What should I do if the gaps between my teeth become larger after tartar removal?
After tartar removal, if the gaps between teeth appear larger, patients may consider orthodontic appliances, veneer restoration, porcelain crowns, orthodontic treatment, or gingival graft surgery under a doctor's guidance. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Wearing Orthodontic Appliances
Patients can wait until inflammation subsides and then wear orthodontic appliances under a doctor’s guidance. This helps restore tight contact between teeth and improves the appearance of enlarged gaps. This method avoids interference with normal eating and reduces the risk of disease recurrence.
2. Veneer Restoration
Dental veneers involve bonding thin shells of porcelain or composite resin to the tooth surface to address large tooth gaps. Some individuals naturally have wider spaces between their teeth, but these gaps are masked by long-standing tartar buildup. After tartar removal, the gaps become more noticeable. In such cases, veneer restoration can be performed under professional guidance.
3. Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns involve reshaping (reducing) the tooth size and fitting it with a custom-made crown designed to reduce gaps. This method quickly and effectively closes gaps, though it requires some removal of natural tooth structure.
4. Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment corrects misaligned teeth and closes gaps through braces or aligners under professional supervision. It effectively addresses the problem of widened gaps after tartar removal. The results are typically long-lasting, although the treatment requires time and patience.
5. Gingival Graft Surgery
Gingival graft surgery involves transplanting healthy gum tissue to areas with large gaps between teeth, reducing the space and improving dental aesthetics. The results are generally durable, but a certain recovery period is required.
Patients are advised to maintain good oral hygiene during treatment, develop the habit of brushing teeth morning and night, and rinse the mouth after meals to prevent food debris from accumulating on the tooth surfaces.