TL;DR
- A gap in teeth is a space between two teeth that is also known as a diastema.
- It can occur in both children and adults due to the following reasons:
- Genetics
- Missing teeth
- Small tooth size
- Frenulum issues
- Teeth grinding
- Habits like thumb sucking
- Gum disease
- Tooth injury
- Midline, interdental, and multiple diastema are the three most common types.
- Dentists may suggest the following treatment options:
- Braces or aligners
- Dental bonding
- Veneers
- Frenectomy
- Gum disease treatment
Table of Contents
Diastema: An Overview
A gap in teeth, also called a diastema, is a space or opening between two teeth. It can affect any age group. Many people have a gap in their front teeth, but gaps can appear between other teeth, too. Having a gap between teeth is very common and natural. Some people like their gaps, while others want to fix them because they can affect how their smile looks, how they speak, or even their dental health.
This blog will help you understand why a gap forms, the different types of gaps, and the ways to treat them. Whether you have a small gap or a bigger one, knowing about it can help you feel confident about your smile and make the best choice for you.
What Causes a Gap in Teeth?
A gap in teeth happens for many reasons. Here are common causes:
- Genetics: Sometimes gaps are inherited, which means they can run in your family.
- Jaw size vs tooth size: If teeth are too small for the jaw, gaps can occur.
- Missing teeth: If a tooth is missing, the other teeth can shift and create gaps.
- Thumb sucking or habits: Kids who suck their thumbs for a long time can push their front teeth apart.
- Frenulum issues: A thick piece of tissue between the two upper front teeth can make a gap.
- Incorrect swallowing: Some people push their tongue against their front teeth when swallowing, which pushes the teeth apart over time.
- Gum disease (periodontitis): This disease causes swelling and damage to the gums and the bone holding the teeth. Teeth can get loose, and gaps can form.
- Teeth grinding or jaw clenching: Grinding teeth can push them outward and create gaps.
What are the Different Types of Diastema?
The three main types of diastema are as follows:
Midline Diastema
A midline diastema is the gap in front teeth, specifically the space between the two upper front teeth. This is the most common type of gap in teeth. It can happen for many reasons, as mentioned in the above section. Many kids have a midline diastema as their adult teeth grow in, and sometimes it closes on its own.
Interdental Diastema
Interdental diastema means gaps between other teeth, not just the front ones. These spaces can show up anywhere in the mouth where there is extra room between teeth. This type of gap can also be caused by missing teeth or the size of the teeth not fitting the jaw properly.
Multiple Diastema
Multiple diastemas happen when someone has several gaps in teeth all over their mouth. Some people might have a gap in front teeth and other smaller gaps between different teeth. Multiple gaps can affect how someone eats or talks and may require treatment to fix them.
Are Gaps in Your Teeth Bad?
Not always. Many people have gaps between their teeth, especially the front ones, and they don’t cause any problems. According to our experts at Brooklyn Blvd Dental, the key is understanding why the gap is present and whether it affects everyday function.
Sometimes, a gap in teeth can make a person feel shy about their smile, but this is mostly about how it looks, not health. However, gaps can sometimes cause trouble. Food may get stuck in the space, which can cause bad breath or gum disease if not cleaned well. Large gaps might also make chewing harder or cause pain in the jaw. If gaps affect how you talk or eat or cause gum problems, it’s a good idea to see a dentist.
So, are gaps in your teeth bad? It depends on the size and if they cause problems, but many gaps are harmless and just part of a person’s smile.
Treatment Options for a Gap in Teeth
A gap in teeth can be treated in many ways, depending on the cause and size of the gap. Here are common treatment options:
Braces or Clear Aligners
Braces are metal wires and brackets fixed on teeth. They slowly move their teeth closer together to close the gap between teeth. Clear aligners are plastic trays that fit over teeth and gently shift them. They are less visible and can be removed for eating or cleaning. Both options take months or years, but work well for big or small gaps.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored material applied to the sides of the teeth to fill small gaps. The dentist shapes and hardens the material so it looks natural. This treatment is quick and painless and is good for minor gaps.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain placed on the front of teeth. They cover gaps and make teeth look even. Veneers need some tooth surface to be gently polished before placing them. They last for many years and look very natural.
Frenectomy
If a thick piece of tissue (called a frenulum) between the two front teeth causes the gap, a small surgery called a frenectomy can help. The doctor removes or reshapes the tissue so the teeth can move closer naturally or with braces.
Gum Disease Treatment
Sometimes gaps happen because gum disease causes swelling and tooth movement. Treating gum disease with cleaning, medicines, or surgery helps gums and teeth get healthy again and prevents gaps from getting worse.
How to Prevent Gaps in Teeth?
To prevent a gap in teeth, experts at Brooklyn Blvd Dental recommend keeping your mouth healthy and watching out for habits that can cause gaps. While not all gaps can be stopped, good care can help avoid some causes.
Here are their tips:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. This cleans away germs that can harm your gums and teeth.
- Floss every day to get rid of tiny bits of food and plaque stuck between teeth that brushing misses.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash to lower the number of bacteria in your mouth.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleaning. They make sure your gums stay healthy and catch any problems early.
- Stop thumb-sucking or other habits early because they can push teeth apart.
- Fix swallowing habits if you push your tongue too hard against your teeth. This helps teeth stay in place and prevents gaps.
Bottom Line
A gap in teeth can affect how your smile looks and feels, but with the right care, it can be managed or fixed. Understanding the causes and types of gaps helps you choose the best treatment to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. Whether the gap is small or large, there are many safe and effective ways to close it and improve how your teeth work and look.
If you are looking for expert care to treat your gap in teeth, Brooklyn Blvd Dental is a great choice. Our team uses the latest technology to provide gentle and careful treatment that fits your needs.
Visit us at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429, or call us at (763) 533-8669 to connect with our expert dentist in Brooklyn Center.
FAQs
Can gaps in teeth close naturally?
Gaps in teeth can sometimes close on their own, especially if you are still growing. This is more likely if you have small gaps or are losing baby teeth. But often they need a little help from a dentist to fix them properly.
How much tooth gap is normal?
A small gap between teeth, about 1 to 2 mm, is normal. But bigger gaps might be a sign that your teeth are not aligned properly, and you might need to see a dentist for help.
Is diastema treatment painful?
Diastema treatment, like braces and aligners, might feel a little uncomfortable at first. You might feel some pressure or soreness, but it’s usually not too bad. Your dentist will give you tips to ease your discomfort.
Can a gap in teeth affect speech?
A gap in your teeth can affect speech, especially if it’s big. It might make it harder to pronounce certain words, like the “s” or “th” sounds, clearly. This is because your tongue and teeth work together to make these sounds, and a gap can disrupt this process.
Can braces fix a gap in teeth permanently?
Braces can definitely fix a gap in teeth, and it’s often a permanent solution. By moving the teeth together, braces can close the gap and straighten your smile. But you need to wear a retainer afterwards to keep your teeth in place.
