A gap between the two front teeth is called a diastema, and it is not a pressing dental concern. It can appear in both children and adults and is perfectly harmless. If a child has one, it will usually close when the permanent teeth come in. However, some people would like to close this gap for purely aesthetic reasons. Here’s what your cosmetic dentist can do to fix your diastema if that is your preference.
What Can Cause a Diastema?
A diastema may occur simply because the teeth are small in relation to other teeth or the jawbone, causing them to not completely fill all the space in a single row. The labial frenum is the tissue extending from the gum above the upper front teeth to the inside of the upper lip, and a person with an especially large one can develop a gap between their front teeth as a result. The causes of these can be genetic, leading diastemas to run in families.
Diastemas can also be caused by habits like thumb-sucking, tongue thrusting, or an incorrect swallowing reflex. In other cases, they can be caused by teeth shifting due to injury or gum disease.
How Can a Dentist Fix a Diastema?
Modern cosmetic dentistry has several ways to fill in a gap between the two front teeth. A few of them are:
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a common repair procedure that is frequently performed in a few minutes at routine dental exams. Your dentist will apply a color-matched composite resin to your teeth and then shape it so it fills the gap between them while matching your smile’s natural contours. They will then harden the material with a special light. This whole procedure involves no anesthesia or downtime, and can also be used to correct cracks, chips, and stains.
Veneers
Veneers can provide a long-lasting solution to your diastema in as few as two appointments. Your dentist will apply a local anesthetic before shaving off a tiny amount of enamel from your two front teeth. They will then take bite impressions before cementing temporary veneers in place. A lab will use these impressions to create permanent veneers customized to match your teeth. At your next appointment, your dentist will cement these permanent veneers in place, closing the gap in a manner that can last for up to fifteen years or more.
Medically, a diastema is nothing to worry about, but if you think you’d look better without it, cosmetic dentistry can address the issue. Consulting with your dentist will determine which procedure is the best for creating your ideal smile.
About the Author
Dr. Toufeek Dabah earned his dental degree at Midwestern University in Downers Grove and regularly takes continuing education courses to stay up to date with the latest developments in the dental field. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Chicago Dental Society, and the Illinois State Dental Society. His office in Schaumburg, IL offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers and dental bonding. To learn more about how a dentist can fix a diastema, contact the office online or dial (847) 882-8387.