An Orthodontist Answers Gaps in Teeth FAQs

An orthodontist can help you to close up abnormal spaces between your teeth. The condition is termed diastema, and it ruins the appearance of your smile. Large spaces between teeth are normal for children, but these spaces normally close up as their remaining teeth erupt.

Spaces between an adult’s teeth can be the result of an orthodontic problem. Some people choose to leave them unaddressed, particularly if it only affects their front teeth. An orthodontist can help those who would rather have the gap closed.

Our orthodontist answers FAQs about gaps between teeth

Dealing with a large space between your teeth? Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have:

1. What causes diastema?

There are various reasons why a person might develop an abnormal space between their teeth. In some cases, it might result from their jaw being too big, while others develop the condition due to their teeth being too small. Genetics often plays a role in the size of a person’s jaw and teeth, so the condition might be hereditary. Gum disease can also lead to spaces forming between teeth since it damages bone and gum structures in the mouth. Habits like tongue-thrusting and thumb-sucking can also lead to diastema.

2. What occurs if I don’t get the gap between my teeth fixed?

For the most part, nothing. Spaces between a child’s teeth typically close up by the time all their adult teeth emerge. Most people who seek treatment for diastema that affects their front teeth typically do so for cosmetic reasons. However, gaps between posterior teeth can turn into a food trap, making the teeth surrounding them more vulnerable to decay.

3. How does an orthodontist treat diastema?

There are a variety of treatment options that can lead to diastema. Treatments are usually recommended based on the root cause of the patient’s condition. Some of the ways a dentist might opt to address a large space between a patient’s teeth include:

• Orthodontic appliances: Diastema caused by poor teeth alignment can be fixed with orthodontic devices like braces. These devices exert pressure on the patient’s teeth, slowly pushing them into a better position and closing up abnormal spaces between them. Treatment times with these devices can be anywhere from 12 to 36 months
• Composite bonding: Gaps between teeth can be closed up by applying composite resin to the area. The composite can be used to increase the bulk of the two teeth closest to the gap, closing it up. It is a non-invasive procedure that is completed during a single dental visit
• Crowns: Dental crowns can be used to provide a more permanent cosmetic fix for diastema. The two teeth closest to the gap have oversized crowns placed on them, closing up the space between them. It provides a long-term solution that can last for up to 25 years