Gapped Front Teeth - Diastema Closure Thru Bonding

Throughout history, gaps between teeth has been viewed as both unaesthetic as well as aesthetic! Some cultures see gapped teeth as a "perfect imperfection", some see it as good luck, and some view it as a signature of their look. NFL player and TV host Michael Strahan's famous gapped tooth smile (right) is a great example of this!

For many others, they wish to close their gapped teeth. Some common ways to do this are with 1) orthodontics like Invisalign, 2) with veneers and crowns, or 3) with a more conservative option - bonding.

Orthodontics can be more costly and more time-consuming, veneers and crowns can be more costly and aggressive. Therefore, bonding fillings between the teeth remains the faster, more conservative, and cost-effective option.

This teenage patient had been advised by mom and dad to get his front teeth closed with bonding.

Some treatment plan considerations:
1) Orthodontics - he had done orthodontics before, but the teeth moved apart. There was a genetic component since his father had a similar gap between his teeth when he was growing up. He did not wish to do a second round of orthodontics since he had done it previously.

2) Veneers and crowns - this patient is a teenager, so drilling teeth would be my (and his) least desired option.

3) Let's do some aesthetic bonding!

Using the Bioclear Matrix system (see previous blog post for more information), we were able to close his gapped teeth. We re-created a very natural appearance, with ideal shapes and curves, that is both esthetic and easily cleansible. These are the advantages of this matrix system!

He can now go home to mom and dad with a bright smile on his face!

Gap closed.

​Case closed. :)