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Diastema Explained by Hira Ilyas
Diastema Explained by Hira Ilyas
Diastema is a medical term for a visible gap between your teeth.
This gap usually occurs between the two front upper or lower teeth and can become an aesthetic concern for some people - as these are the most visible teeth when you smile!
In this article, we'll walk you through the most common diastema causes so you can discover what may be creating the gaps in your teeth, and give you the most effective treatment options.
What Causes Gaps In The Teeth?
Diastema is an inherited trait that can also be caused by a variety of other factors.
While diastema can affect any of your teeth, the most common type is called midline diastema, which results in a gap between your two upper front teeth.
One major reason for diastema is a large labial frenum, which is the tissue that connects the gum to the upper lip.
When this tissue extends too far down, it can create gaps in the teeth.
The labial frenum is a thin tissue connecting the upper lips to the upper gums. If the frenum grows too large, it causes a gap between the front teeth leading to midline diastema. Dr. Peter Doherty
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Before & After (click to enlarge) - Dental Cosmetic Bonding
The American Dental Association has listed other causes of diastema, including
- Tooth Size Discrepancies
- Missing teeth
- Smaller teeth
- Irregular jaw sizes
- A finger-sucking habit
- Tongue thrusting
- Incorrect swallowing reflexes
While gaps in the teeth can be a cosmetic concern, they can also be a symptom of a serious oral health issue, such as advanced gum disease.
What Causes Gaps Between Your Child's Teeth?
Diastema can be concerning for both parents and children.
Most children have space between their baby teeth and have spaces between their teeth at the stage where both primary and adult teeth are present.
There are several causes of gaps between the teeth, including:
- Normal development
- Having small teeth
- The frenum (thin tissue connecting the upper lips to the upper gums)
Are Gaps Hereditary?
Sometimes, diastema is caused by hereditary characteristics such as small teeth, missing teeth, crowded teeth, and an oversized labial frenum.
If genetics is the cause, you may notice similar gaps among your family members.
The position of your tongue when you swallow may also have something to do with genetics.
If your tongue pushes against your front teeth rather than the roof of your mouth when swallowing, this pressure can gradually create or widen gaps over time.
Why Do I All Of A Sudden Have a Gap In My Teeth?
Typically, a sudden gap in your teeth is caused by tooth movement, which can happen due to:
- Orthodontic relapse: This happens when your teeth shift back into their original position if you haven't worn your retainer consistently.
- Gum disease: Medically known as periodontitis, gum disease can weaken the bone and tissues that support your teeth, resulting in gaps.
- Teeth Grinding: If you grind your teeth, the additional pressure can cause them to shift over time. Bite issues may have a similar result.
- Chipped teeth: Chips, erosion, and broken fillings can create a gap between the teeth.
If you notice a new gap, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible so they can determine the cause and offer effective treatment options to prevent further movement.
What Deficiencies Causes Teeth Gaps?
In certain cases, a gap in the teeth can be caused by underlying deficiencies or health conditions, such as:
- Malnutrition: Not getting enough nutrients can result in bone loss and weakened gums, increasing the likelihood of your teeth shifting.
- Vitamin C deficiency: If you're not getting enough vitamin C in your diet, you could experience a decrease in collagen production. This can result in weak connective tissues and not enough support for your teeth, leading to gaps.
- Vitamin D deficiency: A lack of calcium and vitamin D reduces your bone density, resulting in a weaker jawline and teeth that are prone to movement.
- Hormonal changes: Low oestrogen levels, often caused by menopause, can also contribute to less density in the jaw bone and shifting teeth.
- Hyperparathyroidism: When the calcium levels in your blood are too high, you can experience calcium loss in your bones, resulting in tooth mobility and permanent tooth gaps.
How To Close A Gap In Your Front Teeth?
The most effective way to close a gap in your front teeth depends on the underlying cause. Some of the most effective treatment options include:
| Treatment Name | Benefits For Someone With Diastema (Gaps In Teeth) | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth Restoration (Fibre Reinforced Composite) | When the gap is caused by a broken filling or missing tooth structure, the best course of action would be to close the space by placing a new tooth restoration. | €150 |
| Restoring Gum Health | If periodontal disease is the underlying cause, improving your gum health must come first. Professional treatment like scaling and root planing helps, while severe cases might require tissue regeneration procedures. | From €70 |
| Frenectomy | If the frenum is causing the diastema, other treatments may be unsuccessful without a frenectomy being performed first. | €350 |
| Orthodontic Treatment | Braces or Invisalign can help realign teeth and close gaps. To prevent your teeth from shifting back, remember to wear your retainer and listen to your orthodontist's aftercare instructions. | From €1,540 |
| Composite Bonding | Dental bonding techniques, like composite bonding, are great ways to close gaps quickly and effectively. However, composite resin can usually only be used to close small gaps. | From €275 Per Tooth |
| Dental bridge | A dental bridge may be the most effective treatment plan if your gap is caused by a missing tooth. However, you'll need to have healthy teeth on either side of the gap for this treatment to work. | €550 Per Tooth |
| Dental Implants | A dental implant (with a crown) is the most natural replacement for a missing tooth. | From €770 |
Cosmetic Treatments For Gaps Between Teeth
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Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance and aesthetics of your teeth and facial profile.
It also helps to improve the function and form of teeth.
We can treat and close gaps in teeth using one of our cosmetic dentistry treatments in our Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick or Galway clinics. Shauna Ward
Digital Smile Design
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Dr. Niall Vallely - Digital Smile Design
Digital Smile Design is a modern aesthetic dentistry technique that can reconstruct your smile digitally so you can see what the result of your treatment will look like before your treatment commences.
We use this innovative procedure to enhance the shape, size, colour, shade, length, and sometimes the alignment of your teeth, as well as levelling the smile line and closing gaps (diastema) between your teeth.
Dental Bonding
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Dr. Niall Vallely - Dental Cosmetic Bonding
Dental bonding is a standard cosmetic treatment used to close the gaps in your teeth.
In this technique, a highly-aesthetic composite resin material is added to the teeth to improve the colour and look of the teeth and to close small gaps between teeth and refine and upgrade the smile line.
This method is reversible, minimally invasive, quick and suitable for most patients.
Veneers
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Porcelain Veneers Explained - Porcelain Veneers
Another popular procedure for closing gaps between teeth is veneers. At 3Dental we offer a range of veneer treatment including
Dental veneers are made of porcelain and are permanently bonded to the front surface of the natural teeth.
Veneers are a perfect choice for closing small gaps and concealing irregularities.
What Are The Orthodontic Options For Closing A Gap Between Teeth?
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Orthodontic Treatments at 3Dental - Rayan Rehman
Our orthodontic dentists offer several treatment options for closing the gaps between teeth. The most standard orthodontic procedure is braces, since their primary function is to move teeth and change their alignment.
The main orthodontic options for diastema are:
- Conventional Braces: This standard orthodontic treatment helps close small gaps quickly. Your dentist will attach brackets to your teeth connected with a wire. By manipulating the tension on the wire, your teeth will move into the desired alignment.
- Clear Braces: Clear braces are similar to conventional train track braces with one difference; the brackets are ceramic. This transparent material makes the braces almost unnoticeable in the patient's mouth.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is an excellent treatment option for many patients with gaps in their teeth, as smaller spaces can be quickly closed with clear aligners.
How Fast Do Braces Close Gaps?
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The time it takes for braces to close the gaps in teeth depends upon several factors, including:
- The size of the space
- The number of gaps that need to be closed
- The patient's age
- The conditions of the gums
- As well as other factors
Smaller gaps can be closed within a few months, but most orthodontic treatments require 12 months or more to show the desired results. Dr. Paul O'Connell
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Do Gaps In Teeth Get Bigger With Age?
The causative factor of the gap will determine if the gaps in teeth will increase with age. Gum disease and other dental issues can cause the gaps between teeth to get bigger.
Can Gaps In Teeth Close Naturally?
In children, gaps in teeth can close naturally when baby teeth fall out and are replaced by adult teeth.
If the gaps in teeth do not close after the eruption of permanent teeth, then cosmetic or orthodontic intervention may be needed.
Are Gaps In Teeth Unhealthy?
Gaps in your teeth are not inherently unhealthy but can be problematic and detrimental to oral health. Diastema provides space for the accumulation of bacteria-causing food particles, making cleaning the teeth difficult. Dr. Niall Vallely
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These gaps cause problems with eating and make teeth more vulnerable to loss.
Additionally, gaps between teeth adversely affect the smile aesthetics and can impact a person's self-confidence.
Can I Close My Gap At Home?
In some situations, gaps between teeth or diastema can be closed using customized aligners or retainers at home. However, you will need to see a dentist in order to get the aligners.
In all cases, treatment planning by a dentist is required to treat diastema. In any situation, evaluation by a dentist is essential.
Is Diastema Preventable?
If the gap in your adult teeth is caused by genetics, then it isn't preventable, but you can still close the gap using various treatment options.
You can reduce your risk of infection-caused diastema by doing everything you can to prevent gum disease, including:
- Practicing proper oral health, like daily brushing and flossing. Remember to brush at the gum line.
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings.
- Visiting your dentist at the first sign of redness, swelling, or bleeding gums.
You should also make an effort to eat a balanced diet filled with all the nutrients and vitamins you need to prevent bone loss that can lead to the degradation of your natural teeth.
Next Steps
In most cases, diastema should not be cause for concern. Unless the gap in your teeth is the result of gum disease or gum recession, it shouldn't affect your oral health in any way.
A gap in your teeth could add character to your smile, giving you a unique look that stands out from the crowd.
However, if you feel as though your gap is impacting your confidence, there are plenty of minimally invasive cosmetic treatments that can close the gap and give you your dream smile.
Here at 3Dental, we are your trusted experts when it comes to diastema treatments.
Whether you require composite bonding, a dental implant, or porcelain veneers, we can offer professional advice regarding the best options for your specific concerns.
We invite you to visit any of our dental clinics, so feel free to make an appointment at our branches in Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick and Galway and look forward to meeting you in person!
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