Diastema implies a gap between two teeth — it is usually not harmful. Instead, the condition is more common among children; although these gaps will close up on their own as the child grows older and adult teeth emerge to cover the space.
For some people, a diastema is nothing serious, and they are willing to live with the gap in their teeth. Yet for some others, they might be uncomfortable with several gaps in their adult teeth and may choose to explore the possibility of various treatments to have the gaps closed.
Below is basic information you need to know about diastema, its treatment, and how best to make a suitable decision about the gaps in your teeth or that of your child.
Diastema can be defined as a gap between two of your teeth. These gaps can occur between any two teeth in your mouth, but those of the front teeth are most noticeable. If the spaces occur between your lower teeth, it is known as a mandibular diastema. Midline or median diastema is used for a gap between your front two teeth.
For some people, the gaps are much more noticeable. However, these gaps are nothing to worry about in babies, as the jaws and teeth are yet to grow and develop completely.
Children lose their milk teeth as they grow older, and their new adult teeth naturally close up any space. If the gaps remain after the development of adult teeth, you should make an appointment to see your dentist for advice and recommendations.
Extraoral care is required if you have got diastema. You can use a water flosser to clean the gaps between your teeth easily
Various factors could cause a diastema which includes:
Other causes are more behavioural than caused by any physical skeletal problem. They include:
Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting can be corrected during the early years of a child, to prevent the formation of the gaps and any additional dental issue.
Periodontitis is extreme gum disease, and it causes the loss of bone in your jaw, forcing your teeth to move and gaps to form between them — this infection can also cause the loss of your teeth.
The tooth that sits next to your front two teeth is called your second incisor. In some cases, this second incisor does not develop properly, becoming small and pointy. In such a case, the incisor is called a peg lateral, and it results in gaps to either side of the incisor because of its small nature. To correct a peg lateral, your dentist might suggest dental crowns, teeth implants, or veneers.
Depending on the severity of your case, there is a range of different options that can be suggested to close the spaces in your teeth. The treatments are not usually complicated, and you can have the entire treatment process explained to you by your dentist, and your dentist can also recommend the most suitable treatment for your condition. Below are some available treatment options for gaps in your teeth.
Braces are recommended mostly for more significant gaps. Braces close the gaps between your teeth by readjusting the diastema teeth into a much better position.
Only when all of the adult teeth have erupted in the mouth can braces be considered as an option for a growing child — the reason for this is that the growth of a child’s jaw is usually at a different pace to the child’s teeth. As the child develops, natural spaces are forced to open up where the milk teeth fall and are replaced later by adult teeth. Once everything has developed, only then can braces be effectively used? Where the problem persists after a while, your dentist can suggest alternative braces options for you.
If you find metal braces uncomfortable, your dentist can recommend an Invisalign brace as a good alternative. An Invisalign brace is invisible that is, its clear aligners are nearly unnoticeable, unlike the more traditional metal braces. An Invisalign brace is effective in correcting mild and moderate cases of diastema. These braces are also removable, giving you the advantage of taking them off to eat, drink or maybe attend a special event.
There are various other options for correcting diastema other than braces. Two common options include the use of veneers and composite bonding, although they are more suitable for closing smaller gaps. Braces are the more appropriate treatment for large over spaced gaps. Your dentist will offer you a suitable treatment option and help you understand the benefits and risks of your options.
A porcelain veneer refers to a thin cover that is designed to fit over your natural teeth to correct its shape, and sometimes its colour also. Veneer treatment for diastema is uncomplicated, but it can be used for treating gaps in children.
During the treatment, the veneers designed for your teeth will be made wider than your natural teeth, so that the new veneers meet in the middle of the space between your teeth, and cover the gap.
You will require at least two visits to your dentist will provide for a porcelain veneer treatment to be completed. During your first visit, your teeth will be prepared, and measurements will be taken to help in the production of the veneer in the lab. The veneers will be fitted in your second visit.
Diastema can also be corrected by applying a composite material directly to the teeth to cover up the gaps. The composite bonds are not made in the lab; instead, your dentist continuously builds and shapes your teeth during the bonding. The composite increases the size of the teeth a bit, and subsequently hides the gap.
When a composite material entirely covers your original tooth, it is known as a composite veneer — these are used commonly in treating chipped teeth.
The cost of a diastema treatment varies, and it depends on what options you choose — for braces, the price varies between £1,500 and £5,500, depending on what type of brace is used in your diastema treatment.
Retainers are suitable for some orthodontic treatment, such as an overbite, and diastema. Unlike other available options, the results are limited and slow in coming when a retainer is used n correcting a gap. The recommended treatment is getting a fixed or removable brace to fix the gap in your teeth, and wearing a retainer subsequently as a follow-up to keep the new alignment in place.
If you are not comfortable with a traditional metal brace, you can opt for removable aligner braces — they are like retainers and are invisible to most people. You can book an appointment with the Harley Street Dentist to check your eligibility for an Invisalign aligner brace.
Although not technically considered to be natural, fixing gaps in your teeth with braces, veneers, and composite bonding are effective and safe. The treatment options, if done properly, can give you a natural-looking result.
You might be wrongly advised to use elastic bands in wrapping your teeth and pulling them close to cover the gaps. But this is dangerous, and you might end up causing even more damage to your teeth and gums.
Consult your dentist, and let him/her explain all of your options, and walk you through the treatment process.
A baby’s jaw grows and develops much faster than the baby’s teeth; this causes gaps to appear between the teeth — this is normal, and you should not worry about it. As the child grows and the milk teeth are replaced with new adult teeth, the gaps are naturally closed by the new teeth.
If the jaw has ceased to grow, all adult teeth have broken out, and you notice that gaps remain between the teeth, you can seek the counsel of your dentist to find out what diastema treatment will be suitable for your child.
Braces correct a diastema by adjusting the position of your teeth and realigning it to fix the gaps. This treatment is recommended for more significant gaps. If you are unsatisfied after the procedure, you can consult your dentist or orthodontist.
For an excellent result, we recommend you keep your retainers on after treatment and continue your aftercare as instructed by your dentist. The retainers help to ensure your teeth stay fixed in the proper position.
Regular floss and brushing will not cause any gaps in your teeth. If you notice any gaps, it could be that your floss is catching your gums as you clean between your teeth. This could cause your gums to recede, and result in the spaces between your teeth.
Having gaps between your teeth is not a severe medical issue. However, what is more serious is the underlying causes of the diastema, gum disease being one of them. Fixing the gaps in your teeth is relatively easy. If you do not want a conventional metal brace, you can opt for invisible braces such as Invisalign. More so, gaps are common in the teeth of babies — these gaps should not trouble you, as they usually fix themselves as the baby’s jaw develops and new adult teeth emerge.
Schedule a checkup with the Harley Street Dentist to find out the exact cause of the gaps in your teeth, and prevent any further damage to your teeth and gums. Visit us on Harley Street, London or call us on 02071830903 to book an appointmet.
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