Are Spaces Between My Teeth Bad?

What Is Diastema?

Diastema is a gap or space between 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.

What Causes It?

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.

Are the Spaces a Problem?

In most cases, diastema, or the spaces between your teeth, is just a cosmetic issue or concern. In other cases, treatment may be recommended if the space causes speech difficulties, leads to bite issues or uneven wear and tear on your teeth, or is the result of tooth loss or gum tissue.

How to Treat Diastema?

There are many effective ways to close the gap between your teeth for health or cosmetic reasons. Each method is tailored to the underlying cause of the gap or your own personal preference.

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.

If you notice the space between your teeth gradually growing bigger, contact the office to schedule an appointment with the dentist. If you have always had a gap and want to learn more about your options, please give us a call. We are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Related Article: How Much Space Should There Be Between My Teeth?