Gaps between the teeth are known as diastemas in the dental world. The most common place that gaps occur is in the upper front teeth, but this isn’t the only place a diastema can show up.
There are a number of factors behind gaps between teeth. A difference in the size between upper and lower jawbones is a key factor. The size of teeth also plays a role. Teeth that are too large for the jaw will create crowding while teeth that are too small will create spaces and gaps.
Misshapen or undersized teeth can lead to diastema, as can habits such as thumbsucking and incorrect swallowing reflexes, both of which push the upper teeth forward and create gaps. Gaps between teeth caused by either of these habits will expand over time, meaning they are more easily treatable than natural gaps.
Without treatment, gaps caused by natural factors will remain at a similar size over the course of a lifetime – meaning dental intervention is the only way to remove or reduce the gaps.
The best way to prevent gaps from occurring between teeth is to maintain a comprehensive dental health regime. Periodontal disease is a huge risk factor when it comes to gaps between teeth, so regular brushing and flossing is the best way to avoid any bone loss. Obviously, breaking bad habits such as bruxism and thumbsucking are important steps in keeping perfectly spaced teeth.
However, if you have gaps in your teeth that are keeping you from feeling your confident, perfect best dhealth have the answers you have been looking for.
Our Treatments For Closing the Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between teeth can be caused by a variety of underlying problems. For some patients, diastema may be the result of chronic periodontal disease while for others it may just be an annoyance as the result of a single misshapen tooth.
The one thing that all cases of diastema have in common is they cause an abnormal bite and this can be a serious dental problem. There are a number of ways to treat an abnormal bite and close the gaps between your teeth including:
- Braces: this is perhaps the most common way to treat spacing and crowding. It involves the use of metal or Invisalign braces to mould the teeth into the correct shape. Once the shape has been achieved the bite will be correct and the gaps between the teeth will disappear. Plates or mouthguards may be suggested for less severe cases.
- Crowns and Veneers: If your lateral incisors are too small you may suffer from gaps as well as other issues caused by an abnormal bite. Crowns and veneers are an incredibly effective form of treatment for this issue, as they serve to widen the teeth and eliminate the gaps.
- Implants, Bridges and Partial Dentures: In severe cases, gaps are caused by the absence of a tooth. In this case implants, bridges and partial dentures can help to alleviate the aesthetic problem this causes as well as keep the remaining teeth healthy and strong by restoring the functionality of the bite.
- Periodontal Treatment: If bone loss as a result of gum disease is the cause of the gaps the gum disease must be treated first. After the gum disease has been addressed the methods listed above can be used to cover the gaps and restore the bite.
Why Treat Gaps Between Your Teeth
Even slight abnormalities can cause serious problems. Teeth are simply unable to be fully-functional unless they are properly aligned. These problems run from aesthetic issues all the way to serious health problems. They include:
- Lack of confidence in appearance due to facial appearance, i.e. underbite, overbite, buck-teeth
- Increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease as spacing and crowding makes cleaning difficult
- Pain as a result of frequent biting of the tongue and cheeks
- Cracked and worn teeth due to increased contact as a result of misalignment
- Problems with speech including the development of a lisp
- Snoring and sleep apnea as abnormal bite makes nose breathing impossible
Contact dhealth Dentistry Today
Contacting dhealth Dentistry in Melbourne couldn’t be easier. You can:
- Call us on 03 9882 6938
- Email us at info@dhealth.com.au
- Complete our quick and easy online contact form
- Pop in and see us at 257 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Melbourne