Distance Between the Teeth
Diastema refers to a gap or open space between teeth. These gaps can form anywhere in the mouth. But sometimes they are visible between the two front teeth in the upper jaw. This condition affects both adults and children. In children, the gap between the teeth may disappear as soon as their permanent teeth erupt and grow.
The distance between some teeth is small and hardly noticeable, while some teeth may be too far apart and the space between them is easily visible. If you do not like the distance between your teeth and you have problems with it, you can get rid of these gaps with the help of orthodontic methods and treatments and achieve a wonderful smile and appearance for yourself.
What are the causes of gaps between teeth? Why do teeth separate?
Diastema has various causes and can lead to some problems. In some people, creating gaps between teeth depends on two main factors:
The size of the teeth
Size of jaw bones
But in general, when a person’s teeth are smaller than normal, there will definitely be a gap between the teeth. The size of your teeth and jawbone is determined by factors such as genetics. Therefore, diastema can be a genetic and familial condition.
In some cases, overgrowth of gingival tissue in the front of the jaw can cause large gaps between teeth. When this tissue returns to normal, the space between the teeth becomes empty.
Some bad habits may also cause gaps between the teeth. Children who suck their thumb may develop diastema. The nature of sucking is such that it puts pressure on the front teeth. Eventually, the teeth move forward and a considerable distance is created between them.
In older children and adults, diastema can be caused by incorrect swallowing reflexes. Normally, when swallowing food, the tongue should not put pressure on the teeth. But in some people, this wrong habit occurs frequently by mistake, which causes gaps and gaps between the front teeth. This bad habit may sound like a swallowing reaction, but it is harmful to the teeth and can even cause malocclusion.
Diastema can also be caused by periodontitis and gum disease. In this disease, the gums become inflamed and infected. If periodontitis is not treated, it can damage tooth tissue as well as gums.
Periodontitis can cause the tooth to loosen, fall out, and eventually create too much space between the teeth. Symptoms of gum disease include red and swollen gums, loose teeth, bleeding gums, and receding gums.
Treatment of diastema
Depending on the type and the main cause of the gap between the teeth, treatment of this problem may be necessary or there is no need for treatment. In many people, diastema is just a cosmetic problem and does not indicate a specific problem, such as a gum infection.
The use of orthodontic braces is a common method for treating and correcting diastoma. Braces have wires and brackets that press against the teeth to gently push them together and close the gap between the teeth. Different types of braces can easily solve this problem.
If you do not want to use orthodontic braces, you can talk to your orthodontist about other treatment options to fill the gap between the teeth.
Laminates or the use of dental bonding can be other options than braces to help close the gap and diastole. These methods use tooth-colored composites that can fill gaps or be placed on teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. This method is also very useful for covering permanent discoloration of teeth or cracking of tooth enamel.
If you have lost one of your teeth, you can use a dental bridge to fill in the gaps between your teeth.
If the tissue in your upper and front gums has grown too much and caused a gap between your front teeth, your dentist will help repair the diastole by removing the extra tissue. You may need braces to close gaps and large gaps completely.
If the dentist determines that the main cause of the gap between the teeth or their loosening is a gum infection, you should treat the gum infection before you consider closing the gap.
Treatments for gum disease vary. But it may involve removing plaque and tartar in the space between the teeth and gums. Serious gum disease or periodontitis may require gingival surgery for treatment. Surgery can also help regenerate gum tissue or damaged jaw bone.
