A member asked:

I have a gap in the front teeth, what solutions are there to fix this rather than braces?

32 doctors weighed in across 19 answers
Dr. Jerry Hu answered

Many: You can have no-prep thin veneers, feldspathic or lithium disilicate veneers, or invisalign, or traditional orthodontics.

Answered 2/25/2013

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Veneers : A composite veneer is an inexpensive way to see if you like the gap filled between your teeth. If you like the way it looks, a porcelain veneer (fabricated in a lab) can be used to match the color of your existing teeth and esthetically enhance your smile to near perfection by filling in the space. Just remember- diastemas or spaces- add character to a smile. You may miss it when its gone!

Answered 10/23/2017

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Cosmetic dentistry: A gap in the midline is called a diastema. Many times these gaps can be closed by applying a tooth colored material (composite resin or porcelain) to the existing teeth. This can be done relatively quickly, compared to orthodontics...Possible even in one appointment.

Answered 7/18/2013

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2 options: First option, composite restorations. This is a nice option because its a conservative and cost effective treatment. Disadvantage is that discoloration will occur over time. Second option is porcelain veneers. This is much more expensive but will maintain its color and luster for a long time.

Answered 1/15/2016

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Dr. Ronald Konig answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

Bonding or veneers: Great question. There are usually several optoins: bonding or porcelain veneers. If the gap is between two teeth then there is no reason to do veneers or bonding on all the teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist can close the gap and make it match. I would suggest to not "shop" for the lowest fee for this procedure as it is truly an art and science to make it look natural and be conservative as wel.

Answered 3/21/2014

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Cosmetic Bonding: Cosmetic bonding is the least invasive option and the least costly. It is also completely reversible.

Answered 2/27/2017

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Clear tooth aligners: Invisalign will work nicely in most cases. There are other similar forms of treatment such as clear correct and simpli 5 that may work as well. Contact a local orthodontist for a consultation, but first ask the receptionist if they use clear aligners to treat minor to moderate orthodontic problems. Most orthodontists do not charge for an initial consultation.

Answered 10/4/2016

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Dr. Joseph Capista answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

Bomding or veneers: Other then braces resin bonding can be used to, close a gap in one visit. Another option is porcelain veneers which takes usually two visits.

Answered 7/8/2013

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Dr. Jerry Hu answered

Bonding : Resin bonding is generally the most conservative approach, but if your gap is very wide, you may end up with wide looking central incisors. You may need veneers if gap is too wide and more teeth involved to get the aethetics you desire.

Answered 6/15/2014

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Surg v non-surg: The surgical solution is to do restorative treatment (bonding, veneers, crowns, etc.) to manage the space. The non-surgical solution is to move the teeth to close the space (braces, invisalign, etc.). Often the best solution for both esthetics and longevity is to move the teeth into ideal positions (orthodontics) before having them restored. Ask your dentist for advice.

Answered 8/16/2014

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Bonding: Cosmetic tooth bonding can be a viable treatment for gaps between teeth.

Answered 3/10/2013

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Dr. Scott Bobbitt answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Bond or Move them: Bonding with composite or porcelain are good, though temporary fixes. All dental materials have limited longevity and will fail via fracture, wear or tooth decay. A night guard can protect them from damage during sleep. Orthodontics ("braces") will physically close the gap though it may not do so completely. Downside risk is the need to use a retainer to maintain the new position.

Answered 1/25/2014

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Depends on the gap: If your teeth are just too small, cosmetic dentistry is the best answer. But if your space is due to protrusion or mal-alignment then tooth movement may be the solution. Today orthodontist have tools to correct tooth positions other than braces. Get a few opinions and decide what is best for you.

Answered 9/24/2016

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Pictures: Try to take a close up picture that can help also veneers or cosmetic bonding can be done depends entirely how big the gap is i would recommend get veneers but at least 6-8 so the space can be evenly distributed among them hth.

Answered 3/12/2013

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Dr. Steven Hart answered

Specializes in Cosmetic Dentistry

Various options: There are various options and the best solution will depend on how large the gap is and whether you are happy with the size shape and appearance of your teeth. I would always rather pick the most conservative option (which might be orthodontics or invisalign). Alternatives, are composite bonding for small spaces and porcelain veneers or crowns for larger spaces

Answered 4/17/2016

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Dr. Maryam Chiani answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Veneers/crown: Porcelain veneer or crown is a good option but first you need to be evaluated thoroughly by your dentist.

Answered 9/14/2013

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Dr. Dinh Bui answered

Ortho,prostho,perio: First treat the cause of the gap. It could be the frenum pull that cause the separation (cut the frenum, minor braces). It could be the tongue thrust (train the tongue, then ortho or crown). It could be occlusion via lower teeth protrusive interference (grinding or occlusal adjustment). It could be toothsize discrepancy or just having small teeth (braces, bonding, or crowns or veneer).

Answered 9/14/2013

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Cosmetic Solution: Generally a cosmetic dentist can fill spaces in between your front teeth by bonding a tooth colored composite material (cosmetic bonding) or the use of porcelain veneers. Both options can produce a very nice result. Your dentist can discuss the pro's and con's of both these procedures to you.

Answered 2/8/2015

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Would do ortho: while, as you have seen, there may be other solutions, truth is orthodontics may be the best and most permanent choice and for a similar cost to other options. If your gap is not significant, and you don't want metal in your mouth, yours may be a great case for either invislaign or even a cheaper solution-- custom aligners (something I know we offer-- like home-made invislaign)

Answered 7/10/2014

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