Gaps between teeth aren't always a concern, but they can be frustrating in terms of aesthetics and functionality. In rare cases, gaps can lead to other dental issues such as decay and sensitivity. Luckily, there are a few methods to help dentists fix gaps in your teeth, including dental bonding.
While dental bonding might not be the first thing you think of when closing teeth gaps, it's worth considering when you want a quick and simple fix that doesn't require wearing braces. Keep reading for our in-depth guide into using bonding for closing gaps, including whether it's the right treatment plan for you.
Tooth gaps are exactly what they sound like - gaps between the teeth, otherwise known as Diastema, are where there is a larger-than-normal space between two teeth next to each other. Some gaps aren't noticeable and, therefore, don't need treatment. However, you might want to fix gaps in your front teeth as these are most noticeable when smiling or talking.
There are a few reasons why gaps might appear between teeth. Most often, gaps will appear on their own as adult teeth emerge and the jaw expands with age. However, enlarged gums and a misaligned bite might also be contributing factors.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a natural tooth-coloured composite resin to cover your existing tooth to fix issues such as discolouration and chips. There are plenty of reasons why you might want to get dental bonding done, and the main benefit is that it's completely reversible - so if you find yourself wanting to embrace your old smile, your dentist can remove the composite resin and restore it.
While dental bonding is a great option for many tooth gaps, it can't fix them all. It's best for minor gaps between the teeth, which are no more than 2 mm wide. Moderate gaps, between 3 and 6 mm wide, might also be good candidates for dental bonding, but they might not leave you with the aesthetic results you were hoping for.
Larger gaps (6 mm wide and over) are generally not suitable for bonding alone and might require more extensive treatments like braces or veneers. If you're hoping to minimise the amount of time you need braces, you might be able to wear them for a shorter period of time to close the gap just enough for dental bonding to become possible, before using this as an alternative treatment.
Composite resin is a strong material, but it's not impossible to damage it. If you're prone to grinding your teeth or have a misaligned bite that causes damage to your existing teeth, you might not be a good candidate for bonding. You might be able to fix these issues beforehand to get the most out of your dental bonding experience.
The process of closing gaps in the teeth with dental bonding is relatively simple and can usually be completed within just one visit to the dentist. However, you might have an initial consultation with your dentist to discuss your cosmetic goals. They'll also take X-rays of your jaw and mouth to make sure you're eligible for the procedure, as oral health issues like gum disease and severe tooth decay can influence the effectiveness of the composite resin.
Once you and your dentist are happy with the plan, you'll be brought in for the procedure. First, you'll need to select a shade of resin that perfectly matches your existing smile. Then your dentist will start the process, which will look something like this:
The tooth is prepared by being filed to roughen up its surface before a conditioning liquid is applied. Correct preparation will make sure the composite resin properly bonds to your teeth.
The composite resin is then applied, moulded, and smoothed to the correct shape of your tooth. When applied, the resin has a putty-like consistency to make it easier to work with.
Once your dentist is happy with the final shape, they'll cure the resin with a curing light. This bonds the material to the surface of your tooth without any extra dental cement.
The final step is to polish the tooth and make any necessary final adjustments. The process of polishing the material leaves the resin with a natural shine to fit in perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
While certain factors might influence the overall procedure time, most dental bonding appointments last between 30 and 60 minutes. Bear in mind that this is for one tooth, so if you need multiple teeth bonded, it'll take longer.
Dental bonding is an instant treatment, meaning you don't need to wait to see a gradual difference in the size of your tooth gap. Most dentists will complete your dental bonding within just one session, which will last between 30 and 60 minutes, which means you'll be able to walk out of the dentist's office without a gap and with a whole new smile.
Teeth bonding also requires no downtime, either, so you'll be able to resume your normal activities straight away. When treated properly and looked after, the bonding material should last between three and 10 years before needing to be replaced, so it's worthwhile for such a long-lasting fix!
You might want to close the gaps in their teeth purely for aesthetic reasons, so you might be wondering whether dental bonding is safe for your teeth and if it's worth the risk. The good news is that dental bonding doesn't pose any risks to your oral health, so if you have healthy teeth and gums before the procedure, then you should be fine.
However, if you have existing oral issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or other health ailments, your dentist might recommend fixing these before bonding. This is to make sure your teeth have the best chance of bonding with the composite resin.
Dental bonding is a good option for many people with minor cosmetic dental issues, like chipped, discoloured, or misshapen teeth and small gaps. It's especially effective on the front teeth, where the bite pressure is slightly lower. However, if you're prone to grinding your teeth or have bad habits such as biting your nails, dental bonding might not last as long as you're hoping for.
It's also a great choice if you don't want something as permanent as veneers and crowns, which often require irreversible damage to your existing teeth. Dental bonding doesn't require any enamel to be removed, so your dentist can remove the composite resin bonding material at any time should you decide you don't like it.
Dental bonding is best for people who:
Have minor cosmetic concerns, such as small gaps no more than 6 mm wide
Have good oral hygiene and no extensive decay or damage
Don't want to permanently change the structure of their teeth
Want a quick and easy procedure that can be completed in just one trip to the dentist's office
Dental bonding can be useful for much more than just fixing gaps, such as:
A broken or chipped tooth
Discoloured or stained teeth
Uneven and misshapen teeth
Tooth sensitivity
Minor tooth misalignment
Cavities or minor tooth decay
Dental bonding is a popular treatment option for cosmetic dental work, especially for minor gaps in teeth. It's popular thanks to its longevity of between 3 and 10 years, convenience, and reversible nature. Depending on the severity of your tooth gap, your dentist might give you a range of treatment options to correct the imperfection. Severe gaps might need to be treated with braces before dental bonding, but most minor gaps should be ideal candidates for dental bonding. Learn more about dental bonding at our Melbourne CBD clinic to see how we can help perfect your smile today!
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