How to Fix Gaps in Your Teeth

Madonna, Elton John, Elvis Costello, and Condoleezza Rice are just a few of the many famous individuals who have noticeable gaps in their front teeth. In fact, it's becoming increasingly common to see fashion models with spaced-out teeth. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about if you have gapped teeth – or as dentists refer to them, diastemas. Some cultures even believe that people with gaps experience good fortune, such as having many children, wealth, and luck. However, many people are still dissatisfied with their gapped teeth. If you want to explore some dental methods that can address these gaps, keep reading!

Gather Materials. You'll need a mirror, a tape measure or ruler with metric units, a pen, and paper. It's easier if you use a fixed mirror instead of a handheld one. If possible, it may be helpful to ask someone else for assistance.

Examine Your Teeth. Look in the mirror and identify any teeth with gaps between them. Record the characteristics of the gaps and the reasons why you want to address them. Take note of any other imperfections you wish to address alongside the gaps (such as size, color, alignment, chipped teeth, etc.)

Measure the Gaps. Use a tape measure or ruler to measure the space between the gapped teeth. Record the measurements in millimeters.

Keep Track of Your Notes. The notes on the measurements and features of your teeth will help you determine the best orthodontic approach. The imperfections you identify will guide the dentist in selecting the most effective treatment for you.

Review Your Options. Dentists can apply different methods to fix the gaps between your teeth. Before seeing the dentist, consider which option might work best for your situation.

• If you only have a small gap (under 5mm), dental fillings may be the best option. While fillings are not a permanent solution and the composite material may discolor over time (especially if you smoke or consume pigmented food and drinks), they are the quickest and most affordable way to address a gap.
• If your teeth are discolored and/or chipped, porcelain veneers might be the ideal solution. Custom-made porcelain veneers not only cover the gaps but also provide a more attractive and impressive result. Moreover, porcelain is resistant to staining, and aesthetic dentists can help you achieve a smile that complements your eyes and facial features.
• If your teeth have multiple gaps wider than 5mm, are crooked, and you don’t want to conceal your natural teeth, braces might be the best option. Braces use wires attached to the teeth with composite material (similar to that used for fillings) to move your teeth into proper alignment.
• If your teeth have multiple gaps not exceeding 5mm, clear aligners may be the best solution. These aligners gradually close the gaps and straighten your teeth with a series of ultra-thin, transparent trays that are replaced every two weeks.

Remember to prioritize your needs when considering each option. Refer to the notes you made in the previous step about evaluating your teeth and make sure the option you choose is the best fit for your situation.

List any questions and concerns you have regarding the method you plan to choose. Bring these questions with you when consulting with your dentist. While you may find some answers online, the dentist will provide the most accurate advice.

Schedule an Appointment with the Dentist. When booking your appointment, let the clinic know that you would like to meet with the dentist for advice on options to fix the gaps in your teeth.

Bring your notes with you when you meet with the dentist. These notes will help you remember what you want to improve in your smile, and the dentist can use them to suggest the best options for you. Be sure to write down any questions you have about the methods you're considering so you don’t forget to ask the dentist during the consultation.

• Try to express your desires clearly and concisely, so the dentist can tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Be decisive. If your dentist proposes a treatment plan that doesn't align with your needs or expectations, speak up! Ask why they recommend this option over others. The dentist may have valid reasons for suggesting a particular approach, but you won't know if you don't ask. If you disagree with the justification for a specific treatment plan, you don't have to accept it. You are fully entitled to seek a second opinion from another dentist to compare their advice.

Inquire about procedures and post-treatment care. If you agree with the dentist's proposal, now is the time to learn all the necessary steps to ensure the best possible outcome.

Attend the first dental appointment. Depending on the plan you and your dentist have agreed upon, this could be the first of several appointments. Prepare for your visit according to the dentist's instructions, and don't forget to ask about anything you're uncertain of before starting.

Strictly adhere to the dentist's post-treatment instructions. You may be advised to avoid or refrain from certain foods until your treatment plan is completed or for a shorter period. Take the advice seriously, as the results could be impacted if you fail to follow the instructions, and your dentist will immediately notice if you don't comply.

Enjoy your new smile! Once your treatment is complete, you have even more reasons to smile. You might even celebrate your new look by taking some professional photos.

• If the dentist makes you feel uneasy, consider finding a specialist in dental care. Some dental clinics offer TVs, music, massages, and other options to make your experience more comfortable.
• If you experience unusual pain or discomfort after treatment, contact your dentist immediately. Some pain may be normal, but if it's not, your dentist may schedule a follow-up to investigate the cause of the pain.
• Talk to friends and/or family members who have undergone orthodontic treatment. You can gain insights from their experiences, and their advice may help you make the best decision.

• In some cases, gaps between teeth may not be fully corrected without additional orthodontic procedures, so be prepared for this possibility. For example, if you have severe overbite or underbite, your dentist may suggest using braces alongside other orthodontic appliances.