It’s not uncommon for a gap between the front two teeth in some patients, a condition known as a diastema. The gap size can vary between small and relatively unnoticeable to large enough to be a source of embarrassment for some patients. Some people, like celebrity Michael Strahan, embrace their gaps and make them part of their identity. If you’re among those who prefer not to have a gap between their teeth, treatments are available to eliminate them. Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City provides a range of treatments to eliminate diastema.
There is any number of things that can cause a diastema to appear. One of the most common is an incorrect swallowing reflex in children, known as “tongue thrusting.” This reflex involves pressing the tongue against the front teeth when swallowing. This intermittent but consistent habit can slowly cause the teeth to move out of position, causing improper bite and gaps, known as diastema. Other causes include one or more teeth in the front of the mouth being undersized, which can happen with various medical conditions. Lip ties can also cause tooth gaps. The term lip-tie refers to a condition where the connecting tissue between the front lips and gums, known as the frenulum, is unusually large.
Treatments For Addressing Diastema at Aesthetic Dentistry
Diastema is generally harmless, though it can make some people self-conscious about their appearance. Thankfully, proper dental care can reverse these gaps in your teeth. The following options are available for treating diastema at Aesthetic Dentistry of Palm City:
- Porcelain Veneers – These thin porcelain shells can fit over your teeth, improving their appearance by altering their shape. The anterior (front) teeth size can be improved and reshaped to obscure the gap permanently.
- Dental Bonding – Dental bonding materials comprise a mix of resin and glass particles that give a natural appearance when used in dentistry. These materials can be used to close the gap between your teeth and address other minor concerns such as cracking, chipping, and minor misalignment as well.,
- Dental Crowns – Crowns are an option for front teeth that are particularly small, decayed, or damaged, resulting in a diastema. The end result is indistinguishable from your regular teeth, durable, and long-lasting.
- Invisalign – These clear aligners are an orthodontic approach to addressing misaligned teeth, gaps, and malocclusion (poor bite). They’re effective in treating a broad range of dental health problems that are mild to moderate in nature. Severe orthodontic concerns often require traditional braces to address.
These are the four options that are most often utilized in treating the presence of diastema.
Discover Your Options For Diastema Elimination With Us
Reach out to our clinic in Palm City, FL, by calling (772) 283-8350 today! We’ll arrange for an appointment with Dr. Tom or Shannon Galinis. During your visit, you’ll undergo a comprehensive dental exam and consultation. Following the exam, you’ll discuss treatment options for diastema with your provider and develop a treatment plan that will make sure there are no holes in your smile.
