Causes of Gap Teeth

If you’ve got a gap between your upper front teeth and want to get rid of it, Holmdel’s Dr. Dipika Shah has you covered. But what kind of treatment is best will depend on a few factors, some of which are related to other issues.

If the teeth are otherwise in alignment, veneers may be all that's needed to close a gap. These shells are cemented onto the fronts of the teeth, covering gaps as well as cracks, chips, and stains. But if the teeth are twisted or there are gaps between the other teeth, as well, orthodontic treatment may be preferable. Cosmetic orthodontic corrections can be done with Invisalign while more advanced work requires traditional braces. Patients will have to wear retainers afterward regardless of which kind of orthodontic treatment they get or the gap may reopen.

Sometimes, especially when accompanied by an overbite, a gap develops in response to pressure on the teeth. Tongue thrusting and thumb sucking can both push the front teeth apart and have to be resolved to prevent the gap from returning. (This may require help from another specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor.) If the labial frenum, the strip of tissue connecting the inside of the upper lip to the jaw is enlarged, it has to be surgically reduced for the teeth to be able to move together and stay together. We have laser to take care of that attachment so no pain and no bleeding. 

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

White Spot Lesions

When tooth decay is developing, there are warning signs. At Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice, we don’t want our patients to miss a warning that they need to pay more attention to their brushing, which is why we’re spreading the word about white spot lesions.

The development of white spots on tooth enamel is the first visible sign of erosion. (For this reason, they are also called “incipient” lesions.) The spots have a chalky appearance, similar to that caused by the early stage of acid reflux-related erosion. They are most commonly seen in the spots where plaque accumulates, such as near the gum line or surrounding an orthodontic bracket. White spots can form in just a month, and if the bracket they’re surrounding is removed, the patient will be left with white hollow rectangles on their teeth.

Better brushing is the key to preventing tooth decay. We encourage patients who are at elevated risk for tooth decay due to factors such as diabetes and dry mouth to talk to us about infection control. If a lesion has already developed but its progress has been arrested, the patient may benefit from remineralization therapy. Avoiding the risk of white spots is also a major reason why people choose Invisalign over fixed braces.  

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.