Fashionable Gaps in Teeth

Gap-Tooth Grins

The use of braces and orthodontics is a growing fashion with parents spending an average of $4,000 per child; however, despite the need for perfectly straight teeth, a new dental trend is overpowering the fashion world.  Now that impeccably even, white teeth have become the norm and achieved by so many, innovative fashionistas are turning imperfect smiles into perfect models.

 

 

This is not the first time wide gap teeth have been deemed beautiful.  In Africa, women with wide spaces in their smiles are thought to be more fertile and attractive.  Despite this philosophy, American talent agencies are searching for these gap-tooth grins more so because they are unlike most people.  “I think we’re getting away from that cookie-cutter image.  I think this is kind of breaking the mold,” says Kim Hoffman, owner of Hoffman International modeling agency in Overland Park.   

As this trend rises, models are not necessarily taking action to actively part their teeth, but some inspiring models are instead hesitating on correcting the flaw through orthodontic care.  The reason these dental defects exist is an act of natural occurrence.  

Most spaces occur from either having a larger jaw bone with smaller teeth or possibly one may have another incisor growing between the teeth but under the gums.  These spaces are called diastemas, and the cause could also be genetic.  Sometimes, the gums may begin to grow and stretch between the two front teeth.  

 

As much as models want to keep their natural imperfections, orthodontists try to pursue them otherwise as it can affect their bite.  This can slowly wear down enamel and cause problems chewing.   

Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman would have to agree that fixing these defects would be beneficial, especially to prevent damage to teeth.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but oral health is in the eye of our doctors at Periodontal Associates.  

Do you have any questions about either the function or aesthetics of your smile?  Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are specialists in periodontics, and they have to ability to give you a life changing smile.

 

Here are some of the treatments commonly performed by our doctors here in Aurora, CO:

·         Implant placement – When a tooth or several teeth are missing, Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman are able to create a natural-looking replacement by anchoring a prosthetic tooth to the jawbone.

·         Osteoplasty (hard tissue recontouring) – Once periodontitis has been treated, Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman can recontour the hard tissue to make the smile both natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing.

·         Gingivoplasty (soft tissue recontouring) – As gums recede due to periodontitis, the teeth may appear longer; causing a “toothy" smile. Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman can remove tissues or straighten the gum line to make the teeth look more even.

·         Bone grafting – Dental implants can only be positioned if there is sufficient bone to attach the prosthetic tooth to. If bone loss has occurred, bone grafting is an excellent way to add or “grow” bone so that an implant may be properly secured.

·         Deep pocket cleanings – As gingivitis and periodontitis progress, it becomes more difficult to cleanse the pockets between the soft tissues and the teeth. Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman can scale and root plane the teeth (sometimes under local anesthetic) to remove debris and infection-causing bacteria.

·         Crown lengthening – In order to expose more of the natural tooth, Drs. Versman, Heller, and Beckman  can remove some of the surrounding gingival tissue. 

Because the practice of periodontics requires specialized training and excellent teamwork in dental implants and gum disease, we have brought together one of the most experienced, skilled, caring and dedicated professional staffs in all of Colorado, to assist with your individual comfort and care. Periodontal Associates work closely with your dentist--a key member of our team--to combine our expertise and experience with them to formulate the best treatment plan for you. So contact us today for a free dental implant consultation or for your next cleaning with our hygienists.  You can click here for an appointment or give us a call at (303) 755-4500.