Madonna, Elton John, Elvis Costello and Condoleeza Rice are just a few known characters who have a gap between their front teeth. It has now also become common to see models with this "window". In fact, this feature, which in medical terms is called a diastema, is nothing to be ashamed of. Some cultures even associate the space between the teeth with positive qualities, such as fertility, wealth and luck. Despite the positive aspects of the diastema, some people are not happy with it. If you want to know some of the various treatments that can correct these openings between the teeth, read on!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Evaluating the Diastema
Step 1. Get the materials
You need a mirror, a tape measure or a metric ruler, a pen and some paper. This process will be easier if you have a fixed mirror rather than a manual one. Eventually ask a friend to help you if it doesn't bother you.
Step 2. Check your teeth
Look in the mirror and spot the teeth that have a gap between them. Take note of the appearance of these openings and why you would like to eliminate them. Also write down any other imperfections you want to remedy (tooth size, color, position, chipping or other miscellaneous defects).
Step 3. Measure the spaces between the teeth
With the tape measure or ruler, measure the openings between the teeth, noting the values in millimeters.
Step 4. Keep your notes
These notes on the size and appearance of your teeth will help you determine which dental treatment will be best for your specific characteristics. The imperfections you have identified will also help the dentist evaluate the best solution.
Part 2 of 4: Evaluating the Different Options
Step 1. Know your possibilities
There are several ways that the dentist can solve the diastema problem. Before making an appointment, think about which solution is best suited to your particular situation.
- If you only have a small gap (less than 5mm), dental bonding may be your best bet. Dental bonding is not permanent and composite material can stain over time, but it is the quickest and cheapest way to correct openings between teeth.
- If, in addition to the diastema, you have stains or chips between your teeth, then aesthetic veneers may be the best solution. This coating is made to measure and covers the teeth with a result very similar to that of dental bonding, but more beautiful to see and much better.
- If you have more than one space between your teeth, the diastemas are more than 5 millimeters in size, your teeth are crooked but you don't want to cover them, then braces may be the most suitable option. This has the purpose of straightening the teeth through wires and brackets attached to the teeth with composite material, very similar to that used for dental bonding.
- If you have more diastemas that do not exceed 5 millimeters, Invisalign could be the specific solution for you. This treatment allows you to close the spaces and straighten the teeth with a series of ultra-thin and transparent aligners that you have to replace every two weeks.
Step 2. Always keep your priorities in mind when evaluating different options
Refer to the notes you took when you measured and analyzed your teeth and make sure the solution you chose fits your needs and is compatible with your situation.
Step 3. Prepare a list of questions and concerns about your preferred treatment
This will come in handy when you go to the dentist for a consultation. You can also find the answers to your concerns by searching the internet, but the dentist will surely be able to give you more and more precise details.
Part 3 of 4: Get Visited by the Dentist
Step 1. Make an appointment with your dentist
When you schedule the meeting, explain that you want to go to the doctor to analyze the different solutions to solve your problem of interdental fissures.
Step 2. When you go to the appointment, take your notes with you
These notes will help you remember exactly what you want to change in your smile and make the dentist's job easier when he has to find the best solution for you. You should also write down some questions about your preferred treatments so that it will be easier for you to remember to ask the dentist the appropriate questions during your visit.
Step 3. Be assertive
If your doctor offers you a treatment plan that doesn't meet your needs or expectations, tell him about it! Ask him why he suggested this solution instead of others. Most likely he was prompted by valid reasons to recommend a particular treatment, but you will never know if you don't ask him. However, if you don't agree with his reasons for it, you don't have to feel obligated to accept. You can always go to another dentist and hear another opinion to see if the advice coincides.
Step 4. Learn about the procedure and recovery
If you find an agreement with your doctor about a specific treatment, at this point you need to know all the details and what you will need to do to ensure the best result.
Part 4 of 4: Follow the Therapy
Step 1. Go to your first appointment for the procedure
Depending on the solution you and your dentist have chosen, this meeting may be the first of many. Prepare as directed by your doctor and don't forget to discuss any concerns you want to clarify about the treatment plan before starting it.
Step 2. Follow the instructions given by your doctor for the post-treatment phase to the letter
You may be asked to avoid eating certain foods until all treatment is complete or perhaps only for a short period of time. Take their directions seriously, because if you don't follow them you could negatively affect your results.
Step 3. Enjoy your new smile
Once the whole procedure is done, you will have even more reasons to smile. You can also celebrate your new look by having some professional photographs taken.
Advice
- If the dentist makes you nervous, know that new health facilities are emerging that combine relaxing spa treatments with dental care; do some research online. Some dentist's offices are equipped with TVs, music, massages, and other options to make your experience more enjoyable.
- Talk to friends and / or family members who have already had dental treatments similar to the one you are considering. You will learn from their experiences and their input can also help you decide the best solution for you.
- If you experience any unusual pain or discomfort after treatment, contact your dentist right away. This could be a normal part of the procedure, but it could also be some more serious problem; in this case it is advisable to make an appointment with the doctor to see the cause that is causing the pain.
