Diastema is a clinical term for a gap between teeth. These gaps can occur anywhere in the mouth, but the most common one is between the upper two front teeth. This gap is also called the midline Diastema.
They can be found in children and adults. In children, gaps between teeth are normal in their primary dentition and usually close when their permanent teeth come through.
While these gaps are not harmful or affect oral health negatively, they can affect your smile and facial aesthetics. This is why most people seek closure of their Diastema.
Let’s learn more about the causes of Diastema and the best way to treat them to restore a confident smile.
Causes of Diastema
Several reasons can result in a diastema. Here are the most common ones:
Genetics influences the development of a diastema. If one or both parents have gaps in their teeth, their children are more likely to have them, too. In some cases, Diastema may form when the individual inherits a small tooth size from one parent and a larger jaw size from the other. This gives rise to spacing issues.
In people with gum disease, inflammation spreads to the underlying tissues, including the bone that supports the teeth. This results in teeth becoming looser and tending to drift away, creating gaps. Tooth migration is a classic sign of advanced gum disease.
When a tooth or few teeth are missing, they must be replaced in time. If not, the adjacent teeth move into the gaps, resulting in Diastema.
Children may develop temporary diastemas when their primary or milk teeth fall out before time, and the permanent successor hasn’t erupted yet.
The labial frenum is a tissue that connects the upper lip to the gums between the upper front two teeth. When this frenum is excessively thick or placed too way down, it causes a gap between the upper to front teeth, giving rise to a Midline Diastema.
Habits like tongue thrusting, prolonged thumb-sucking, lip sucking, and others put excess pressure on the front teeth, often pushing them forward. This forward inclination results in diastemas between the upper and lower front teeth.
Treatment options for Diastema
If you have noticed a developing Diastema or it is making you increasingly conscious when meeting people at social events, it is time to mind the gap! Diastemas are treatable, and there are several ways to treat them!
Orthodontic treatment with braces and clear aligners are the two most common and effective ways to treat Diastema. Braces are metallic or ceramic clips with a wire that apply continuous pressure on the teeth to move them into the proper position.
Clear aligners are new-age braces that are transparent trays which need to be worn on the upper and lower teeth to move them into position. Since the trays are nearly invisible when worn, they are a crowd favourite when it comes to orthodontic treatment.
Explain how veneers can provide a cosmetic solution to diastema.
If you are unsure about the time commitment that orthodontic treatment requires and want a quick fix for your Diastema, you can opt for dental veneers.
However, not every Diastema can be corrected with a veneer. When the tooth gap is minor (<2 mm) and localised, the cosmetic may recommend dental veneers after removing any underlying causative factors.
After closing the gap, cosmetic teeth whitening can take your smile to the next level. Brightening your teeth enhances the uniformity of your smile, giving it a radiant, polished finish. At Hortman Clinics, recognized as one of the best cosmetic clinics in Dubai for both skin and teeth, we offer a complete transformation experience. Our expert cosmetic dentists provide teeth whitening services to give your smile the perfect final touch, enhancing your new, gap-free look. Whether you're focused on rejuvenating your skin or achieving a flawless smile, Hortman Clinics delivers personalized, premium care to help you feel confident and beautiful.
The importance of addressing Diastema
Wondering if you should really go ahead with closing those gaps in your teeth? Well, there are several benefits of addressing a Diastema:
Having gaps in teeth can steal your confidence and prevent you from smiling to your heart’s content. Closing gaps improves your smile and facial appearance and, in turn, boosts your confidence.
- Discuss potential issues with speech or bite that may arise from untreated diastema.
Besides aesthetic improvements, Diastema closure also offers functional benefits, such as
- Improved teeth alignment
- Improved bite
- Enhanced speech
- Prevents shifting of teeth
- Reduced risk of food lodgement in the gaps and, therefore, lower risk of gum problems
- Efficient chewing
Key Takeaway!
Diastemais more common than most people are aware of and can impact both aesthetics and dental function. Thankfully, there are many treatment options are available to close these gaps depending on your specific needs. While these solutions can improve your smile and oral health, you must always consult a cosmetic dentist for personalised advice. Need help with Diastema closure? Meet our expert cosmetic dentist at Hortman Clinics, Dubai, for a consultation and reclaim your confident smile today. Book Now!
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