Filling tooth gap

[Maggiethecat]

Have always had a small space between 2 upper front teeth but it has become wider/more noticeable in recent years.

Dentist suggests that I can fill the space and/or use a retainer at night (the retainer to limit further movement of teeth).

I am tempted to fill the space but wonder that I might not like how I look with it filled eg will it look false and I don’t know how easy it would be to remove in that case.

Has anyone filled a gap and how was it for you?

Following as I also want to fill the space between my two front teeth. How do they even do it?!

Get them to do composite veneers on the 2 teeth that have the gap. They’ll mix the cement stuff to the same colour as your teeth and it lasts ages. Only trouble is it is expensive. But it won’t look like you’ve just had something stuck in the gap.

Not sure that’s what my dentist is proposing. Sounds like he’s just applying filling material to the 2 teeth at a cost of about £150z

Yes that’s composite. I had similar done for a few weeks while I was in the middle of having an implant and veneers done and it looked like real teeth!

Sounds simple enough but am hesitant - suppose I don’t like my new ‘look’ or if dentist hasn’t done a good job? Can it be undone?

Composite can be easily removed….it’s polished off. The dentist can show you what he has done before he ‘bonds’ the material. My front teeth have composite bonding, it’s amazing what they can do that looks really natural.

You want composite bonding not composite veneers

What’s the difference between bonding and veneer?

Mrs Google says that the veneer covers the whole tooth and the bonding just a part…

Composite bonding is mixed and applied to the teeth to 'build' to up the edges and minimise the gap. It's long lasting but can be easily removed. A veneer is a thin material thats tooth shaped and fits over the whole tooth.

@Seaoftroubles - thank you

Dentist says he can make the composite and attach it without bonding it firmly to allow me to see if I like it. It can be removed easily if I don’t and if I do he can properly bond the composite.

Sounds ideal Maggie, my daughter had this done to improve the look of a front tooth and it's still in place around 17 years later, so a great investment!

That’s good to hear!

Not normally too bothered about my appearance but have become quite taken with the idea 😊

I hated the gap between my front teeth, so I had composite bonding done. I was really pleased with the result, still am and it's been years now. If they ever chip I just get it done again. The colour match is so good you can't tell I've had it done.

Hi all! Sorry I know I’m commenting on a fairly old post but I’m thinking of fixing the gap in my two front bottom teeth with composite. Can this we done even if you have unhealthy gums (I’m working on that)? And recommendations of where I could get it done in London/south east?

I had composite bonding for the same thing. It's been fine. I got it at 20 and had a lisp for a few days whilst I got used to it! At 41, it's a bit discoloured at the join and needs redone. Very expensive but hopefully it'll do another 20 years!

One is like getting a cheap plastic bathroom suite, the other is like getting a porcelain suite.

Obviously the difference is reflected in the cost. Composite stains, is easily chipped and isn't very durable. Veneers require more destructive tooth prep, but last a lot longer.

Fix your gum health first