Gapped teeth may make anybody lose confidence and feel self-conscious about how they smile which can be quite destructive in the life of a person. Many people have this anxiety that they may not be taken seriously⁠—particularly in a professional setting⁠—and damage their impressions. The diastema, or spaces between teeth, may contribute to gum disease, plaque buildup, and tartar, all of which can lead to tooth damage.

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

What is Diastema?

Diastemas are the spaces or gaps between two teeth. In incisor teeth, they’re most often seen, however they may exist between any two teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that up to 25% adult cases have some level of this trait.

The cause of the additional space is the size mismatch between the jaw bone and the tooth size. Teeth that are too short for the jawbone will have obvious spaces. On the contrary, if they are excessively big, they will get congested. The size of the jawbone typically has a relation to genetics.

However, additional factors, such as the following, may contribute to the problem:

  • When a tooth is absent, undersized, or has an uneven shape, it might cause to the formation of extra space. A dental implant is a viable replacement for a lost tooth in adults or patients who are suffering from tooth loss.
  • Childhood habits such as thumb-sucking might move it forward, producing gaps.
  • Incorrect swallowing reflexes lead to the formation of empty spaces. When swallowing a part of food, most people’s instinct is to push their tongue against the roof of their mouth. For others, their swallowing reaction is pushing against the front. This is termed tongue thrust, and over time the pressure will push it forward; thus causing the space to grow.
  • Another probable reason is periodontal gum disease. As a result of the bone loss, teeth in the mouth will be unable to function properly. Gum infection might occur as a result. Gingivitis, on the other hand, is a minor type of gum disease whereby there’s swelling in your gingiva. This inflammation results in bone loss. If a patient has lost a lot of bone, it will become loose. The displacement might result in a gap between teeth. Know about mouth injury.

What Causes Gaps Between Teeth?

There are several ways gaps occur between the teeth. One typical way gaps in teeth occur are tongue pushing or thumb sucking which is extremely prevalent in children. When swallowing, people who force their tongue on their teeth risk developing a gap in their teeth. A child, who takes a pacifier or has the habit to suck their thumb, might be at risk of developing gaps in their teeth, harming their dental health in the long term. If your baby teeth are missing and you must keep them in your mouth for as long as they are healthy, a gap may result.

If the growth of the labial frenum is between the two incisors, it might become separated and cause a gap. This is best defined as the tiny flap which links the top lip to the gums. However, the labial frenum must be sufficiently massive to generate appropriate room. If the gum tissue travels below its typical position and between the central teeth, it will aid with the prevention of closing gaps. Teeth may spread out and create a gap if they are too little for the available space. Teeth gaps may be the result of a variety of things, including your oral hygiene habits.

Treatments for Gapped Teeth

During the initial consultation, Dr. Shah DDS will enumerate and explain the a variety of techniques in order to close a gap tooth as well as determine which treatment option best suit your dental needs. That’s why you don’t have to worry because at Creative Smiles, the following makeover for teeth gap are available:

Invisalign

Diastema closure with invisalign clear aligners is quick and easy thanks to the aligners being customized to your teeth. Besides eliminating teeth gaps, these aligners offer a number of additional benefits. They are capable of correcting a wide range of dental issues, including misaligned teeth, crooked bites, and more. After a number of appointments, your orthodontist will utilize these aligner trays to progressively move the teeth closer together. Every two weeks, a new set of Invisalign braces is applied to the patient’s teeth. The process of exchanging the braces is repeated until your teeth are in the right position. A retainer will thereafter be used to preserve your new teeth alignment. Another unobtrusive choice is ceramic braces for gap teeth.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are very thin shells made of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. This shell can flawlessly mask faults. Veneers for gap teeth are a well-known and successful cosmetic dentistry treatment option.

Tooth Bonding

Tooth bonding for missing gaps will be completed in about an hour. Your dentist will pick a composite color that closely matches your natural teeth color and will take considerable care in shaping the resin material; thereby, closing the tooth gap. The front tooth filling or gap filling will make your teeth look entirely fresh.

Dental Crowns

Crowns or tooth caps may be used to cover the whole tooth and seal the teeth gaps. Fixing gap teeth with a crown will not only enhance the appearance and quality of your teeth but you won’t have to worry about it slipping off as it’s permanently attached.

Frenectomy

Libellar frenum (the area between the top lip and gums) may be very large in certain tissues, extending all the way to the front teeth. This might cause frenum issues or gaps between teeth. Your doctor will perform a frenectomy if this is the case. The goal of this treatment is to minimize the large labial frenum. Then orthodontic treatment is required to conceal the space. Read about overbite and open bite.

Schedule an appointment and visit us now to obtain a diagnosis and get more information about the alternative methods to close the tooth gaps such as metal braces brackets, lingual braces for diastema, and the rest of the gap in teeth treatment braces! In addition, you can give us a call if you want to know the treatment cost in the dental practice, insurance providers we accept, payment options, how to get to our office location, have any issue, questions, or concerns, or if you want to learn about the other procedures we provide like dental bridge, dentures, implants surgery, and dental cleanings. We can’t wait to meet you and restore your confidence with the help of our skilled dentists and helpful support personnel. You’ll be happy to leave our office after your treatment is complete.

Published on March 24, 2022, Updated on March 24, 2022