If you’re unhappy with your smile because of a gap between your front teeth, don’t fret! You are not alone, and your situation is far from hopeless. This gap is called a diastema and they occur so frequently that dentists even consider them a normal developmental circumstance in children. However, sometimes it can persist into adulthood and leave you feeling embarrassed about your pearly whites. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist in Midland about diastemas, how they’re caused, and what you can do to close the gap.
What Is a Diastema?
To put it simply, a diastema is a gap that occurs between the teeth. These gaps are not harmful and can appear in both children and adults, though in children the gap typically closes when their permanent teeth come through. Technically, diastemas are wider than 0.5 millimeters and can develop between any teeth but are often more noticeable when they affect the front teeth.
What Can Cause a Diastema?
Diastemas can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Missing or undersized teeth.
- The size of the teeth in relation to the jawbone.
- An oversized labial frenum (the tissue that extends from the upper lip to the gum above the upper front teeth).
- Gum disease.
- Incorrect swallowing reflex.
- Poor oral habits like smoking and biting into hard objects.
- Loss of primary teeth.
Can Diastemas Be Treated?
Treatment for a diastema may not be necessary, especially if the gap arises from a mismatch between the size of the teeth and the jawbone, or if it results from the loss of primary teeth. However, having a diastema can increase your risk of plaque buildup and enamel erosion. If your gums are swollen, discolored, and bleeding easily, your diastema might be the result of gum disease that necessitates treatment.
Some patients also wish to address the aesthetic issues that result from their diastema. Porcelain veneers are one option that can effectively close your diastema; your dentist will bond thin sheets of dental porcelain to the outer surfaces of your teeth, giving them a more uniform appearance and hiding any visible gaps. In some cases, dental implants can also be used to effectively replace missing teeth and address diastemas.
There are several reasons for a gap in your smile, but luckily, these diastemas are easily treatable. Talk with your dentist if you’re curious about addressing your diastema and helping your smile to look and feel its absolute best.
About the Practice
Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center proudly serves patients in the Midland area! The practice is led by Dr. Franklin Boyles and his son, Dr. Stephen Boyles. They are pleased to offer several available services including preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry options. If you have any questions about diastemas or would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact the practice through their website or by phone: (432) 685-7011.