For people who have noticeable gaps between their teeth, feeling self-conscious about their smile is common. While this problem is simply just cosmetic in most cases, leaving it alone isn’t an option for some. But is it worth the cost to fix? Pediatric Dental Group, which provides Honolulu, HI, residents with expert level dental care, says if you’re ashamed to smile because of the space between your teeth, you can have it corrected, but it does come at a price.

Gap teeth can occur for a number of reasons, according to the children dentists at Pediatric Dental Group. Whether you sucked your thumb as a child, have suffered from gum disease, or it’s just simply the way your permanent teeth grew in, gap teeth are very common. Luckily, there are a number of dental treatments that can help correct your smile. Which treatment option you and your dentist decide on will be based on how significant your gap is, and what you can afford to pay. Most insurance companies do not cover gap teeth corrections, as it’s usually considered a cosmetic procedure. However, you can check with your insurance provider to determine which dental care options they pay for.

The first and most cost effective way to fix gap teeth is using dental rubber bands, which generally cost less than $50. Your dentist will show you how to slide them around the teeth that have the gap in the middle. Typically, these are only worn at night, and encourage the teeth to slowly move closer together. Another option to fix gap teeth is by having veneers fitted to your teeth, or dental bonding. Tooth-like material is added to each tooth to fill the space between them, giving you a more seamless smile. It’s important to keep in mind that dental bonding and veneers are more expensive than rubber bands, and can cost upwards of $1000 or more per tooth.  

For more severe gaps, braces may be necessary to fix the problem. You’ll need to visit an orthodontist to determine if you are a good candidate for braces. Sometimes a series of retainers can also be used to close gap teeth over time. Braces and retainers can be expensive, so talk with your dental provider about the cost of this correction method, as most insurance companies only cover orthodontic treatment for children. Retainers can begin around $500, but braces are significantly more expensive, usually a few thousand dollars.

If you have gap teeth that have significantly affected your self-esteem and ability to smile without hesitation, paying the price to fix them may be worth every penny. To help you decide if these cosmetic corrections are ideal for you, call Honolulu’s Pediatric Dental Group today at (808) 593-8828 to schedule a consultation with one of their dentists. You can also visit their website for more information about the dental care they offer.