2 Methods For Fixing A Gap Between Your Teeth
If you've never liked the gap you have between your two front teeth, you could visit a cosmetic dentist (such as Nitz Nathan D D MD) to have this fixed. A dentist can use braces to fix this problem, or he or she might suggest one of the following two methods to close this gap you have between your teeth.
Bonding
Bonding is something used in dentistry for a variety of reasons, but a common purpose for bonding is to make a tooth like nicer. Bonding is a process that involves a material known as composite. This is the same material dentists use when filling in cavities in your teeth. It is used because it is strong and adheres well to the teeth. It can be colored to match the rest of your teeth, and it is extremely versatile for tooth problems.
When bonding is used to fill in gaps, the composite material is placed on the two teeth next to the gap. After the dentist places it on the teeth, it will begin to harden. Once it hardens to a certain point, the dentist can shave it down in a way that makes it look natural, and this will eliminate the gap.
Bonding is less expensive than the alternative option for filling in gaps, but it tends to work best when the gaps are relatively small in width. The average cost for bonding on one tooth is $300 to $600, while porcelain veneers cost around $1,100 each.
Veneers
The second option is veneers. Veneers can be made of several types of materials, but porcelain is the most common. Veneers are different from bonding in several ways, but the main difference is the way they are made and installed.
Veneers are actually shells placed over teeth. Because of this, your dentist will shave the two teeth next to the gap before placing the veneers on the teeth. Once the dentist tests them to make sure they fit, he or she will cement them in place.
Because of the way this is done, veneers will affect your permanent teeth. They are more invasive than bonding, and they are irreversible.
One benefit offered by veneers is that they are stronger than bonding. Porcelain veneers typically last for 10 years or longer. Because bonding is not as strong, it typically does not last nearly as long as a veneer lasts.
You no longer have to live with the gap between your teeth, because there are options. To learn more about these options, make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist today.
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