Don’t we all love a pretty smile and a perfect tooth-line? Just a small gap between the teeth and that glorious smile is flawed!
Diastema or gaps in teeth are pretty common for all age groups, and while some people may think adult braces are the only option, we bring you plenty more.
Could your smile still be salvaged after your teeth develop gaps in between them? Our Angel Orthodontics experts tell us about diastema, its causes and answers to all the questions that our curious minds could come up with.
What Is Diastema?
Diastema is the development of a space or a gap between the teeth, which can form anywhere in the mouth. This condition affects all age groups and can be noticeable in between the upper two incisors.
What Causes Diastema?
It’s hard to pinpoint at one cause of diastema, as there are several contributing factors like:
- Bad habits among kids like sucking their thumb put a pulling pressure on the front teeth.
- An overgrowth of the tissue bordering the gum-line and the two upper front teeth causes a slight separation.
- If a person’s teeth are too small for their jawbone.
- A genetic condition that runs in the family and depends on your jawbone and teeth.
- Incorrect swallowing reflexes or tongue thrust on the upper teeth while swallowing.
- Inflammation, infected or damaged gums and tissues that support the teeth.
What Is A Peg Lateral?
Sometimes the second incisor in the upper jaw doesn’t develop properly and remains small & pointy in shape. This is when gaps may develop on either side of the teeth causing a diastema as well.
What are the Treatments of Diastema?
It’s important to know what type of diastema you have before you begin the treatment of diastema. A gap in the upper teeth is called a median or midline diastema and the gap in the lower teeth is called mandibular diastema.
A professional orthodontist would recommend you with two options for your condition- treatment with braces or without.
Treatment with Braces
Traditional Braces
The position of the diastema teeth can be adjusted, and the gap can be closed if it is considered a large gap using traditional braces. You’ll need to wait for all adult teeth to develop before considering this treatment option.
Invisalign
If metal braces are not your choice then you could use invisible braces like Invisalign as they are clear aligners and barely noticeable.
Treatment Without Braces
Porcelain Veneers
In case of a smaller gap, your dentist will fix a thin porcelain cover/cap on top of the natural teeth in the middle to hide gaps.
Composite Bonding
In composite bonding, a composite ‘tooth-coloured’ resin is sculpted into the appropriate shape or size. This composite resin is used to cover the gaps between the front incisors.
Smile – diastema is treatable
You will have to identify the type and magnitude of your diastema by consulting our experienced orthodontist before you choose the treatment procedure. 25.6% of people choose the Invisalign braces, mostly due to its ability to remain unnoticeable.
If you do plan on spending a significant amount of money on the treatment, then go for something that makes you feel more comfortable and provides the confidence to flaunt your smile. And don’t worry, you can pay your orthodontic treatment in installments with our 0% finance plan.