How to Fix Gaps in Your Teeth: A Comprehensive Guide to Diastema Treatment

What is Diastema?

Diastema is a medical term for a dental condition where there are spaces or gaps between two or more teeth, primarily the front teeth in the upper jaw. It can range from small gaps to more significant spaces and could be found in both kids and adults. 

Sometimes this gap is filled on its own in kids when they get permanent teeth. You can have small or large gaps between your teeth, and there are several treatments available to get it treated.

Teeth gap treatment is majorly for aesthetic concerns as normally it doesn’t have a negative impact on your oral health, but in some cases, it could be a symptom of gum disease. Making it important to visit a walk-in dental clinic and get it checked. 

Causes of Diastema or Gaps Between Teeth

Diastema or gaps between teeth can occur due to a variety of reasons. Understanding the causes can help in choosing the right treatment option. Here are some common causes of diastema:

• Natural Growth of Teeth

Children’s natural growth might sometimes leave them with gaps between their front teeth. In children from 6 and 8, it is rather prevalent. However, when upper canines emerge, this gap usually disappears.

• Size, Shape & Position of Teeth

Your chances of developing a gap rise if your teeth are atypical in size, form, or placement. These teeth are unable to receive the necessary pressure and support from one another to keep them from moving apart.

• Missing Teeth

The most common missing teeth occurrence is missing or underdeveloped surrounding teeth of the upper front teeth, also called lateral incisors. Having this condition leads to gapped teeth.

• Outgrown Labial Frenum

The gum above the top front teeth and the inside of the upper lip are covered by a tissue called the labial frenum. If this tissue outgrows, it can lead to a gap in teeth.

• Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a specific type of infection or gum disease that weakens the tissues and tooth bone. Your teeth become loose as a result, creating a gap.

• Improper Swallowing Reflex

Your tongue will press against the roof of your mouth as a result of proper swallowing reflexes. False swallowing, on the other hand, forces your tongue up against your front teeth. This persistent pressure can eventually turn into gapped front teeth.

• Wrong Habits

Diastema in children can be brought on by habits including chewing the lower lips and sucking the thumb or finger. And getting their tongue pierced as an adult can result in hampering of the front teeth’s development by the pierced stud’s continual nudge.

• Falling of Baby Teeth

Baby or permanent teeth might fall out, leaving a space between the teeth. These gaps close when permanent teeth erupt.

Symptoms of Diastema:

• Receding Gums: When the gums pull back from the teeth, it can expose the roots, leading to sensitivity and eventual tooth loss.

• Swollen & Tender Gums: Inflammation and tenderness in the gums might be a sign of gum disease, which can also cause gaps between teeth.

• Bad Breath: Bacteria can accumulate in the spaces between teeth, causing bad breath or halitosis.

• Bleeding Gums: Bleeding gums can indicate gum disease or improper brushing and flossing techniques.

• Loose Teeth: Gaps between teeth can weaken the surrounding teeth, making them loose and eventually leading to tooth loss.

• Bright Red Gums: Inflammation of the gums can cause them to appear bright red, which is a sign of gum disease.

If you observe any of the following symptoms, it is advised to visit your Carstair Dentist as soon as possible.

What Are the Risks of Gaps Between Teeth?

While gaps between teeth may seem like a purely cosmetic issue, they can actually pose a number of risks to your oral health. 

Gaps can trap food and bacteria, leading to plaque buildup and gum disease. Teeth gaps can weaken surrounding teeth, leading to tooth loss over time. 

Fortunately, there are a variety of teeth gap treatments available to fix gapped teeth. 

Who Does Diastema Affect?

Diastema can affect people of various ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. In fact, research has found that up to 20% of individuals suffer from diastema. 

Although diastema more frequently occurs in youngsters, it can also happen to adults owing to conditions including gum disease or tooth loss. 

Some people might be more prone to developing gaps in their teeth due to a combination of variables, including heredity, jaw size, and tongue position.

Treatments for Teeth Gaps or Diastema:

• Treatment with Braces 

Braces are a commonly used treatment for fixing gapped teeth or diastema. The braces apply pressure on the teeth, pushing them together to close the gaps. 

Even if you only have one gap to fix, you might still need to wear a full set of braces for optimal results. Braces for teeth gaps are an effective solution for those looking to fix gapped teeth and achieve a more confident smile.

• Invisalign Treatment

Misaligned and gapped teeth can be fixed with Invisalign. All age groups benefit greatly from this treatment. Because they are practically undetectable to others, Invisalign aligners are a well-liked alternative to braces.

• Porcelain Veneers

The thin porcelain piece that is bonded to the front of your teeth is called a veneer. It is produced specifically for each patient. In the case of diastema brought on by undersized teeth, it is typically beneficial.

• Dental Bonding

When a gap in the teeth is caused by one or more smaller teeth, dental bonding or a dental crown can be useful for closing the gap. The resin is put to the surface of your teeth during this procedure. And light beams are used to harden it.

• Dental Implants

You might need to get dental implants if you have missing teeth. A dental implant, also known as a dental bridge, serves as a replacement for your teeth and is attached by inserting a metal screw in your jaw bones. 

• Frenectomy

The frenum, a portion of tissue that joins the lip or tongue to the gums, is removed during a frenectomy, a surgical surgery. A frenectomy can narrow the gap between the front teeth, which results from the frenum being overly thick or too closely affixed to them.

• Gum Disease Treatment

If Diastema is caused by gum disease, the dentist needs to treat the hum disease first. If not treated properly, it can result in tooth loss. 

Diastema Prevention:

As Diastema is naturally caused, it cannot be prevented. However, you can make some lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk.

• Brushing your teeth twice a day.
• Flossing once a day.
• Teaching kids to swallow properly.
• Encouraging kids to stop habits like thumb-sucking.
• Get frequent dental checkups and professional dental cleanings.

Choose Carstairs Dental for Teeth Gaps Treatment in Carstairs, Alberta.

If you’re in the Carstairs area, Carstairs Dental is a perfect option for those looking for a reliable and experienced dentist near them. 

With Carstairs dentist’s commitment to providing excellent care, we’re the perfect walk-in dental clinic to visit for those looking to fix their teeth gaps.

Book Your Appointment with Carstairs Dental Office, today.

FAQ

• Is Diastema a disease?

Diastema is not a disease or a deformity per se. It is simply a medical term for a gap between the teeth. 

• Can Diastema fix itself?

In some cases, diastema can fix itself without treatment, especially in children. This is because as adult teeth grow, they tend to push the surrounding teeth together, closing any gaps. However, in many cases, especially for adults, diastema does not fix itself and requires treatment. 

• Can Diastema cause problems?

Yes, Diastema can cause problems such as difficulty in eating, low self-esteem, speech problems and oral health issues.

• Is Diastema rare?

No, Diastema is not rare. In fact, it is a common dental issue that affects people from various age groups and backgrounds.

• Is Diastema genetic?

While genetics can be a contributing factor, it is not the only determining factor in whether someone develops a diastema. Environmental factors such as oral habits and jaw size can also play a role in the development of diastema.