When it comes to spaces between teeth – there are two camps. Those who love them and wear them well, and those who would rather treat them and close the gap. When discussing spaces between teeth, there are several terms our team uses including diastemas, peg laterals and smaller laterals.
Through this blog, we hope to make these terms a part of your vocabulary. We’ll also discuss causes of diastemas and peg laterals, as well as the treatment options for those patients who choose to treat them.
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What are diastemas and peg laterals?
Simply put, diastemas are spaces between teeth. These spaces can be the result of a missing tooth or thumb sucking or they can be caused by undersized teeth. When discussing undersized teeth, we often refer to the laterals – or the teeth to the left and right of the two front teeth. When the laterals are undersized, they are often referred to as small laterals or peg laterals.
Peg laterals are very common, but oftentimes the patient doesn’t know they have them. We throw this term around and they aren’t sure what we are talking about. This diagnosis is clear in pictures and is apparent to the trained eye of a cosmetic dentist.
How we treat spaces between teeth
The number one question we get when discussing diastemas and peg laterals is “how do I close the gap between my teeth?” While some people will wear this look well, others wish to treat it and we’re more than happy to provide treatment options.
In our cosmetic dental office, we often treat diastemas and peg laterals with Bioclear. Bioclear is a relatively new treatment option that has a number of benefits to the patient. It is a less invasive and more predictable treatment that allows us to add volume to the tooth without removing enamel to prepare the tooth, like with crowns and veneers.
Bioclear uses a matrix system to create a mold around the tooth and fill it with a restorative material to create a single piece of composite. When treating spaces between teeth or smaller teeth, this matrix system allows a Bioclear certified provider to create a seamless more natural looking restoration.
Bioclear is great for localized issues, or those affecting a few teeth. If all the teeth are undersized, this is a more universal issue, and veneers may be the better option. It’s important that the treatment plan is appropriate for the case at hand.
Why orthodontics isn’t always the answer
For people with diastemas, the knee jerk reaction is usually that they need braces. Yes, orthodontics can be used to close spaces between teeth. But in the case of smaller laterals or peg laterals, it will not address the issue – which is the size of the teeth.
A good cosmetic dentist will be able to look at the smile and identify the size of the teeth as the culprit. In some cases, orthodontics will be used to create more space between the teeth. Then, an additive procedure such as Bioclear or veneers will be used to close the gap and create harmony in the smile.
Determining which course of treatment is right for the patient is both art and science. A trained cosmetic dentist will be able to look at the smile and know the proportions are off. They can then measure the teeth to confirm this diagnosis and create a treatment plan.
Treating spaces between teeth: Maintenance and cost
For the sake of brevity, we’ll discuss the maintenance and cost to treat a localized issue like peg laterals.
First, we have veneers. Veneers typically last 10 to 15 years, at which point they may chip and need to be replaced. At the time of this blog being published, a veneer costs around $1,700 per tooth in Tampa, Florida. This cost may vary depending on what part of the country you live in.
Comparatively, a Bioclear restoration typically lasts 7 to 10 years. “Failure” of this restoration will also likely be due to a chip. Repairing the restoration can be done in the same way that it was placed – with the matrixes and injection mold. The cost of a Bioclear restoration in Tampa, Florida is currently around $1,300 per tooth.
It’s important to note that with both Bioclear and veneers, the restorations will not fall off after 10 years. Failure is almost always due to chipping and the restorations can be repaired or replaced. Discoloration and staining are another common reason for maintenance.
Looking to treat the spaces between your teeth?
We believe in educating our patients so they can make informed decisions. Schedule a new patient exam with our dentist office in Brandon, FL. Our team can provide a thorough exam and discuss your treatment options.