Why Are My Teeth Spacing Apart? More About Diastema
What is Diastema?
Diastema is a gap or space between the teeth. It can occur between any two teeth but is often most noticeable between the front two. Gaps can vary in size. Some are small enough that they are hard to notice. Others are large enough that they can cause problems and be a cosmetic issue.
Diastema is not caused by one thing in particular; there can be several contributing factors, such as missing teeth, your teeth being too small for your jaw, or an oversized frenum. The labial frenum is the strip of tissue connecting your upper lip to the center of your gums right above your top front two teeth. If your frenum is oversized and extends between the front two teeth, this can block them from coming together, causing a gap. Diastema can also develop from repeatedly pressing your tongue against your front teeth. For example, you should always press your tongue against the roof of your mouth when you swallow. If you press your tongue against the front of your teeth, that pressure can sometimes cause a gap to form over a long period of time. Another common cause is gum disease. As gum disease advances, infection can damage the bone supporting your teeth. As that bone density decreases, your teeth may shift, causing gaps to form.
Treatment and Management
If your teeth and gums are healthy and you would like to close the gap between your teeth, there are many treatment options available, including:
Braces: Braces are commonly used to correct teeth positioning, bite function, and misalignment. To correct a diastema, braces gradually adjust the position of your teeth with brackets and wires. This allows your teeth to move slowly without injury. Classic metal braces typically take 18-24 months for best results.
Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a common procedure used to cosmetically enhance your smile. A small amount of tooth-colored resin is applied directly to the teeth, which can change the shape of your teeth, correct chips or cracks, hide tooth discoloration, and close the spaces or gaps between your teeth.
Veneers: Veneers are strong, thin covers applied to the front of your teeth, similar to dental bonding but more customized and durable. Veneers are a good option for covering small to medium gaps between your teeth.
Dental Bridge: A dental bridge closes the gap left by a missing tooth by connecting an artificial tooth to the nearby teeth. This is a more affordable solution, and if repairs or replacements are necessary, they can be done at a reasonable cost.
Dental Implant: Single tooth implants are a popular choice for someone who may not want to undergo orthodontic treatment but is looking for a more permanent solution to their gap. A dental implant requires a titanium post to be surgically placed into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. After the implant is in, a custom-made crown is attached to permanently fill the gap.
Frenectomy: A labial frenectomy involves removing the frenulum between the lip and the gum tissues. They are most commonly done on the upper lip. This prevents the upper frenulum from extending too far down the front two teeth, creating a gap.
Treatments and procedures used to treat diastema are highly successful, so if you want to close the gap between your teeth for health or cosmetic reasons, please do not hesitate to reach out for a consultation with the dentist.
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