Revitalise Your Smile with Treatments for Tooth Gaps
in North Perth

Gaps between teeth, also known as diastemas, can develop due to various reasons, impacting the arrangement of teeth and your smile. Some common causes include the following:

• Genetic factors:
  The size of your jawbones and teeth are inherited traits. Sometimes, if the teeth are too small compared to the jaw bone, this can lead to spaces between teeth.
• Growth and development:
  As baby teeth give way to adult teeth, changes in size can lead to spaces. It is also possible for teeth to push against each other and create gaps.
• Oral habits:
  Certain habits, especially in childhood, such as thumb-sucking, can exert pressure on the teeth and lead to gaps.
• Gum disease:
  Advanced gum disease can result in bone loss, which may cause teeth to become loose and drift apart, creating gaps.
• Missing teeth:
  Losing one or more natural teeth without timely replacement can lead to shifting of the adjacent teeth, resulting in gaps.

At Enso Dental North Perth, our dedicated team is committed to addressing these concerns. We provide different treatment options for managing gaps between teeth, customised to meet your specific needs and improve your oral health. It’s essential to consult with our dental team to understand the underlying cause and the appropriate treatment for your case.

Tooth gaps, while often considered a cosmetic issue, can significantly impact oral health. At Enso Dental North Perth, we emphasise the importance of addressing these gaps for several reasons:

• Oral hygiene challenges:
  Gaps can create hard-to-clean areas, increasing the risk of food particles getting trapped. This can lead to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
• Misalignment of teeth:
  Gapped teeth can cause adjacent teeth to shift into the space, leading to misalignment or crowded teeth. This misalignment can affect your bite and make oral hygiene more challenging.
• Gum problems:
  Spaces between teeth can expose more of the gum line, making it susceptible to gum diseases. If not managed, this can affect the health of surrounding teeth and lead to further dental issues.
• Speech difficulties:
  Your teeth play a significant role in speech. Gaps, especially between the front teeth, can affect the way you speak, potentially leading to lisping or other speech impediments.
• Bone loss:
  In cases where gaps are due to missing teeth, the jawbone may begin to deteriorate over time because of the lack of stimulation. As a result, it affects the facial structure and oral health.
• Chewing and digestion:
  Gaps can affect the efficiency of chewing, impacting the initial process of digestion. This is particularly evident when gaps are located where the natural teeth are most used in chewing, like molars.

At our modern clinic, we provide comprehensive care and a variety of treatments to manage tooth gaps effectively. This results in a beautiful smile and a healthy oral environment. Our friendly team can guide you through the treatment options for your specific needs.

There are several effective treatment options for closing gaps between teeth. These treatments include:

• Orthodontic treatments:
  Braces or clear aligners are commonly used to close gaps. They work by gradually shifting the teeth into better positions, closing gaps and improving overall dental alignment.
• Dental bonding:
  For smaller gaps, dental bonding is a viable option. This involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the teeth, which is then shaped and hardened with a special light. It’s a relatively quick procedure that can effectively close gaps and improve the appearance of your smile.
• Veneers:
  Porcelain or composite veneers are thin shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They can close gaps and improve your teeth’ colour and shape, offering a natural and beautiful smile.
• Dental implants:
  If a gap is due to a missing tooth, dental implants are a long-term option. Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and can be covered with a crown, blending in naturally with your remaining teeth.
• Bridges:
  A dental bridge uses crowns on the teeth adjacent to a gap with a false tooth in between, effectively bridging the gap created by missing teeth.
• Dentures:
  For multiple missing teeth, partial dentures can be used to fill gaps. They are removable appliances designed to match the appearance of your natural teeth and restore functionality.

Each treatment option for tooth gaps offers unique advantages, with the choice depending on factors like the cause and size of the gap. Considerations also include the patient’s oral health and personal preferences.

During your consultation, our experienced team will discuss various treatment options with you. We will also consider factors such as your oral healthcare needs, cosmetic expectations, and the cost of treatment. This way, you will receive personalised care that aligns with your oral health goals and lifestyle.

The time needed to close gaps between teeth can vary significantly, depending on several factors. These include the size of the gap, the chosen treatment method, and the individual’s dental health. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces or Invisalign, generally take anywhere from six months to two years, with smaller gaps often requiring less time.

Dental bonding, on the other hand, is a quicker method. It’s usually completed in a single visit that lasts about 30 minutes to an hour per tooth. Furthermore, dental veneers generally require two to three visits over a few weeks. This procedure involves tooth preparation, impression taking, and the final placement of the veneers.

Meanwhile, dental implants represent a longer process, often taking six to nine months to allow for surgical placement, healing, and crown placement. In addition, dentures and bridges might take a few weeks or months, depending on the specifics of the case.

It’s important to remember that these timeframes can vary for each individual. Factors such as age, oral health habits, and the body’s natural healing response can influence the duration of treatment. Consulting with a dental professional will provide you with an accurate estimate and a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

There are two key factors to consider when deciding whether to address small gaps between teeth: aesthetic preferences and oral health considerations. Small gaps are not necessarily a health concern if they don’t affect the functionality of the teeth or lead to oral health issues. However, there are several reasons why individuals might choose to manage them:

• Cosmetic reasons:
  Many people opt for treatment to enhance their smile’s appearance. Having a gap can detract from an otherwise well-aligned set of teeth. Thus, closing it can lead to greater confidence and satisfaction with one’s smile.
• Oral hygiene:
  In some cases, gaps can trap food particles, increasing the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Closing these gaps can make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.
• Dental alignment and health:
  Small gaps can sometimes indicate other dental issues, such as misalignment of the surrounding teeth. Over time, gaps can cause shifting of teeth, potentially leading to bite issues or difficulty in cleaning.
• Speech problems:
  In rare cases, gaps, particularly between the front teeth, can affect speech. Closing these gaps can help in improving the clarity of speech.
• Personal comfort:
  Some individuals might experience discomfort or self-consciousness due to the gaps between their teeth, and these can affect their daily lives.

Leaving small gaps alone is completely acceptable if they don’t cause any oral health issues or personal discomfort. The decision is personal and can depend on individual preferences and needs.

Seeking advice from a dental professional can provide a deeper understanding of how the gap may affect your dental health. This can help you make an informed choice about whether treatment is necessary for your situation.

Tooth gaps can reappear after treatment, primarily if the underlying causes aren’t fully addressed. This can also occur if post-treatment care guidelines are not followed. Let’s discuss this possibility in more detail:

• Orthodontic treatment relapse:
  After using braces or aligners to close gaps, teeth may shift back to their original positions over time, a situation known as relapse. This is more likely to happen if retainers are not used as recommended. Retainers are designed to maintain the teeth’s new position after completing orthodontic treatment.
• Gum disease:
  If gaps were caused initially or influenced by gum disease, not maintaining the health of the gums can lead to further dental issues. This includes the risk of gum recession or gums pulling away from teeth, which can create gaps between teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are crucial to prevent this.
• Continued habits:
  Habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, if continued post-treatment, can exert pressure on the teeth and lead to gaps reappearing.
• Natural ageing process:
  As we age, our teeth can naturally shift within the mouth, possibly leading to the reformation of gaps.
• Loss of dental restorations or prosthetics:
  If gaps were closed using dental bonding, veneers, or other restorative treatments, the damage to these restorations could result in the reoccurrence of the gaps.

To minimise the risk of gaps reappearing, following all post-treatment care instructions provided by your dentist is essential. This may include wearing retainers as prescribed after orthodontic treatments. Regular dental checkups and maintaining good oral hygiene are also vital to monitor and maintain the results of gap-closing treatments.

There are generally no strict age restrictions for managing tooth gaps. However, the treatment approach and options may vary based on the patient’s age. As a general rule, it works like this:

• Children and adolescents.
  In younger patients, gaps may close naturally as they lose baby teeth and their adult teeth come in. If gaps persist, orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners are commonly used once the majority of adult teeth have erupted. Early intervention can be advantageous in guiding the proper alignment as the jaw and teeth continue to develop.
• Adults.
  Adults can also have gaps managed, and there is no upper age limit for most treatments. Options like orthodontic treatments, veneers, dental bonding, or implants are all viable for adults. Factors like overall dental health, gum health, and the presence of other dental issues may influence treatment decisions in adults.
• Elderly patients.
  Even in later life, closing gaps is possible. The treatment might focus more on restoration and maintenance of function, with options like dentures or implants being common. The patient’s general health and the condition of their oral tissues are essential considerations in treatment planning for elderly patients.

In all cases, the optimal treatment approach depends on individual factors like the cause of the gaps, oral health status, and aesthetic goals. Your dental professional can guide you on the most appropriate and effective treatment options for each age group.

The cost range for addressing teeth gaps varies depending on the treatment option selected. To give you an idea, we’ve listed an estimated cost of the treatments for tooth gaps in North Perth:

• Traditional braces: $4,500 – $8,000
• Invisalign Full treatment: $6,000 – $9,000
• Dental bonding: $300- $600 per tooth
• Porcelain veneers: $2,036 per tooth
• Dental implants: $5,000 – $7,000
• Full denture: $4,000
• Dental bridges: $1,800 per tooth

Please note that the prices provided above are just rough estimates. The final cost of your treatment at Enso Dental North Perth will be based on several factors. These include the specific oral health condition, the recommended treatment options, the geographical location, and the materials used.

We highly encourage you to schedule an appointment with our clinic. During your visit, our friendly and experienced dental team can assess your oral health. We will also be delighted to recommend a treatment plan and provide you with a cost estimate.

Closing tooth gaps, like any dental procedure, carries certain risks. However, they are generally minimal and manageable, especially when experienced dental professionals perform the treatment.

Here are some potential risks associated with different methods of closing tooth gaps:

Orthodontic treatments:

• You may experience minor discomfort or soreness as your teeth gradually move into their new positions.
• There’s a risk of tooth decay or gum disease if proper oral hygiene is not maintained during the treatment.
• Slight relapse is possible, especially if you don’t use retainers as recommended after completing the treatment.

Dental bonding:

• The bonding material used to close the gap can chip or break off the tooth, which may require retouching or replacement.
• Over time, the bonding material may become stained or discoloured, leading to a mismatch with the colour of your natural teeth.

Dental veneers:

• Placing veneers involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel, which is irreversible.
• There’s a possibility that veneers may chip or crack, necessitating replacement.
• Shortly after the procedure, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.

Dental implants:

• There’s a risk of infection at the implant site, so proper post-operative care is essential.
• During the surgical procedure, there’s a possibility of damaging surrounding teeth or blood vessels.
• While rare, there’s a slight chance of implant failure due to rejection or poor osseointegration.

Dentures and bridges:

• If not fitted properly, they can cause discomfort or irritation in your mouth.
• Bridges can pose a risk of decay in neighbouring teeth that support them if not maintained properly
• Dentures require adjustments over time to fit properly as your mouth’s structure changes.

It’s important to discuss these risks with your dental care provider before deciding on a treatment. A thorough examination and discussion of your oral health history can help minimise these risks. Additionally, following all post-treatment care instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly reduce the likelihood of complications.

Maintaining your teeth after treatment for gaps between teeth is crucial to preserve the results and maintain overall oral health. Here are some essential practices to follow:

• Good oral hygiene:
  Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease, which can affect the stability of your treatment results.
• Regular dental checkups:
  Schedule routine dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist can monitor the health of your teeth and gums and the progress of your treatment.
• Wear your retainer:
  If your gaps were closed using orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to wear your retainer as directed by your dentist. Retainers help maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent relapse.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods:
  Be cautious with foods that can damage dental restorations. Hard candies, sticky foods, or very crunchy foods can dislodge or damage orthodontic appliances, veneers, bonding material, or other dental work.
• Protect your teeth:
  If you play sports, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. Similarly, if you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect your teeth and any dental restorations.
• Limit staining foods and beverages:
  If you have veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic treatments, try to limit exposure to foods and drinks that can cause stains to teeth. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and certain sauces.
• Follow specific post-treatment care instructions:
  Each dental treatment might come with specific care instructions. Be sure to follow the advice or instructions given by your dental care provider.
• Healthy diet:
  Maintain a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, to support oral health. Foods high in calcium and phosphorus can help strengthen tooth enamel.

By adhering to these maintenance practices, you can enjoy the benefits of your dental treatment for many years. Always consult with your dentist for advice tailored to your specific treatment and oral health needs.