Knowing what diastema means might help you in Miami Lakes understand this common dental problem that many people have throughout their lives. A diastema is a gap or space between two teeth. It usually happens between the top front teeth. Some people like their diastema because it makes their smile stand out, while others want to close the gaps for aesthetic or functional reasons. This can happen on its own or because of things that change the location of teeth and the growth of the jaw.
Diastema can happen anywhere in the mouth, but the space between the upper central incisors is still the most common and talked about type. When permanent teeth start to replace primary teeth, these gaps in the front teeth become apparent. Also, gaps can form between any of the teeth in the mouth, such as molars and premolars. These gaps are usually less noticeable and don’t bother patients as much.
Diastema can happen for many reasons, including genetics and environment. When the size of the jaw and the size of the teeth don’t match, it can cause natural spaces in the mouth. When the jaw is too big for the teeth, gaps form naturally when the teeth stretch out to cover the space. On the other hand, when teeth are missing, the teeth next to them can move apart, which can make gaps worse or create new ones.
Many patients’ diastema development might also be affected by their habits as children and teenagers. Sucking on your thumb, sticking your tongue out, or using a pacifier for a long time might move your teeth forward and make gaps between your front teeth. An unusually thick or low-attached frenum, which is the tissue that connects the top lip to the gums, can also keep the front teeth from fitting together properly. We see these scenarios a lot in younger patients whose gaps stay open even after other permanent teeth come in.
At Specialty Smiles, we see patients with diastema that ranges from little gaps that are hard to see to bigger areas that make their smiles look bad. The size and location of the gap usually determines what doctors suggest and what patients are worried about. Some people have had their diastema their whole life and only go to the doctor when the gap gets worse or they are embarrassed to see how they look. Some people have had their whole life and they are embarrassed to see how they look.
The extent of the gap, the age of the patient and the goals of the treatment all determine the treatment options for diastema. Sometimes small spacing problems go away on their own when additional permanent teeth come in and fill the space. But bigger gaps or those caused by structural problems usually need the help of a specialist to close. We look at each case on its own to figure out the best way to treat it.
Orthodontic therapy is the most complete way to close diastema especially when there are more than one gap or when the gaps are caused by teeth being in the wrong place. Traditional braces can slowly bring teeth closer together while making sure all of the teeth in the mouth are properly aligned. This method fixes the obvious gap and improves the overall bite relationship and tooth alignment for long term stability.
Less invasive solutions might work for smaller gaps or situations where only slight changes are needed. Adding tooth colored material to the sides of nearby teeth can help bridge tiny gaps with dental bonding. Porcelain veneers are another cosmetic option that can fill up gaps and make teeth look better at the same time. These options work right away but you may need to do maintenance or replace them from time to time.
When deciding whether or not to treat diastema both functional and aesthetic factors are usually taken into account. Small gaps don’t cause big functional concerns but bigger gaps might retain food particles and make cleaning harder. Gaps can also change how people speak especially when they have to position their tongues exactly against their teeth. We help patients think about these things when they are choosing a treatment.
Preventing diastema is mostly about dealing with the things that cause it during childhood development. To stop gaps from forming it’s important to treat gum disease quickly, stop bad dental habits early and deal with tooth loss properly. Regular trips to the dentist let us keep an eye on the dentist. Regular trips to the dentist let us keep an eye on changes in spacing and suggest the right treatment when they are needed. When we use Braces for Teens we generally close all the gaps as part of fixing the overall alignment.
We are still committed to helping people in Miami Lakes understand their diastema and give them good treatment options that meet their aesthetic and practical needs.