Aesthetic Answers: Can Dental Bonding Close Gaps in My Grin?

Do you have a minor gap in your teeth that makes you feel self-conscious about your appearance? You might think of it as a mere aesthetic concern, but wider spaces in your smile can also trap food, which attracts bacteria that contribute to common oral issues like tooth decay and gum disease.

You might already know that your dentist can address chips, cracks, stubborn stains, and other issues with dental bonding, but can this treatment also be used to close the gaps in your grin? Continue reading to learn more about it!

What is Dental Bonding?

For this popular cosmetic procedure, your dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin directly to your teeth, molds it into the ideal shape, then hardens it in place with a special ultraviolet curing light. The material reflects light like enamel and can be customized to match the shade, shape, and hue of your natural pearly whites for seamless results.

This treatment can often be completed from start to finish in a single, hour-long appointment with your dentist, and can last anywhere from five to fifteen years, depending on how well its maintained.

Can Dental Bonding Fix Gaps Between Teeth?

Did you know that the material used for tooth-colored fillings is often the same as what’s applied for dental bonding? This versatile solution is both beautiful and functional, and can be used to address a variety of dental concerns. For instance, it’s often used to repair injured enamel, hide dental discoloration, recontour misshapen teeth, and yes- even close minor gaps.

However, this solution tends to work better for spaces between certain teeth, like those in the upper jawline that typically have more surface area to work with. It’s also not an ideal solution for pearly whites that are farther apart, because the amount of bonding required to bring your teeth together would make them look unnaturally large.

Also, this treatment is only effective if your tooth has enough healthy enamel for the material to bond with. That means if yours are more severely damaged or decayed, your provider might suggest an alternate solution, like getting dental crowns, veneers, or straightening your smile with Invisalign.

How Can I Maintain My Dental Bonding?

Once your dentist has upgraded your grin and applied dental bonding to close the small space in your smile, it’s only natural to want to do everything you can to maintain the outcome. You can extend the longevity of your results by brushing and flossing twice daily to avoid cavities and periodontal problems that can interfere.

You should also visit your dentist every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning so they can monitor your condition to identify and address any issues, like worn down dental bonding, before it progresses.

Meet the Dentist

Dr. Jason Kaopua has more than twenty years of experience helping families build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. He earned his dental doctorate at Oregon Health & Sciences University and has completed advanced training in various topics like sleep apnea, BOTOX, dental implants, soft laser tissue treatments, and cosmetics. He takes pride in providing a complete array of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location, including dental bonding. Plus, he combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results meant to last. If you want to close the space between your teeth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (425) 267- 3333.