How to Close the Gap Between Your Teeth?
August 5, 2020 4:40 pmA diastema simply means a noticeable gap between teeth – most often, the two front teeth. While most of us want a perfect white, straight smile, it’s actually very common to have a diastema. Some of these gaps are small and barely noticed, whereas others are much larger.
A diastema is officially defined as a gap of more than 0.5 millimeters. While a diastema isn’t detrimental to your health, many people feel self-conscious if they have one. We’ll explore the common causes, and how you can get your diastema corrected.
What causes a diastema?
Often there isn’t one cause but a number of causes. One of the most common is a mismatch between the size of the jaw and the teeth – either the teeth are too small for the jaw, or the jaw is too large for the set of teeth. This is usually genetic. A diastema can also be caused by an excess of tissue between gum and front teeth, called the labial frenum, which forces the teeth apart. Gum disease can also cause a similar problem – because, advanced gum disease weakens the jawbone, allowing teeth to loosen and move apart, as they are no longer being held securely in place. Or, the cause could be very simple – a missing tooth!
Diastema in children
Children often have gaps between their teeth when losing the baby set and gaining their adult replacements. This gap will often close when your child is older, and more teeth emerge through. However, a diastema in children can be caused by a condition known as tongue thrust – this is where the tongue pushes against the front teeth instead of resting in the mouth, forcing the teeth forward and out of place. You can always ask your pediatric dentist for advice if you are unsure.
Treatment
If there is an underlying cause of the diastema, then treatment will often be orthodontic – that means using braces or another tool to put pressure on the teeth and move them into their correct places. For adults, the best dentist in Dubai can offer near-invisible braces like Invisalign to let you carry on everyday life with minimal fuss. If there is gum disease, then
that must be treated before any corrective work can start. Gaps caused by the overgrowth of gums may need surgery to remove the excess tissue – after that, the teeth will probably move together for children, but for adults, some extra orthodontic work might be needed.
Cosmetic procedures
However, if the diastema is purely an aesthetical problem – then a simple solution can be the answer to fix the gap between your teeth. A veneer fitted to the front of the teeth (made of porcelain or a resin-composite) can close the gap very well. Depending on the size of the gap, dental bonding can also work. Bonding is where the resin is attached to one of the teeth – effectively closing the gap. If a diastema is caused by overly-small teeth, then a veneer or bonding can be a good solution. However, if the gap is large – say caused by a missing tooth – then more work may be needed. A dental implant can close the gap, or a bridge (where a false tooth is attached by using surrounding teeth for support) is another alternative, particularly if the jawbone is not strong enough to support an implant.
See your dentist
In any case, the best first step is to see your dentist at Drs. Nicolas & Asp Centers. The best dentist in Dubai can check the health of your teeth and gums, diagnose any problems that need to be treated, and help offer options on how to deal with your diastema and fix the gap between your teeth – giving you a beautiful smile!
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