What is Diastema?

Diastema is simply a gap between two teeth, which is wider than normal. It can develop between any two teeth, but it is most prominent when it is between the two front teeth. Treatment is not necessary for medical reasons, but treatment is done for cosmetic reasons due to how the gap affects one’s smile. There are a number of causes for diastema, and there are different treatment options if one decides to correct the diastema.

The Number of Different Causes of Diastema

There are several factors which may contribute to diastemas. The most common cause for this gap is genetics, and sometimes diastemas run in families. The gaps can form when the teeth are small compared to the size of the jawbone. Another cause can be from an overgrowth of soft tissue where your two upper front teeth border your gum line, which can result in the separation of the two teeth. Some habits can also result in diastemas. Thumb sucking in small children can put pressure on the front teeth resulting in them pulling forward and resulting in a larger gap. Less commonly, diastemas can develop in older children from incorrect swallowing reflexes. This happens when the tongue presses against the front teeth when swallowing instead of positioning itself against the roof of the mouth. Another possible cause is gum disease. As gum disease advances, tissue inflammation damages the gums and the tissue supporting the teeth. This can also lead to diastemas.

The Different Treatment Approaches

As mentioned earlier, medical treatment is not necessary to correct diastema since it is simply cosmetic with no pending medical issues. The most common treatment for diastema is wearing orthodontic braces. Brackets are cemented to the teeth, an arch wire is placed on the brackets, and pressure is used to slowly move the teeth which will close the unwanted gap. If you are not a fan of wearing braces, you can choose to address the gap with a dental bonding procedure. The dentist uses a tooth-colored composite and applies it to the two teeth, shaping and sculpting to close the gap. Another option is to add porcelain veneers to those two teeth, closing the gap. If the gap is the result of advancing gum disease you must receive treatment to stop the infection first, then address the gap.

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