For some, a gap between teeth carries a certain charm, even celebrated by celebrities like Michael Strahan and Anna Paquin. However, not everyone sees these spaces as endearing.
If you’re among those who desire a solution for this dental gap, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are various methods to address it. However, be prepared; the cost of these options can range from as low as $300 to several thousand dollars. The expenses are influenced by factors such as materials, methods, and the gap’s width.
Let’s delve into six ways to fill the gap between your teeth, shedding light on both the methods and the corresponding costs.
How much does it cost to fill a gap?
1. Composite Bonding: An Affordable Fix
Composite Bonding is a cost-effective remedy for closing narrow gaps between teeth. This procedure involves the application of composite resin, typically used for cavity fillings, to the affected tooth. The dentist artfully applies this resin to widen the adjacent teeth, thus bridging the gap.
While it’s an economical choice for smaller gaps, extensive spaces may require excessive bonding, resulting in unnaturally enlarged teeth. The average cost of composite bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth.
2. Veneers: A Perfect Fit
Unlike bonding, which targets specific areas of a tooth, dental veneers cover its entire front-facing surface. When addressing a gap, the dentist ensures the veneer is slightly larger than the tooth. This meticulous approach results in perfectly aligned teeth.
Veneers, crafted from composite or porcelain through precise measurements using impressions or 3D imaging, offer an ideal solution for concealing various flaws, including chips, cracks, and permanent stains. However, since this procedure involves the removal of some tooth enamel and cementing the veneer, it’s more invasive than bonding.
- The average cost of composite veneers is approximately $400 to $2,000 per tooth.
- The average cost of porcelain veneers falls between $900 and $2,500 per tooth.
3. Braces: Aligning Your Smile
Braces represent a tried-and-true method for closing gaps between teeth. Whether you opt for traditional metal braces, clear alternatives, or even lingual braces, which are discreetly positioned behind the teeth, braces are effective in achieving the desired alignment.
Apart from addressing the tooth gap, braces can rectify other alignment issues and crookedness. Thus, if multiple dental problems exist, braces may be an apt choice.
- The average cost of metal or clear braces ranges from $3,500 to $8,000.
- The average cost of lingual braces varies between $6,000 and $13,000.
4. Invisalign: Clear and Convenient
Invisalign offers a clear, alternative solution to traditional braces. These clear plastic trays discreetly guide teeth into alignment, eliminating the “metal mouth” appearance. Although removable, they demand consistent wear—approximately 20 to 22 hours daily—to achieve effective results.
Invisalign is designed for mild to moderate misalignment and crookedness, making it ideal for closing narrower tooth gaps. However, wider gaps may require extended treatment, potentially over a year. In such cases, additional measures like braces might be recommended.
The average cost of Invisalign ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.
5. Dental Crowns: A Dual-Purpose Solution
Dental crowns, though primarily used to cap decayed teeth post-root canal, can also serve as a cosmetic fix for a gap. When closing a gap, the crown is meticulously tailored to fit the space accurately, rather than replicating the original tooth.
While it’s exceedingly rare for a dentist to recommend a crown for a perfectly healthy tooth when other options are available, if a tooth necessitates a crown anyway, it can conveniently address the gap simultaneously.
The average cost of a dental crown ranges from $800 to $1,800 per tooth.
6. Bridges and Partial Dentures: Bridging the Gap
If your tooth gap isn’t the result of naturally spaced teeth but rather missing or extracted teeth, bridges and partial dentures are viable solutions. Bridges are permanently cemented, while partial dentures can be removed for cleaning and during the night.
A custom false tooth, known as a pontic, fills the gap. Bridges or partials can incorporate multiple pontics if necessary, with crowns on the healthy adjacent teeth anchoring them in place.
- The average cost of a bridge varies from $1,500 to $15,000.
- The average cost of partial dentures typically ranges from $500 to $1,500.
7. Dental Implants: A Long-Term Investment
Unlike other methods primarily aimed at cosmetic enhancement, dental implants offer a comprehensive and lasting solution. They involve anchoring false teeth into the jawbone using a titanium post. While this procedure is invasive, time-consuming, and relatively expensive compared to other gap-closing options, it provides a natural look and feel, regardless of the original tooth’s appearance.
The average cost of a dental implant ranges from $1,500 to $6,000 per tooth.
The Best Solution: A Dentist’s Advice
Each mouth is unique, and what effectively corrects one dental issue may not be suitable for another. The most prudent course of action is to consult a dentist. They possess the expertise to recommend the optimal solution tailored to your specific circumstances, considering factors like gap width, overall dental health, treatment tolerance, and budget.
So, if you’re ready to bid farewell to your tooth gap and embark on a journey to a more aligned smile, take the first step by using our online search tool to find a cosmetic or general dentist near you. Your dream of a complete, confident smile is within reach.
