How to Fix the Gap Between Teeth?

Actress Anna Paquin, former football player Michael Strahan and singers Elton John and Madonna all have something in common.

Yes, you guessed correct, gapped teeth.

Gap teeth are common; some are small and barely noticeable, whereas others are large and get in the way.

Fortunately, gap teeth can be corrected, and this article teaches you how.

Effect of Gap Teeth

Gap teeth, also known as diastema, refer to the space between the teeth.

This space can form anywhere in the teeth, but they are mainly formed between the front teeth.

Gap teeth can cause improper biting, leading to broken or chipped teeth. They can also trap food, thus causing issues with the gums.

Besides, gappy teeth create pockets between the teeth and gums, making the gums sore and tender and even causing gum disease.

Types of Teeth Gaps

There are different types of gap teeth, including:

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• Gaps between all the teeth
• A gap in front of the teeth
• An opening around the canine on one side of the teeth
• A space between the front and side of the teeth only

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Causes of gap teeth

Gaps in the teeth can result from several things, including:

• Undersized or missing teeth 

Diastema can develop in some teeth that are missing or uneven in size. This often occurs in the upper lateral incisors (the teeth beside the two front teeth).

• Large labial frenum

If the labial frenum is oversized, it can cause a gap to form between the teeth. The labial frenum is the soft tissue or band that connects the upper lip to the anterior of the upper teeth.

• Gum disease

Gum disease can cause tooth migration and inflammation. When this happens, the bone supporting the teeth gets damaged, and the teeth may become loose, thus causing gaps to appear.

• Inaccurate swallowing reflex

The right swallowing reflex involves pressing the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

If, on the other hand, the tongue presses against the front teeth when swallowing, the repetitive pressure can push the front teeth forward, thereby causing a gap to develop.

• Habits

Habits such as sucking of the lips or thumb, thrusting the tongue, and other similar habits can put pressure on the front teeth, pushing them forward and causing a gap between them.

How To Fix Diastema

Fixing diastema is not compulsory, especially if the gap is a result of the loss of primary teeth or if there’s a mismatch between the jawbone and the size of the teeth.

However, if you wish to fix the space between your teeth, there are various options available, ranging from orthodontic to cosmetic.

Orthodontic Options

With modern orthodontic treatment, incorrect bite disorders, crooked and overcrowded teeth can be corrected; the treatment can also close gaps between the teeth.

Some of the best and most effective treatment methods include:

Clear Dental Aligners

Also known as invincible dental aligners, clear dental aligners offer a convenient and aesthetic means of fixing diastema and other minor orthodontic issues.

Made of thin thermoplastic polymer, the dental aligner works by gently applying pressure to the specific teeth until they move into the desired position.

The dental aligners come in several sets of trays, and each set moves the teeth by small inches until the teeth are closed.

Lingual fixed and labial fixed braces

Lingual fixed braces are usually placed on the inside of the teeth.

It effectively closes the tooth gap and is invincible to others even when you smile.

On the other hand, fixed labial braces are the conventional ones worn, and there are several options available.

Dental Veneers and Crowns

Veneers are like false nails, only that they are for the teeth.

They are custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front of the tooth.

In placing veneers, a small chunk of the tooth enamel is removed to allow the veneer to fit in and give a natural appearance.

On the other hand, dental crowns are made to fit most of the tooth and are designed to fix tooth damage caused by decay or trauma.

Dentures

Dentures are removable replacements for the teeth, and patients can opt for complete or partial dentures.

Usually, dentures are ideal for people missing several teeth or those whose oral health is in question.

Also, dentures can close a small gap between the teeth by acting as removable implants.

Gum Disease Treatment

If you have gum disease, treating it is the best option to stop the infection and prevent other complications that might lead to tooth loss.

Treatment may involve scaling the gum and teeth to remove plaques and infection-causing bacteria.

Also, oral or topical antibiotics may be administered.

In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove deep-rooted tartars from the gum, and once the gum is healthy again, other methods can be applied to correct the gappy teeth. 

Dental Implants

Dental implants are either removable or fixed false teeth that match the patient’s natural teeth.

This is an ideal option for people with a large gap tooth. It involves implanting an artificial enamel tooth into the bone or gum.

A dental implant is an invasive procedure with minimal pain if done right.

Surgery

If the gap tooth results from an oversized labial frenum, the dentist may recommend surgery.

The surgery called frenectomy is a procedure done to remove excess tissue from the affected area. After the surgery, braces are then worn to close the gap.

How To Prevent Gappy Teeth

While it may not be possible to prevent all cases of diastema, practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent those caused by gum disease and other unhealthy oral habits.

Such preventive measures include:

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• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss everyday
• Periodic visits to the dentist
• Practice the right swallowing reflex
• Avoid thumb sucking

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Conclusion

Why let that gappy tooth spoil your smile when you can do something about it?

But if yours isn’t affecting your health and looks great on you, you could leave it be and smile away.

Now that we have shared several ways of correcting a diastema, all you have to do is book an appointment with your dentist and choose from the options available to you.