What Is Diastema?
Small or large gaps between two teeth is known as a diastema. This spacing can appear anywhere in the mouth, but is most commonly found between the upper incisors. A common condition found in both children and adults, gapped teeth are not typically harmful to your oral health, but may cause numerous problems if left untreated. Many patients also want to close the spaces in their teeth for aesthetic purposes. Skip to:
Diastema causes
The gaps between your teeth can be attributed to many different factors, some of which are out of your control. Let’s go into more detail.
CauseExplanation
Genetics
This plays a large role in how your teeth and jawbone develops. If diastemas are common in your family, it is quite likely that you will develop the condition.
In some cases, diastema is the result of gum disease. The harmful condition weakens the gums, tissues and bones in the mouth, causing teeth to drift.
If you lose a tooth due to dental injury and do not fill the gap left behind, the surrounding teeth may gradually begin to move into that space.
This excessive clenching and grinding places pressure on the teeth, causing them to flare outwards or become displaced.
As mentioned earlier, when a tooth is missing, its neighbouring teeth gradually move towards the space to try and fill it, leaving gaps in the mouth.
Childhood habits
Thumb sucking and tongue thrusting are just two examples of childhood habits that affect the formation of teeth. Both are recognised to contribute to diastema.
The frenulum
When the labial frenulum (the tissue that connects the lips to the gums) is too large, a gap may be created between the upper front teeth.
Size mismatch of the teeth and jawbone
Patients with teeth that are too small, or a jaw that is too big, often experience spacing issues in the mouth. This size difference is commonly genetic.
Abnormal swallowing reflex
The tongue is supposed to press against the roof of the mouth, not the teeth, when you swallow. Patients who do the latter can develop a gap between the front teeth.
Gaps are very common in younger children and teens as their jawbones and teeth fully develop. Additionally, as we age, factors such as gum recession increase the risk of tooth migration.
So, is a diastema normal? Yes! Research suggests that 1.6 – 25.4% of people in the UK have this condition (1).
Should I fix my diastema?
Diastema treatment is not essential. If you decide against closing the gaps in your mouth though, you are susceptible to numerous oral health issues. These include:
- Gum disease
- Speech problems
- Difficulties when chewing and biting
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders
- Bad breath
- Smile misalignment
We recommend attending regular routine check-ups with your dentist to make sure your teeth and gums are in a good condition.
How can you prevent diastema?
There are multiple ways you may prevent diastema. One of the best ways in which you can do this is by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. By brushing and flossing regularly, you are able to remove food particles and bacteria between the teeth. This subsequently minimises the risk of gum disease. If you lose a tooth, we recommend filling the space to prevent the migration of your existing teeth. Dental implants are a great solution. Additionally, try to break habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and bruxism that are placing pressure onto your teeth. It is also important that you do not avoid the dentist! Adults should attend two routine check-ups and two hygienist appointments every year for a deep clean. Treatments like GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) are great for removing plaque, tartar and bacteria from the gaps in your teeth.
Diastema treatment options
Closing the gap in your teeth is easy thanks to the wide range of dental procedures available at Yorkshire Dental Suite.
- Clear aligners: A type of orthodontic device, clear aligners work similarly to fixed braces, exerting pressure onto the teeth in order to move them into their correct position. Aligners are designed to be lightweight, discreet and effective, with some YDS patients achieving their dream smile in four months (or less!).
- Nanofill Composite Bonding®: Our exclusive treatment offers a cosmetic fix. Also known as composite veneers, Nanofill™ disguises the appearance of small gaps, as well as chips, cracks and discolouration, with a durable resin. With proper care, your new, perfect teeth can last up to eight years.
- Dental veneers: Another way to fill the spaces in your smile is with porcelain veneers. This procedure is a long-term diastema solution, providing 15 years of wear or more. The treatment gives you a beautifully uniform, white smile while simultaneously addressing years of wear and tear.
Teeth whitening is the perfect accompaniment to each of the aforementioned options. Something to note is that, once your composite or porcelain veneers have been fitted, you cannot whiten your teeth; therefore, we recommend doing this treatment first.
FAQs
Have questions about diastema? We are here to answer them. If your query hasn’t been addressed below, do not hesitate to contact us. We will answer all of your questions as best as possible.
What is the cheapest way to close the gap in your teeth?
According to our patient data, we have found that our patients typically opt for six porcelain veneers (£5,370) or eight composite veneers (£3960). In comparison, clear aligners can cost anywhere between £2,750 and £4,995. Therefore, the cheapest way to close the gap in your teeth is with Nanofill Composite Bonding® or aligners.
Can diastema affect speech?
Yes. This is because gaps in the mouth affect the way that air flows between the teeth. A diastema can also alter the tongue’s natural position in the mouth, leading to speech difficulties.
Why are my teeth spacing apart as I get older?
As we age, our gums recede and our jawbone naturally deteriorates. Consequently, our teeth become less supported and begin to shift in the mouth. If you notice the gaps in your teeth widening, contact your dentist – this may be a sign of gum disease.
Who are some celebrities with diastema teeth?
Aimee Lou Wood, star of popular TV programmes Sex Education and The White Lotus, has recently championed the gap between her two front teeth and spoken out about the harsh criticism she has received because of it. Other famous examples include Madonna, Dakota Johnson, Anna Paquin, Laurence Fishburne and Mike Tyson. Conclusion: If you are experiencing oral health issues or low confidence as a result of your diastema, book a consultation with Yorkshire Dental Suite. We will identify the most suitable treatment and give you a healthy, confident smile. References:
- https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(14)62816-6/fulltext