Some people like a gap between their teeth while others don’t; it depends on the individual. A gap between the teeth is called diastema. It can generally be anywhere in your teeth, but prominently it is visible on upper front teeth. There might be many reasons for diastema, and some of them are –
Normal development – The gap is usually a part of normal development in children and happens in children between ages 6 to 8. It is generally visible on the upper teeth.
Size or shape – Sometimes, your teeth may have an unusual size, shape, or position with spaces between them.
Chewing food – When you incorrectly chew your food and, in the process, push your tongue against the teeth.
Gum disease – Gum infection can damage tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It can cause the teeth to loosen and gaps to form.
Extra teeth – Gaps are formed if your baby teeth haven’t fallen or the new one overlaps your old tooth, and both exist simultaneously. When you remove the old tooth, it leaves a gap behind.
Bad habits – Thumb or finger sucking, biting your lower lip, or more can put pressure on teeth and push them outwards.
A person can spot the gap while brushing or flossing and even during a dentist’s visit. Moreover, you may have diastema if you experience –
- Pain while chewing
- Loose teeth
- Bad breath
- Swollen and red gums
- Tender or bleeding on your gums
Treating diastema is not complicated. However, if the gap is due to the displacement of two teeth, then it is usually not required. Younger children can overcome minor gaps as they grow up. However, there are several options, such as invasive or non-invasive treatment. If the treatment is not medically necessary, but the person wishes to work on that gap, the dentist can help determine the best approach for you.
Braces – The most common treatment method is braces, as it puts pressure on the teeth, closing the gap over time. It is necessary to wear full braces even if one gap needs attention.
Veneers or bonding – Both veneers and bonding can improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers are custom-made thin coatings comprised of porcelain. Once dental impressions of your teeth are made, they are sent to the dental laboratory. The natural tooth is sculpted for veneers, and the thickness is shaped to look natural. Finally, it replaces your natural tooth.
Bonding improves the appearance of heavily discolored, chipped, or short teeth. Then special bonding liquid and later resin are used to coat your teeth. A high-intensity light hardens the resin, and then it is polished.
Dental implants or bridge – Dental implants insert metal screws into the jawbone and attach the replacement teeth. Meanwhile, a dental bridge is a false tooth held in place with a device that attaches to the teeth on either side of the gap.
Surgery – Gum diseases require surgery to remove the infection. It may include scaling to remove tartar from gums.
If you want to improve the appearance of your smile and fill the gap between your teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out at (925) 961-5484.