Strangers often notice your smile first among all of your features, so if you’re experiencing an aesthetic issue such as a visible gap between two of your teeth, you’re probably wondering if there’s anything that can be done about it. Luckily, there is! Here’s more about how your dentist can identify and address the issues, as well as why they occur in the first place.
What Causes Gaps Between Front Teeth?
The medical term for a gap between the two teeth is “diastema,” but despite this technical term, it’s a relatively straightforward issue to address and is also quite common and rarely even painful! It’s considered a normal developmental circumstance in children, and it can occur between any two teeth, but we often tend to notice it when it impacts the two front ones. In any case, it usually isn’t something that resolves itself on its own, though it’s been known to rarely happen when a child’s permanent teeth begin emerging.
Diastemas have several possible causes, but a few notable ones include:
- Missing (baby or adult) teeth or undersized teeth
- The size of the teeth in relation to the jaw
- Oversized labial frenum, which is the tissue that extends from the upper lip to the gum above the upper front teeth
- Untreated gum disease
- Incorrect swallowing reflex
- Poor oral habits such as smoking, using chewing tobacco, or biting into hard objects
How Gaps Between Teeth Are Treated
Luckily, treating a diastema is pretty easy to do with the help of a skilled dentist! They can usually spot it immediately during a routine exam. Treatment isn’t always necessary, like if it results from the loss of a baby tooth, but in any case, it’s still worth having a professional examine it to ensure that you aren’t experiencing any issues. Believe it or not, having a diastema can notably increase your risk of plaque buildup and enamel erosion.
Though no two oral situations are exactly the same, diastemas can usually be treated without issue. Orthodontic solutions like braces can be used, as well as other types of treatment like veneers or even dental bonding. If the diastema exists due to missing teeth, more complex solutions such as a bridge, denture, or implant might be required. And in the case of an oversized labial frenum, surgery might be required.
You can rest assured that a gap between your teeth is something that can be remedied, so if you or someone close to you is dealing with the issue, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance!
About the Practice
The team at Total Dental Solutions is thrilled to provide patients and families in the Naples area with an elite level of dental care. Under the skilled leadership of Dr. George Hoop, they offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatment options, as well as solutions for addressing diastemas. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit, you can contact the practice online or by phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (239) 356-8758.