Gapped teeth may cause people to lose confidence and feel self-conscious about how they smile, which can have a negative impact on their lives. Many people are concerned that they will not be taken seriously, especially in a professional context, and that their impressions will be harmed. Aside from their unsightly appearance, gaps between the teeth, also known as diastema, increase the risk of gum disease by gathering bacteria, overlap and generating plaque or tartar, which may lead to tooth decay or cavities.

What is Diastema? | What Causes Gaps Between Teeth? | Treatments for Diastema

What is Diastema?

The spaces or gaps between two teeth are known as diastemas. They are most common between two incisor teeth, although they may form between any two teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that up to 25% adult cases have some level of this trait.

The mismatch in size between the jaw bone and the tooth size is what causes the additional space. There will be apparent spaces between two teeth if they are insufficient for the jawbone. On the other hand, if they’re too big, they’ll get overcrowded. Genetics is often linked to the size of the jawbone.

Other factors that cause spacing problems include:

  • Space may be created when one tooth is absent, undersized, or has an uneven shape. In adults or patients with tooth loss, a dental implant is an excellent replacement for a missing tooth.
  • Thumb-sucking and other childhood habits might drag it forward, causing gaps.
  • Inadequate swallowing reflexes cause spaces to form. The tongue presses on the roof of the mouth in most people’s reflex while swallowing a part of food. For others, the front of their throat is pressed against their swallowing response. This is known as tongue thrust, and the pressure will push it forward over time, causing the space to grow.
  • Periodontal gum disease is another reason. It’s a condition that causes bone loss, which means there won’t be enough bone in the mouth to support the teeth. It may potentially result to a gum infection. Gingivitis, on the other hand, is a minor type of gum disease marked by gingival swelling. Bone loss is caused by the inflammation. It will become loose if the patient has lost a lot of bone. A gap between teeth may form as a result of the movement.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

Gaps between teeth may occur in a number of ways. Tongue thrusting or thumb sucking, both of which are frequent in children, is a common cause of tooth gaps. Those who swallow with their tongue pressed on their teeth may eventually develop a gap between their teeth. A child who sucks their thumb or takes a pacifier is at risk of developing gaps in their teeth, which may have long-term consequences for their dental health. A gap may develop if you are missing infant teeth and are required to maintain them as long as they are healthy.

The labial frenum may get detached and generate a gap if it grows between the two incisors. The little flap that links the top lip to the gums is what this is best characterized as. The labial frenum, on the other hand, must be sufficiently massive to provide adequate room. It will assist prevent gaps from closing if the gum tissue drops below its normal position and between the central teeth. If the teeth are too little for the available space, they may spread out, causing a gap to emerge. Teeth gaps may be caused by a variety of factors, including your dental habits.

Treatments for Gapped Teeth

During the initial consultation, Dr. Patel DDS will list and explain the many techniques for closing a gap tooth, as well as which treatment option is ideal for your dental requirements. That’s why you don’t have to worry because at Summit Smiles, the following makeover for teeth gap are available:

Invisalign

Invisalign transparent aligners are custom-made for your smile, making diastema closure with invisalign a quick and painless procedure. These aligners provide a number of advantages in addition to closing gaps in teeth. They may fix a variety of dental issues, including bite issues, crooked teeth, malocclusion, and other alignment issues. After a number of appointments, your orthodontist will use these aligner trays to progressively move the teeth closer. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves switching out a set of invisible braces every two weeks. This process is repeated until your teeth are perfectly aligned. To keep your new teeth alignment, you’ll need to wear a retainer. Ceramic braces for gap teeth are another non-obtrusive choice. Know about correcting gaps in teeth with braces.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are placed over your natural teeth to disguise them. This shell is excellent at concealing flaws. Veneers for gap teeth are one of the most well-known and successful cosmetic dentistry solutions for this issue.

Tooth Bonding

It will take less than an hour to finish the gap filling procedure. Your dentist will choose a composite color that closely matches the color of your teeth and mould the resin material with great care, thereby closing the gap between your teeth. Your teeth will look to be brand new after a front tooth filling or gap filling.

Dental Crowns

Crowns for diastema or tooth caps may be used to completely cover a tooth and close any gaps between the teeth. A crown will not only enhance the appearance and quality of your teeth, but it will also ensure that it does not fall out since it is permanently bonded. Cross bite patients can have a full set of crowns.

Frenectomy

The tissues that link the top lip to the gums (labial frenum) may sometimes be large and extend between the front teeth. This might result in problems with the frenum or gaps between the teeth. Your doctor will perform a frenectomy if this is the case. This treatment is used to shrink the enlarged labial frenum. The space must then be filled with orthodontic treatment. Read about underbite and overbite.

Schedule an appointment with us now to get a diagnosis and learn more about different methods for closing tooth gaps, including metal braces brackets, lingual braces for diastema, and the rest of the gap in teeth treatment braces! You can also call us if you have any questions or concerns about the dental practice’s treatment costs, insurance providers we accept, payment options, how to get to our office location, or if you want to learn more about the other procedures we offer, such as dental bridges, dentures, implant surgery, or dental cleanings. Our dentists and courteous staff are excited to meet you and help you regain your self-confidence! You’ll undoubtedly be satisfied after your treatment is over.