Posted on May 07, 2024
Diastema – or gaps between the teeth is a common condition. In fact, for many celebrities such as Madonna, Eddie Murphy, and Anna Paquin, having a small gap between their front two teeth has practically become part of their personal brand.
Sometimes, however, gaps between teeth can be problematic and have a negative impact on one’s self-esteem or even dental health. Here is what you need to know about the causes and treatments for diastema.
What causes gaps between the teeth?
There are many possible factors that can contribute to gaps developing between one’s teeth. In some instances, gaps may develop if the teeth or jawbone fail to grow properly and are incorrectly sized. For example, if the teeth are too small, relatively even-sized gaps can develop between all the teeth.
In the case of a single gap between the two front teeth, this is typically caused by an overgrowth of the labial frenum – the tissue that connects the upper gum to the back of the upper lip. When this tissue grows downward, it can cause a gap between the front two teeth.
Other causes of single gaps include thumb sucking and tongue thrusting during childhood. These habits – especially while the teeth are developing during childhood and done for an extended period of time – can cause the teeth to shift enough to create gaps.
What are the risks of having gaps between your teeth?
In addition to affecting your self-confidence, gaps can cause other issues with your dental health. Left untreated, gaps may allow your teeth to continue to shift until your bite is misaligned. And a misaligned bite can eventually lead to chipped and cracked teeth caused by the chewing forces of your mouth.
Additionally, gaps could put you at a higher risk for infection as food particles might more easily get caught between your teeth and promote the growth of bacteria. With greater bacterial activity in your mouth, you could be more prone to gum disease and tooth decay.
In the most extreme cases, bacteria in your mouth could get into your bloodstream and impact your overall health, raising the risk of conditions like heart disease and organ damage.
What treatments are available for gaps between the teeth?
Generally, your dentist will recommend one or more of the following three treatments:
- Braces/Clear Aligners – These can shift the teeth to close small gaps. Although this is a treatment that tends to work best during childhood, adult treatments can also be effective at reducing gaps.
- Bonding – Bonding is a treatment in which your dentist will add material (a tooth-coloured composite) to your teeth to improve their size and appearance while reducing spacing.
- Veneers – This is another treatment method that adds material to teeth, but it involves placing very thin layers of porcelain over the surface of the teeth to make them appear more uniform. Veneers come with a higher price tag than bonding but will also last longer.
Contact Stoney Creek Dental today
If you have concerns about gaps between your or your child’s teeth, call us today to make an appointment with one of our dentists to have an examination and receive recommendations about the best course of treatment.