more than one cause, and more than one way to close it. Understanding why the space is there comes first, so the approach fits your teeth, your gums and your smile.
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Personalised assessment. Clearly explained options.
Plan made around your teeth.
THE IDEA IN ONE PICTURE
A space can be closed by adding to the teeth, by moving them, or by a combination of both. The aim is front teeth that look balanced and natural, with healthy gums around them. Which approach suits you is decided only after examination.
Illustrative concept of closing a space.
Gaps differ in size, cause and how long they have been there. How a gap looks does not reliably show why it is there, so an examination comes before any decision.
Often a narrow gap, more noticeable in photographs or when smiling.
A larger gap that may change how the smile looks and how easy the area is to keep clean.
A band of gum tissue between the front teeth can sometimes contribute to the space.
Teeth that drift or spread can be linked to gum health or the bite, so this is worth having checked.
When to book a check promptly. A gap that has opened recently, or comes with bleeding or swollen gums, or teeth that feel loose, should be looked at soon. For severe pain, swelling or an injury to the teeth, seek urgent dental care.
Two gaps that look alike can have different causes and need different care. Your dentist weighs several things before recommending a way forward:
Some gaps are a normal feature and do not need treatment. If you are happy with your smile, that is a perfectly good outcome of an assessment.
These options are not interchangeable, and some are used together. One is chosen only after assessment.
A tooth-coloured material is shaped onto the sides of one or both teeth, set with a special light, then polished. Shade and form are matched to the neighbouring teeth.
For smaller to moderate spaces where the teeth are healthy and a modest increase in width still looks in proportion.
Thin, custom-made shells are placed over the front of the teeth. This usually needs some preparation of the surface and more than one visit.
When the gap comes with other concerns such as tooth shape or colour, and the teeth and gums are otherwise healthy.
Teeth are moved gradually into new positions, then held there with a retainer. Treatment is planned in stages and usually takes months.
When the space comes from tooth position, when there are several gaps, or when you prefer to keep your natural tooth shape.
A minor procedure that releases or reshapes the band of tissue between the teeth. Timing is planned together with the rest of your treatment.
When a prominent band of tissue is judged to be contributing to the space, often alongside other treatment.
Custom-made coverings fit over the teeth to change their shape and width. The teeth are prepared first, and the crowns are made to suit them and your bite.
Less often for a gap alone. More likely when the teeth are also heavily restored, weakened or misshapen.
Treating gum problems and stabilising the supporting tissues before any cosmetic work, so that teeth are not closed over an unhealthy base.
When gum disease or bone loss may be contributing, especially when a gap is new or widening, or the teeth have started to move.
A clinical examination, with imaging where your dentist feels it is needed.
What can be done for your teeth, with the reasons, the upkeep and what to expect.
The chosen treatment is carried out, in one visit or in planned stages.
Shape, polish and bite are checked, and you are given care advice and any retainer or review visits.
Imaging, treatment steps and the number of visits depend on the individual case.
A good result is one you stop noticing. Planning keeps these goals in view:
Photographs on this page are illustrative and do not show clinic patients or results.
Often it can, but the best method depends on the size of the gap, why it is there, and the health of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will confirm what is suitable after an examination.
There can be several reasons, including teeth that are small compared with the jaw, a band of tissue between the teeth, gum problems, or habits that push on the teeth. Sometimes it is simply how your teeth have developed. Finding the cause helps decide on the treatment.
No. Smaller spaces may be managed by adding to the teeth, for example with bonding or veneers. Moving the teeth is more likely to be considered when the gap comes from tooth position or when there are several gaps. This is decided case by case.
It depends on the cause and the method. Teeth that have been moved can drift back without a retainer, so retainers are often advised. Habits and gum health also play a part, which is why the cause is looked at first.
Not by itself. But a gap that is new or widening, especially with bleeding or swollen gums or teeth that feel loose, should be checked promptly because these can be linked to gum problems.
It varies. A small repair may need one visit, while veneers, crowns, aligners or braces take longer and involve several visits. Your dentist will outline the likely steps and timing for your teeth.
