Closing Gaps Between Teeth Without Braces

Many people have gaps between their teeth and while some are not bothered by it others don’t find it as aesthetically pleasing and are constantly trying to find ways to improve them. While the first choice that people consider for this cosmetic issue is braces due to their effectiveness, certain people don’t prefer them and are looking for other techniques. 

While braces are a great way to close gaps between teeth, at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic we offer various other methods of closing them. Furthermore, we will mention some options that will close the gaps between your teeth without the need for braces.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

Some of the main causes of gaps between teeth are:

• The size of the teeth in proportion to the size of the jawbone can sometimes be mismatched. In some instances, the jaw bone can be too big and the teeth too small which can create an extra space between the teeth. 
• When we have gaps between the teeth due to them missing, the adjacent teeth will aim to close them by getting closer together. This shifting in position can create clear gaps between the teeth. 
• If your child has the bad habit of thumb sucking the front teeth will be pulled forward and misalignment issues can be caused or gaps. 
• A gap may be caused by an enlarged labial frenum, which is the tissue that runs from the inside of your top lip to your gums. It may occasionally get too big to fit between the two front teeth, preventing the space between them from naturally closing.
• Another reason why gaps between teeth can be caused is proper swallowing reflexes. Normally people rest their tongue on top of the mouth in the roof, but some people push the tongue against the teeth which will eventually cause them to move. This constant pressure can create a noticeable space between the front teeth.
• Another not-so-common reason but possible for gaps between teeth is gum disease at severe levels. Periodontitis can cause the jawbone to weaken and recede and if this happens it can become loose and shift. 

Sometimes people will not be bothered by gaps between the teeth but it is still important to check if there is any underlying issue causing it like for instance gum disease. Additionally, gaps can cause the teeth to chip or break, which needs to be addressed with the help of dental procedures. 

How To Close Teeth Gaps Without Braces

Closing Gaps With Dental Bonding

The most economical and quickest way to close the gaps between the teeth will be dental bonding. This technique is also used in cases when the patient has chipped their teeth.

The procedure includes applying a tooth-colored resin that is similar to their natural look to the teeth and applying UV light to bond it. Once this is done you will be able to enjoy the look of your new teeth without any gaps.  

This dental procedure will be completed in one session and the dentist will not remove any part of the tooth enamel. This is good news, because if you don’t like the results it can simply be reversed. 

However, this also means that dental bonding is not very stable and won’t be permanent. You will need maintenance since they will eventually wear off due to the natural pressure from eating and brushing the teeth. 

Closing Gaps With Veneers

Dental veneers are another procedure that works great in fixing the gaps in the front teeth. When compared to dental bonding they are more invasive and require more planning. However, the procedure is still considered non-invasive and the results last for a long time.

These dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are shaped according to the patient’s teeth shape and color. Once they are placed they will cover any imperfections along with the gaps between.

Veneers can be composed of different materials but porcelain is most used. This material is very strong and durable under normal pressure from everyday activities that include our teeth.

If you choose a professional dentist, dental veneers will look and work great. But it is important to understand that since during the preparations some level of enamel will be removed, the procedure is irreversible. 

The enamel is the outer layer of your teeth which serves as a protector. So once it is removed, the teeth will need to be covered in some type of way in order to not become overly sensitive and risk further damage.

Although dental veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of the teeth, this is their main function. If the patient has underlying issues that are causing these gaps, the help of an orthodontist might be necessary. 

Fixing Gaps With Orthodontics

Although in the beginning, we said that we would mention other options besides orthodontics, in some cases, they will be the only solution for closing gaps. However, this field has developed a lot during the last few years and there are other options besides braces.

One of the best options is clear aligners. Clear aligners (Invisalign) aim to close the gaps between all of your teeth and also fix issues of misalignments. 

When compared to braces they are easier to maintain, pain-free, and eliminate the need for several dental appointments. The treatment might take some time but once you get used to it, it will be very easy.

These clear aligners will be made of flexible plastic and can be removed every time you eat or clean your teeth. The trays will be changed every two weeks and they apply slight pressure. After the treatment is done you will have a healthy perfect smile without the need for braces. 

How To Maintain Results After Treatment For Closing Gaps Between Teeth

Keep in mind that maintaining the results after closing the gaps between teeth is as important as the procedure. This means you will need to constantly take care of your teeth and attend follow-up dental visits, to avoid the gaps from appearing again. 

Furthermore, we will mention some tips that will help you maintain the results after the treatments:

Use Retainers Or Other Orthodontic Devices

If you use clear aligners or other minor orthodontic appliances to close the gaps between your teeth, you will most likely wear a retainer to maintain the results. The retainer will either be permanently placed on the back of the teeth or you will need to keep your last aligner only during the night.

Since our jaw has the tendency to go back to its original place, retainers will help keep them in their new position and prevent gaps from reappearing again. They are easier to maintain and won’t cause any discomfort in the mouth. 

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is very important especially if you have gone through a treatment. Healthy gums and teeth are the key to preventing dental issues such as gum disease, cavities, etc.

A proper oral routine includes brushing and flossing the teeth twice a day and using the right products such as fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally visiting the dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings will be very helpful. 

Avoid Harmful Habits

Holding your tongue in front of the teeth, suckling the thumb, or using the teeth as cutting objects are examples of harmful habits that can damage the teeth and create gaps between them. 

Additionally, if you have bruxism and you are worried about how it can affect your perfectly aligned teeth, discuss with your dentist about using a mouth guard to protect your teeth. 

Monitor Gum Health

Although often neglected, gum health is as important as teeth health. If not treated gum infections will cause severe damage to the teeth structure causing them to shift or get loose. 

If you notice any signs of bleeding, redness, or swelling in the gum line, it will be a good idea to contact your dentist or periodontist. This way you will address the issue without it progressing any further and avoid more invasive treatments. 

Protect Teeth From Trauma

If you engage in sports that require a lot of physical activity we highly recommend you use a mouthguard. This device will protect your teeth if you fall or if someone else hits you and protect them from shifting which will need to be fixed with additional dental interventions. 

Follow Your Dentist’s Recommendations

After closing the gaps between your teeth, our dentist here at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic will recommend you schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings.

Also, they will be able to identify if any retainer adjustment needs to be made, address any early signs of minor shifting, and offer you advice on how to maintain the results.

Maintain A Balanced Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet will be very beneficial for your whole body including the mouth. By including calcium and other nutrients and minerals that support the bones and gums you will have healthy teeth for a very long time.

Also, try to limit sugar intake which can compromise the results of your dental restoration and lead to cavities and gum issues. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are The Gaps Between Teeth Due To Genetics?

Sometimes tooth gaps can be a result of genetic factors. If one of your family members has this dental condition there is a higher possibility that you will have it too.

However, this is not always the case and genetic factors are not a guarantee that you will have gaps between the teeth. Other factors such as habits and environmental factors are also contributing factors.

If you want to find out the reason for your tooth gaps, consulting a dental professional will be a good idea. They can help identify the underlying reasons and recommend options if you wish to address this dental characteristic.

How Long Does It Take To Close A Tooth Gap? 

The treatment time for gaps between teeth will depend on several factors which are: the number and size of the gaps, the treatment that you choose, and the patient’s personal response to the treatment. 

While some treatments offer immediate results such as dental bonding and veneers, other treatments such as clear aligners or braces will take about a year or more depending on the patient. 

Dental implants are not typically necessary for closing gaps between teeth but can sometimes be used when the gap is caused by missing teeth. This treatment needs several months to be completed totally since the bone and the implant need to properly integrate.

Another difference between these treatments is their durability. While dental bonding is very effective, it is not as strong and it requires a lot of maintenance. Dental veneers on the other hand will last longer but the best results will be with clear aligners. 

Can Gaps Between Teeth Close On Their Own?

Without dental treatment, it is rare for gaps between teeth to close on their own. However, it is not impossible, as this can sometimes occur naturally in children and teenagers since they are constantly growing and developing. 

However, this is not something to leave to fate as it is highly uncommon to happen. We advise our patients to schedule an appointment at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s clinic to find the best way to address this issue effectively and safely. 

How Can I Close Gaps Between My Teeth Without Braces?

There are a lot of great options for closing the gaps between teeth if you don’t want to use braces. First off we have dental bonding and veneers, which are the least invasive techniques and offer great results.

While dental bonding will fill the gaps, tooth-colored resin veneers will cover the whole tooth surface and eliminate imperfections and gaps.  

Clear aligners are also another technique used to close gaps between teeth. Although they function the same as braces, the technique is different and they offer many other benefits, which make them a great option for these types of issues.

Last but not least we have dental implants or bridges which aim to replace missing or damaged teeth. All these methods are very effective when it comes to closing gaps between teeth but the choice between them depends on the cause, size, and location of the gaps. 

If you are thinking of improving your smile it will be a good idea to consult one of our dental professionals here at Dr. Roland Zhuka’s dental clinic in Albania. We will determine the best treatment for your needs and work closely with you to help you achieve the perfect smile.