Why is a gap created in the front during dental treatment?

Question

Hello doctor,

My dentist created a 1.5 mm gap between my central maxillary incisors through IPR. I did not have any space between those teeth before. Will this damage my teeth? Will the gap come back in the future? Was it okay to remove that much healthy enamel between the two teeth? I started clear aligner treatment to achieve straighter teeth, and for that, my dentist performed 0.5 mm IPR in the first session.

He then performed 1 mm IPR in the second session between the same teeth. There was no gap there before, but now I have an opening that looks bad. He said he would close that space with refinement, but I am afraid that it will return if I do not wear retainers for a lifetime. Should I ask him about bonding?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and attached the image (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). I want to assure you that we follow an essential process to create a gap between teeth (necessary) to create space for aligning teeth in a uniform arch. The gap created by your dentist in front incisors will be coverup once the other tooth (malaligned) comes in the correct position.

So, I request you to be patient and kindly follow the instructions given. You do not need any bonding to cover the gaps. They will come closer naturally as the treatment proceeds.

You do not need to wear the retainers lifetime. Kindly be patient and do not worry.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.