Is there a gap between your front teeth? This is what dentists refer to as a “diastema.” The good news is that this isn’t usually harmful and doesn’t require any treatment. However, a lot of people are self-conscious about their appearance when their teeth don’t come together in the front. Read on to learn more about diastemas, why they happen, and what you can use about them.

What Causes Diastemas?

There are multiple reasons why a diastema may occur. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Undersized Teeth: If you have smaller-than-average teeth, this can leave you with spaces between them.
• Oversized Labial Frenum: This is the tissue that extends from the inside of your upper lip to the gum tissue around your front teeth. If this tissue is large, it can cause a gap between the teeth.
• Tooth Loss: When a tooth is missing, the other teeth shift around to fill the gap. This can mean developing spaces in other areas of the mouth.
• Gum Disease: If you have advanced gum disease, your teeth could be migrating. This can cause gaps to open between the teeth. If you don’t have this treated timely, you could experience tooth loss.
• Bad Habits: If you sucked your thumb too late into childhood, it could have resulted in a diastema.

How Can Diastemas Be Fixed?

In most cases, diastemas are harmless However, if you aren’t happy with the appearance of your smile, there are options out there to correct it. Here are some of the most common:

• Veneers: When teeth are undersized, veneers are an excellent solution to make them appear larger and make noticeable gaps smaller. These thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain are placed over the front-facing surfaces of the teeth to mask imperfections, including gaps!
• Composite Bonding: If you have a small gap between your teeth, composite bonding is an affordable solution. For this treatment, your dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to your tooth before molding and polishing it to a perfect finish.
• Gum Disease Treatment: If you have gum disease, you will need to have it treated to stop the infection and prevent further issues. Afterward, you can discuss cosmetic options to minimize the gap between your front teeth.

Diastemas aren’t usually something you need to worry about, but disliking the appearance of your teeth is also a valid reason to seek dental treatment. You deserve a smile that makes you feel confident!

About the Author

Dr. Bradford G. Young is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School and is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Lehigh Valley Dental Society. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (610) 439-1363.