[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Do you have gaps in your teeth? Gaps in teeth can cause dental problems. Food can get stuck in the gaps and accelerate tooth decay. Gaps between two teeth can mean tooth crowding elsewhere. People can even feel self-conscious about gaps in their teeth.
Kanning Orthodontics can fix those gaps in your teeth. Once we discover why you have gaps in your teeth, we can offer the best solution to fix those gaps.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3297″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
What Causes Gaps in Teeth?
What causes gaps in your teeth? Are teeth gaps genetic? Gaps in teeth are also called diastema, though some use this term to refer to the space between the two front teeth.
Gapped teeth can be formed in several ways, often at an early age. Some causes are genetic, while others can be prevented by ending bad habits.
Missing Teeth
Baby teeth that fall out too early leave a gap before the permanent tooth is ready to fill it. This allows the neighboring teeth time to move into that tooth’s place. This creates gaps around those teeth. Once it erupts, the new tooth often comes in twisted or above or below the gum line because it doesn’t have room.
Gaps can also form if a permanent tooth is knocked out. If that space isn’t filled right away, the neighboring teeth will move toward it, leaving gaps in your teeth.
Jaw and Tooth Size
Your jaw may be too large compared to the size of your teeth, which causes your teeth to be spread out. You may also have gaps if your teeth are smaller than average. This is simply caused by genetics. While it can’t be prevented, it can certainly be treated.
Thumbsucking and Tongue Thrust
Habits like thumb sucking and pacifier use should be stopped by age two. Those who continue these habits risk damage to their teeth. The upper front teeth, in particular, can be pushed outward, creating gaps around the teeth.
Tongue thrust is where the child or adult pushes the tongue against the teeth. This pushes the teeth outward and causes gaps around the teeth.
Oversized Labial Frenum
The thin piece of tissue that connects your upper lip to your gums is called the labial frenum. This tissue can be too long and extend between the two front teeth. This creates a gap between those teeth.
Gum Disease
Gum disease can loosen your teeth, but it can also weaken your jawbone and cause bone loss. This combination causes the teeth to move, creating gaps in your teeth. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3731″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
How to Fix Gap Teeth
Kanning Orthodontics fixes gap teeth regularly. We have several treatment options to help you fix your gap teeth. Your orthodontic treatment depends on the cause of the tooth gap. Your dentist can also help fix the gaps in your teeth.
Fix Gaps With Braces
Kanning Orthodontics uses braces for gap teeth, one of the most tried-and-true methods for fixing gapped teeth. Our clear braces move teeth into their proper positions, eliminating the gaps as well as your overbite, underbite, crooked teeth, or other dental issues.
Braces are ideal for patients with several gaps in their teeth, but they can also be used for single gaps. However, a better solution for those might be our clear aligners.
Fix Gaps With Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have steadily gained popularity over the years as an alternative to braces. Clear aligners are removable and work quickly to move teeth where they need to go. They are ideal for closing gaps, especially if you only have one or two gaps between teeth.
You could have straight, gap-free teeth in as little as six months! For most patients, clear aligners work within 9-15 months, depending on whether we are correcting several dental issues at once and the severity of dental issues.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, also called composite bonding, uses a resin compound to increase the size of teeth and close the gap between them. Bonding is often used on teeth smaller than usual, causing a gap between them.
The resin is “painted” onto the tooth in layers, hardened with a special light, and then shaped to match the other teeth. A dentist usually does this.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells, often made of porcelain, glued to the front of the existing teeth. They are made to reshape the teeth and close gaps between them.
The downside to veneers is that it involves shaving down your tooth’s enamel. They must be replaced every 10-15 years.
Crowns
Crowns are similar to veneers, but instead of being attached to the front of the tooth, crowns cover the entire tooth. This can also cover broken or discolored teeth, making your smile look cleaner.
Frenectomy
A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the extra labial frenum from between the two front teeth, allowing them to move back into place. Patients usually need follow-up treatment, such as clear aligners or braces, to close the teeth gap. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3330″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Fixing Gap Teeth in Kansas City, MO
Gap teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, but they can also cause oral health problems. Kanning Orthodontics can fix your gap teeth with braces or clear aligners treatment.
If you’re ready for a new smile, schedule an appointment with Kanning Orthodontics in Kansas City, MO, or Liberty, MO. We will let you know the best option to fix your gapped teeth. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5399″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”https://www.kanningorthodontics.com/virtual-consult/”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
