Do you have a gap between your front teeth known as diastema? If you’re tired of feeling self-conscious when surrounded by others, it’s time to consider cosmetic dental treatment. By choosing the right professional with years of experience and training, you can finally say goodbye to the gap and hello to a new and improved smile. In this article, we’ll explain what diastema is, its causes, and how your cosmetic dentist can treat it once and for all.
What is Diastema?
Diastema is the clinical term for a gap between teeth. Although it does not pose any real health-related problems, it can cause some individuals to dislike their overall aesthetics. Typically, these gaps are about half a millimeter wide and can develop between any two teeth.
What Causes Diastema to Occur?
If you are living with a gap between teeth, you may wonder why it developed in the first place. Unfortunately, there is no one clear answer as to why this problem occurs. Instead, there are many reasons diastema can form, including:
- The size of a person’s teeth may be much smaller than their jawbone, which can be the result of genetics. If someone in your family has a gap between their teeth, this may be the reason you have one.
- If a tooth is missing or appearing much smaller. This commonly occurs in the upper arch on either side of the front two teeth.
- If you have a lip-tie, the banded tissue may be thick and restricted, causing diastema to form.
- Gum disease is a known culprit of gap formations, especially if it is an aggressive form causing teeth to become loose. This can result in diastema.
- The tongue continually presses against the roof of the mouth when swallowing. Over time, the tongue’s pressure can cause the upper front two teeth to protrude and separate.
- Non-nutritive habits as a child such as thumb-sucking, pacifier use, or tongue thrust can lead to a gap forming between teeth.
- A child losing a baby tooth. Between the loss of a primary tooth and the eruption of a permanent one, a child can experience a temporary diastema.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix This Type of Problem?
If you no longer want to sport a gap between your teeth, you’ll be pleased to know that cosmetic dentistry can deliver the results you desire. Although most procedures are not covered by dental insurance because they’re not “medically necessary,” most dentists offer special discounts or flexible financing to make cosmetic treatment affordable.
Some of the most notable methods used to correct diastema include:
- Veneers – These thin, porcelain restorations easily cover the front surface of your teeth and can hide everything from stains and cracks to misshapen teeth and minor gaps.
- Invisalign – This clear aligner system uses customized trays that can be designed to close the gap between your teeth and improve your aesthetics. Depending on the severity of your gap, your dentist will determine how long you’ll need to wear your aligners to achieve desired results.
- Six Month Smiles – Another form of orthodontic treatment apart from Invisalign is Six Month Smiles. With this system, you will wear traditional braces only they will be tooth-colored to minimize visibility. In just six months, you can expect to see the gap closed and a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Don’t continue to let your gap keep you from enjoying time with friends and family. Talk to a cosmetic dentist today to find out which solution will help you achieve a pleasing aesthetic that captures the attention of others.
About the Author
Dr. L. Blaine Kennington is a cosmetic dentist who offers a wide range of treatments that are designed to create fully transformed, beautiful smiles. If you’re living with a gap between your teeth, he can use veneers, Invisalign, or Six Month Smiles to close the space and leave you feeling more confident than ever before. Contact our office at (360) 703-9092 to learn what he can do for you and how you can get started.