How to Fix a Gap in My Teeth?

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When you have a gap in your teeth, your smile is negatively impacted. But more importantly, a gap in your teeth can lead to serious issues like teeth shifting, bit alignment problems and trouble chewing food. Depending upon the case of the gap, you may need tooth replacement at Dr. Travis Wilson Family Dentistry in Owensboro, KY or orthodontics to gently close the gap.

When Tooth Replacement is Needed

You will need tooth replacement in Owensboro, KY if the gap in your teeth is because of a missing tooth. Your Owensboro and Beaver Dam, KY dentist has a variety of options to replace a missing tooth, including:

  • Bridge
  • Implant
  • Denture

When Orthodontics Are Needed

If the gap in your teeth is due to a natural condition, your dentist in Beaver Dam will likely recommend that you get orthodontics to close the gap. As with tooth replacement options, you’ll have several choices when it comes to orthodontics.

One choice to fix a gap in your teeth is clear aligners. These are low-profile devices that fit inside the mouth. They are removable and temporary. As your gap slowly closes, you’ll be fitted with a new aligner. Aligners are to be worn up to 22 hours per day for best results, although they can be removed for eating and oral hygiene.

Braces

If the gap in your teeth is wide, your dentist in Owensboro, KY may suggest traditional braces. These are permanently affixed to the teeth and give the same or better results as aligners. Braces are typically worn between one and two years.

You don’t have to live with a gap in your teeth; in fact, it’s best not to have a gap at all. Contact your Owensboro, KY dentist to discuss possible solutions to closing the gap in your teeth.

Options to Resolve Missing Teeth

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When it comes to resolving the problem of missing teeth, you have many options available to you. Your dentist in Owensboro, KY will help you to determine the best option for your dental condition, your preference and your budget. Here are some of the options that may be on the table.

Dentures

If the thought of wearing dentures makes you worried, don’t be. The dentures that they make today are a far cry from the dentures your grandparents used. For one thing, today you can get a partial denture, which resolves having just one missing tooth. If you have more than one missing tooth, you can get a larger set of modern, attractive dentures, or choose a different option.

Dental Implant

Dental implants are the cutting edge of dental technology. These are permanent solutions to missing teeth that do require dental surgery to install. However, once you have a dental implant, chances are you’ll forget you ever had an issue with a missing tooth. Dental implants look and feel just like the real thing and rarely, if ever, need to be replaced.

Crowns and Bridges

In Owensboro, KY crowns and bridges are commonly used to fix the issue of missing teeth. If you have one missing tooth and two healthy ones on either side, a beautiful dental bridge could be just the thing to bring back your smile. This is also referred to as a fixed dental bridge, because it’s permanent and not removable. A crown is used to provide a “cap” for a tooth that is broken or missing from the surface of the gums. Crowns are tinted and shaped to look just like your natural teeth. Your dentist will let you know if one of these options might work for your situation.

Don’t worry about replacing a missing tooth, because your Owensboro, KY dentist has lots of possible solutions for you. Contact us today to learn more.

picture of family smiling

Why You Might Need Dental Crowns or Bridges

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Dental crowns and bridges are common types of dental devices used for either replacing teeth or protecting damaged teeth. Both are fixed in place rather than being removable, such as dentures. Find out more about crowns and bridges, including why your dentist might recommend one of these options.

Purpose of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are coverings or caps that go on damaged teeth. These caps can help restore these teeth to their normal function, which corrects problems with chewing or biting. When you have a dental crown on a damaged tooth, you’ll be able to bite down again instead of avoiding using that tooth. This helps ease excess wear and tear on surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns can also improve the appearance of damaged teeth by making them look whole and natural again. In some cases, dentists place dental crowns on implants that are used for replacing missing teeth. Your dentist might talk to you about getting a dental crown if you have a tooth that is damaged from decay or if you have a fractured tooth. Dental crowns can also be used for covering teeth that have had a root canal or teeth that have an irregular shape.

picture of family smiling

Purpose of Dental Bridges

A bridge helps replace missing teeth by anchoring an artificial or replacement tooth to the teeth on either side. When you have a missing tooth, this gap can end up affecting the teeth next to it. They might shift toward the gap, which affects your jaw alignment. You might also have a higher risk of gum disease and other problems when you have missing teeth.

Your dentist might discuss getting a dental bridge if you have at least one missing tooth. Filling in this gap with a replacement tooth helps prevent jaw alignment problems, gum disease risks, and other dental problems. Having a bridge can also improve your smile, especially if the missing tooth is in a visible area of your mouth.

If you think you might need dental crowns or bridges, please contact Travis Wilson D.M.D. to set up an appointment.