Gum disease requires treatment to stop the infection and prevent complications such as tooth loss. In younger children, the space may close on its own. Older children and adults may then require braces or another treatment to close the gap. When a diastema results from an oversized labial frenum, the dentist may recommend a frenectomy - a procedure to remove the excess tissue. Placing dental implants involves inserting metal screws into the jawbone and attaching the replacement teeth.Ī dental bridge is a false tooth held in place by a device that attaches to the teeth on either side of the gap. If a diastema exists because the person is missing teeth, they may need more extensive dental work, such as implants or a dental bridge. These options may be especially suitable if the diastema results from having smaller teeth.ĭental bonding involves applying resin to the surface of the teeth, then hardening the resin with a light source.įitting veneers involves securing thin, custom-made pieces of porcelain to the surface of the teeth. Veneers or bondingĪs an alternative to braces, a dentist can fit veneers or perform dental bonding. It may be necessary to wear a full set of braces, even if there is just one gap, because moving any teeth affects the entire mouth. The braces put pressure on the teeth, closing the gap over time. If treatment is not medically necessary, but the person wishes to close the gap for aesthetic reasons, a dentist can help determine the best approach.ĭentists commonly treat diastemas with braces. 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. The central incisors are the two flat teeth at the front of the upper jaw. No treatment is usually necessary.Ī 2012 study reports older findings that these diastemas may be present in approximately two-thirds of children in whom only the central incisors have erupted. This type of gap is common enough that dentists consider it to be a normal developmental phenomenon in children. When their permanent, or adult, teeth come in, these gaps typically close. Loss of primary teethĬhildren can develop temporary diastemas when their primary teeth, or baby teeth, fall out. Thumb sucking, lip sucking, tongue thrusting, and similar habits can put pressure on the front teeth, pushing them forward. Over time, this repetitive pressure against the front teeth pushes them forward, causing a gap to form. When the swallowing reflex happens correctly, the tongue presses against the roof of the mouth.Ī person may instead push their tongue against their front teeth when they swallow. In people with gum disease, inflammation results in damage to the bone that supports the teeth.Įventually, the teeth may become loose, and gaps can appear. Tooth migration is a typical sign of advanced gum disease. If this tissue is especially large, it can cause a gap to form between these teeth. The labial frenum is the tissue that extends from the inside of the upper lip to the gum above the upper front teeth. If the upper lateral incisors are missing or relatively small, a gap can develop between the two front teeth. This often involves the upper lateral incisors - the teeth to either side of the two upper front teeth. If some teeth are missing or smaller than others, a diastema can develop. Jawbone and tooth sizes can be genetic, which is one reason that diastemas can run in families. If a person’s teeth are too small, relative to the size of their jawbone, gaps may develop between the teeth. Share on Pinterest Diastemas are common in adults and children.Ī diastema may result from the following: The size of the teeth in relation to the jawbone
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