If you have a gap between your two front teeth, you are not alone. You can find it in many people on the street or even in the stars of blockbuster movies. Some people find them appealing in others. But also like many others, you would rather that space disappear. While the condition is harmless on its own, it is easily treatable with common dental procedures. Read on to find out more about these gaps and what can be done for people who want to close them.
What Causes Gaps Between the Front Teeth?
In many cases, a gap between the two front teeth, also called diastema, is genetic and can run in families. There are many reasons why a person might have one. Sometimes the teeth are too small to close the gap between them. If the teeth next to the two front ones are small or missing, this can cause the space in the middle to widen as they migrate away from one another. The labial frenum is the tissue extending from the upper lip into the gum. If a labial frenum is large enough, it can create a opening between the front teeth.
In other cases, diastema can be a result of the environment. During swallowing, the tongue exerts pressure on the roof of the mouth. If the tongue is pressed against the front teeth instead, this pressure can force these teeth outward, creating a space. Habits like thumb sucking, lip sucking, and tongue thrusting can have a similar effect. In some cases, tooth migration resulting from gum disease can spread the front teeth apart from one another.
Children often have temporary diastemas after the loss of baby teeth. These spaces usually close when permanent teeth come in. Dentists consider this normal and it usually requires no treatment.
How Can I Close the Gap Between My Teeth?
Treating a diastema is usually unnecessary, but some people would prefer to have their teeth together. There are a few ways to accomplish this.
Veneers
Veneers are thin shells typically made of porcelain that imitate the color, luster, and shape of natural teeth. The dentist permanently cements these to the surface of the teeth, covering imperfections and closing gaps.
Dental Bonding
During a dental bonding procedure, the dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to the teeth, shaping it to fill in imperfections like cracks, chips, or gaps. The dentist then hardens the resin with a light source.
Invisalign
Orthodontic methods like Invisalign are often used to close gaps between teeth. By using a custom-made sequence of virtually invisible aligner trays, Invisalign gradually shifts the teeth into better alignment.
While diastema is of no real medical concern, there is also no reason to forgo having it corrected if that is your preference. Your dentist is more than capable of the task and would be exceedingly happy to help you toward your ideal smile.
About the Author
Dr. Annie Yu earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 2006. She has since pursued an intensive postgraduate residency program at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. She has practiced dental medicine for over fifteen years, keeping abreast in the latest dental methods and technology. If you are interested in treating the gap between your front teeth, contact her online or dial (240) 332-1599.