Even when keeping great oral care, maintaining regular dental visits, and sticking to a diet that promotes oral health, gaps in your smile can still appear. A gap in between teeth, specifically between the two front teeth, is technically called a diastema. This issue affects people of all ages and can easily make you feel self-conscious or apprehensive to smile more often.

According to your dentist in Norwalk, there are multiple methods for solving this problem.

What is ClearCorrect?

ClearCorrect is an orthodontic product designed to shift teeth without the use of metal components, such as brackets or arch wires. Instead, you use a series of aligners designed to reposition your teeth in multiple phases. After having a consultation with your dentist who determines if ClearCorrect is right for you, you’ll wear each pair in the series for about three weeks at a time.

Since clear aligners are most useful for correcting mild to moderate misalignments, particularly for teeth visible in your smile, they could be the perfect method for fixing gaps. You also won’t have to worry about painful mouth sores or tightening appointments typically done with traditional braces.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin sheaths designed to bond to the visible surface of teeth. Unlike other restorations like crowns and bridges, porcelain veneers are purely intended for fixing cosmetic imperfections in your smile, including gaps. Unlike composite veneers of the past, porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and can withstand daily use without much issue. They’re also perfectly blended, shaded, and sized to match your existing teeth so they look as natural as possible.

The process starts with minimally buffing down your existing enamel, then taking impressions, which are sent to a dental lab. During fabrication, you’ll wear temporary veneers so you can get used to your new smile. Once completed, you’ll come in for a second appointment to have the veneers fitted. If they don’t look exactly the way you want, your dentist can make additional adjustments as needed.

How Do They Differ?

The most common questions patients ask when correcting gaps in their smile revolve around the cost and length of treatment. Below, your dentist compares the two:

• ClearCorrect – While treatment time is much shorter than traditional braces, ClearCorrect can still take anywhere from 6 to 18 months to complete. This can vary depending on how severe your gaps are. Their price can vary between $4,000 and $5,500, which is typical for clear aligner treatment. If you also have misaligned teeth, it may be worth it to get all your cosmetic issues solved simultaneously. Of course, you’ll need to wear a retainer after treatment to keep your new smile.
• Porcelain Veneers – Unlike ClearCorrect, veneers can be placed in just two appointments. They only take a couple weeks to produce and require far less commitment to place (besides the 1-2mm of enamel removal needed for placement.) They typically cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth, so if you only plan on fixing a gap in your front teeth, they may be the better option. However, veneers typically need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years.

Still not sure which treatment is right for you? Schedule a cosmetic consultation with your dentist in Norwalk today!

About the Author

Dr. Norman C. Sommers earned his DDS degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. He’s trained to place veneers, provide ClearCorrect, and answer any questions you have about fixing gaps in your smile. To learn more, contact him through his website.