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Can braces correct the midline spacing in my teeth?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have a wide gap between front teeth due to short upper and lower frenulums, which were removed nine years back. I was also treated for periodontal disease as a result of these gaps. Now I have recessions (pockets), the exposed root of that front tooth that is deviated.

So my questions are -

  1. Do I need surgery for correction?
  2. What type of surgery?

The lower front two teeth also have a minor recession.

Please advice.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You need to get root canal treatment for the upper and lower central teeth and then place a fixed partial denture (FPD ceramic crowns) on them to close the space. This will give a permanent solution to your problem. It will provide you with a much better esthetic solution.

Kindly consult your dentist and ask for a fixed partial denture. It will take about two weeks to finish the treatment.

Revert in case of further queries.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

  1. The root canal treatment is aimed at denervation and cleaning, right?
  2. Are dentures the removable ones when I have to eat?
  3. Why do I not go for implants?

Please advise

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, root canal treatment is like that, which will help reshape your bent incisors and place a modified ceramic cap over them. The denture is completely esthetic, and you would not even know that you had placed a fixed denture in the area.

FPD is the best choice for you. Implants are less viable in your case due to bone loss and periodontitis in the area.

I hope this information helps you.

Thankyou

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply. Would the braces do the job? A few dentists here are suggesting that.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Braces would do the job if your gums are very healthy and the teeth in front are firm. But, you have mentioned deep pockets around the front teeth, and gums are receded. In such cases usually, braces are avoided. If your dentist or much better if an orthodontist (braces specialist) says he can correct it using braces, then you can go on with his treatment.

Please send me a picture of your whole mouth from a distance while showing teeth so that I can look from a distance.

Thankyou

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have attached pictures for your reference. Please advice with that.

Answered by Dr. Naveen Thomas

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In your case, after going through the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity), you need to undergo the following treatments to correct the irregularities. First, put on braces to close the space in some of the upper and lower teeth.

In the upper, your left central incisor has a high gingival recession, which will mostly be lost after putting on braces as it will become highly mobile. If not, then you are lucky. You have two missing lateral incisor teeth in the upper arch, which need to be replaced.

Ask your dentist to make a ceramic FPD from the right canine tooth to the left canine tooth, a total of six. This will give you a permanent esthetic teeth alignment.

This is the comprehensive solution to your problem, but it will take about one and a half years in total.

Answered by
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 25, 2016
Reviewed At May 27, 2026

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Decision Helper
Braces for Teeth Spacing Decision Helper

Are braces right for your teeth spacing?

Answer five quick questions to understand if braces are a suitable option for correcting gaps in your teeth, especially if you have gum issues.

This tool provides general guidance and is not a substitute for professional dental advice.

Dr. Naveen Thomas

Dentistry

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Naveen Thomas is an expert in Dentistry. He is experienced and well-versed in all treatment modalities of Dentistry.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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