Closing the Gap Between Your Upper Central Incisors

Unless the issue poses a risk to your dental health, it's totally your call if you want to eliminate a conspicuous gap between your teeth. Some people might like the appearance of their gap, whereas others might have the opposite opinion. The end goal of gap-free dental treatment is to substantially reduce the gap in your smile, and there are a number of ways to achieve this goal. 

Dental Misalignment

While you might be seeking treatment for a specific gap between your teeth (most notably the gap between your upper central incisors), you might be informed that the misalignment of your teeth is an issue across both your upper and lower dental arches. The irregular placement of your teeth, resulting in pronounced gaps between numerous teeth, can mean that orthodontic treatment might be a recommendation. Although this will close the gap that was your initial concern, orthodontic treatment might not prove to be necessary when malocclusion (an incorrect relationship between your upper and lower teeth when closed) is not present. When it's simply a cosmetic issue (regardless of any secondary orthodontic recommendations), the issue requires a form of cosmetic dentistry.

Utilising Dental Veneers

In most instances, bridging the gap is a matter of applying two dental veneers to your central incisors. This is a simple process. A small, clinically insignificant amount of dental enamel is removed from the teeth, creating a foundation for the veneers so that the overall width of the teeth won't be increased once the veneers are bonded to your teeth. The veneers themselves are thin porcelain laminates affixed to the outward-facing surfaces of your teeth. The surface area of the veneers is configured so that the veneers extend outwards from the natural edge of the tooth, which closes the gap between your central incisors.

Gum Contouring

Dental veneers are easy to fit, although some patients might require preparation work beyond the necessary removal of dental enamel to accommodate the restorations. Occasionally, gum contouring (which can also be known as gingival sculpting) can be recommended. This can be beneficial when your gingival margin is uneven, and contouring it will improve the aesthetics of your veneers, while also helping the veneer to efficiently bond to the tooth. This is not essential for all patients, and your dentist will advise you if it's recommended.  

For most patients, closing the gap between their central incisors is a strictly cosmetic procedure, and a most effective one at that.