How to Cover Gaps in Teeth

Gaps between the teeth are a common problem for many. While some people are self-conscious about the gap, others don't mind. For those who want to fix the problem there are a few methods available. While braces were the original solution for fixing gaps, today, thanks to cosmetic dentistry, a host of other techniques are available to give person better looking teeth.

Things You'll Need

• Snap in tooth

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Put in a snap-in tooth. The tooth is made of resin. A dentist makes an impression of your teeth, measures the teeth and gums and creates a snap-in tooth to cover the gaps in your teeth. These snap-in teeth look natural and are easy to use. But they are only a temporary solution to the problem.

• 2

  Use porcelain veneers to fill in gaps. Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of ceramic. A cosmetic dentist makes a mold of the teeth. He also shaves off some of the teeth enamel so the veneer fits better. The veneer matches the shape of the natural tooth. Veneers are a permanent solution to gaps in the teeth.

• 3

  Have teeth bonded to remove gaps. With bonding a cosmetic dentist applies phosphoric acid to the surface of the teeth. The acid creates tiny depressions or crevices on the surface of the teeth. The dentist then applies a plastic resin to each tooth that fills the crevices. A blue light hardens the resin. Bonding effectively closes the gap between the two teeth. Bonding is a permanent solution.

• 4

  See an orthodontist. Orthodontists give people braces. Braces come in a variety of materials. Metal is still used although plastic is less noticeable. Braces use pressure to slowly move the teeth together, closing the gap. The braces take up to two years. There are now accelerated braces. This technique combines braces with periodontal surgery. This faster process takes about one-fourth the time of traditional braces. A third option for braces is Invisalign. These are removable clear braces that work in the same way as traditional braces.