What types of teeth gap can be effectively closed by dental bonding, and is there a limit to the amount of gap that it can close?

Doctor's Answers 2

Teeth gap or spacing can be due to a few reasons:

1) Generalised spacing or spacing spread out across a few teeth often as a result of a tongue habit or generalised small teeth (often these spaces appear at the front teeth region and is spread out across the front 4-6 teeth)

2) Spacing due to small lateral incisors, these are the teeth adjacent to the front teeth

3) Spacing due to missing teeth and drifting of adjacent teeth towards the space

4) Filling at the sides of the back teeth resulting in a loss of contact between the teeth, this often causes food trap issues

In my opinion, teeth gap that is localised to one or 2 teeth with a space of not more than 0.5mm per contact can be closed with dental bonding using composite filling material.This is because dental bonding increases the convexity of the tooth and creates an extra ledge for plaque bacteria to grow and fester hence increasing the risk of gum disease in the area. Closing a larger space with dental bonding also affects the proportions of the front teeth and may compromise the aesthetics of the smile.

Generalised spacing cannot be effectively managed with dental bonding as the risk of increased plaque trap outweighs the benefit. Generalised spacing is better managed with braces treatment.

If the space is due to missing teeth, this may mean that the space is too large to be managed with dental bonding and other options will need to be considered. If the teeth gap is due to a loss of contact between the teeth as a result of a filling, a new filling may need to be attempted or other prosthetic options can also be considered.

It is best to consult your dentist who will be able to assess your needs and offer you various treatment options based on the location and size of your teeth gap.

The final tooth proportions will affect how much of the gap should be closed. This is essential to creating an aesthetic smile.

As the teeth get wider (when the gap is closed), short teeth can look very squat and squarish. This can be corrected with gum surgery to remove excess gum prior to the composite bonding.

Orthodontics can close gaps without needing composite bonding.

Also, there is the issue of hygiene. By closing a very large gap, an undercut is created at the base of the tooth. This is prone to trapping food and can cause gingivitis (swelling and bleeding of the gum) in that area.

In back teeth, closing a very large gap in between the teeth can cause the composite material to fracture because the material is unsupported by underlying tooth structure. Also if the tooth is loaded off-axis due to pre-existing tipping/tilting, this may cause the tooth to drift further.

Similar Questions

Should I go for dental bonding or veneers to repair a chipped front tooth? (photo)

Thank you for sending us such a clear picture of your chipped front tooth . First of all, if you were my patient. I would find out why your tooth chipped in the first place. I would also ask you if the tooth has been chipped and repaired before . In your case , since the chipping is relatively minor , I would probably recommend that you repair it with a simple composite resin filling . This is the least invasive option that does not require extensive trimming of healthy tooth structure .

Photo of Dr Gerald Tan

Answered By

Dr Gerald Tan

Dentist

Is dental bonding or veneers the best?

Dental bonding is an universal term to describe something that is adhesively attached to the tooth. Usually it is referred to treating cavities or to close spacings between teeth. If you are referring to using resin for smile makeover, then it is referred to as resin veneers as opposed to using ceramics which is referred to as porcelain veneers. I will explain the similarities and differences here. Resin veneers are made from resin filling materials and porcelain veneers are made from ceramic or glass. Resin veneers generally require slightly lesser trimming of teeth than porcelain veneers.

Photo of Dr Jerry Lim

Answered By

Dr Jerry Lim

Dentist

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