How Do Dentists Close Gaps in Teeth?

Many people have a large gap between their teeth, also known as a diastema. It is a common thing, and a lot of people do not have an issue with it, but others prefer to close that gap between their front teeth.

Is that something your dentist can help you with?

Let's find out! 

What Is Diastema?

As we said before, a diastema is a space gap between two teeth, usually between the two front teeth. It can happen between any set of teeth, but because of its position, it is most noticeable when it is between the two front teeth.

What Causes It? 

Diastema is not caused by just one thing, but there can be different causes to it. Sometimes there is no dental issue related to it, it is just a normal growth in the child’s teeth. Other causes of diastema are:

• An incorrect swallowing reflex in children, also known as tongue thrusting. This is when the tongue pushes against the front teeth when swallowing, but the correct way to do it is to push on the roof of the mouth.

• Teeth that are smaller than usual also cause diastema.

• Gum disease can also be a cause as it affects the tissue and bone that supports the teeth.

• A disproportionate ratio between the jaw and teeth size can also cause diastema.

Treatment Options 

When someone decides to treat diastema, it's usually more because of aesthetic reasons, as this condition is harmless to oral health. There are several treatment options for it:

• Dental veneers: These thin shells are placed on the surface of your teeth, and they can reshape, close gaps, or fix stained or discolored teeth;

• Dental bonding: This works similar to veneers, a procedure that covers the exterior part of the tooth helping to close the gap or reshape teeth;

• Invisalign: This is an orthodontic treatment that fixes mild to moderate alignment issues. If you also have a misalignment that could benefit from orthodontic treatment, Invisalign can be a good option.

• Dental crowns: This treatment option is ideal if your teeth are too small, damaged, or decayed. They are caps that cover the entire tooth, and they are designed to look just like natural teeth, and also serve as protection for your teeth. 

As you can see, there are different treatment options for diastema and your best choice will depend on your current oral health and what benefits the treatment can bring to your oral health. You can discuss all these factors with your dentist to establish the best treatment plan for your specific needs. 

Do You Want to Correct Your Smile? Get in Touch with Scarsdale Smiles!

At Scarsdale Smiles, we pride ourselves on our stellar services and our friendly staff. 

We also strive to educate our patients on their dental needs and help them achieve a lifetime of optimal oral health.

You can always get in touch with us and schedule an appointment where our Scarsdale dentist will evaluate your current needs and help you find the best solution for you.