Hi,

I’ll be 17 in October. What are the chances that a gap between my 2 front teeth will close when my wisdom teeth come in? Will I need braces? – Thanks, Kasen from OKC

Kasen,

Thank you for contacting 5 Star Dental Group in San Antonio. Dr. Tostado or Dr. Acuña would need to examine and x-ray your teeth before recommending treatment, but we will explain possible options.

Will the Eruption Wisdom Teeth Close a Gap Between Front Teeth?

Whether wisdom teeth close a gap between your front teeth depends on several factors, including:

• The gap size – The gap (diastema) between the front teeth may close with wisdom teeth eruption if the space is small.
• Whether tissue exists between your front teeth – Sometimes soft tissue, or labial frenum, hangs from your gums into the gap. The frenum can prevent a space from closing unless a dentist surgically removes the tissue.
• How and if the wisdom teeth erupt – If wisdom teeth erupt partially or in the wrong position, they may not close a gap between front teeth. The position of wisdom teeth can move other teeth out of alignment.

 

What Are Your Options for Closing a Gap Between Your Front Teeth?

Depending on the condition of your teeth and the size of the gap, a cosmetic dentist may recommend one of these treatments for closing the gap:

• Dental bonding. A dentist can blend composite bonding to perfectly match your tooth shade and layer it to close a small gap between your teeth. Dental bonding is usually not the preference for large spaces between teeth.
• Porcelain veneers. A cosmetic dentist can prepare your teeth and partner with a dental lab to make custom shells of porcelain for the fronts of your teeth. Closing the gap and balancing your smile may require getting porcelain veneers for more than your two front teeth. A dentist will ensure your jawbone growth is complete before placing veneers. Otherwise, the veneers will not cover your teeth as they shift with jawbone growth.
• The gap size and cause may require braces. Although many patients prefer a faster resolution, a dentist may determine that braces are the most effective long-term solution to the gap between your teeth. Braces and a retainer can also help prevent future concerns with misalignment.

We recommend scheduling a wisdom teeth evaluation with a dentist to determine whether your teeth will fully erupt. The dentist can also examine your teeth and explain treatment options for closing your gap.

San Antonio dentists Dr. Gilberto Tostado and Dr. Karina Acuña sponsor this post. Read how they strive to provide their patients with some of the best dental care in San Antonio.