Closing Spaces
The term "diastema" is used to refer to any space (gap) that lies between two teeth. From a standpoint of function and dental health these types of gap-toothed situations do not pose a problem. In regards to cosmetic appearances, however, some patients find them unappealing.
Tooth bonding and/or crowns provide a couple of different ways we can "close" (fill in) a diastema. Dental bonding or a crown can be placed on the two teeth that lie on each side of the gap so to reduce the gap's overall width. Depending on its original size, we can determine how many teeth need to be altered to close the space the using the most aesthetically pleasing technique.
Patient Photos Depicting:
Note: Patients depicted in photos have provided their consent to display their pictures online. Results may vary.
Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth which lies at and above the gum line. In comparision, fillings are dental restorations that are used to fill in or cover just a portion of a tooth. Since dental crowns encase the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown in effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface.
Crowns can be made out of porcelain (or some other ceramic material), gold (or metal alloys), or a combination of both. Dental crowns are often referred to as "dental caps" or "tooth caps."
Patient Photos Depicting:
Note: Patients depicted in photos have provided their consent to display their pictures online. Results may vary.