Understanding How Dentists Close Gaps In The Front Teeth (Diastema)

Diastema is a term used to refer to a large gap between the front teeth. Diastema is pretty common, and some people are okay with having a gap between their front teeth. Some celebrities like Michael Strahan, for example, are known for their iconic tooth gap. 

But a large gap between the teeth can make some people feel self-conscious, so dentists have come up with a variety of ways to treat this condition and close gaps in the front teeth using cosmetic dentistry. Learn more about diastema and how it’s treated below.

What Causes Diastema? Explaining The Basics

Diastema can be caused by a lot of different things. The most common cause of diastema is an incorrect swallowing reflex as a child, known as “tongue thrusting.” 

In tongue thrusting, the tongue pushes against the teeth instead of the roof of the mouth when you swallow. Over time, this can cause issues with the teeth, including bite problems and large gaps between the front teeth.

Diastema can also happen if one or more of your teeth are smaller than usual. Undersized teeth may cause gaps to develop between the front teeth. 

Less commonly, diastema can be caused by issues like gum disease or an oversized labial frenulum, also known as a “lip tie.” 

What Treatments Can Be Used To Close Gaps Between The Front Teeth?

In most cases, diastema is completely harmless, but it can make you feel bad about how you look. So if you have a gap between your teeth, you may be wondering how to close it. Here are a few of your top options for treatment at Nashoba Valley Dental. 

• Porcelain veneers – Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that fit over your teeth and improve their shape and appearance. With veneers, you can increase the size of your front teeth and reshape them, closing the gap in your smile permanently. ‍
• Dental bonding – Dental bonding functions similarly to veneers. Dr. Annese will apply a durable tooth-colored material directly to your front teeth, and reshape it to improve the shape of your teeth and your appearance, closing the gap in your teeth. ‍
• Dental crowns – Dental crowns may be recommended if your front teeth are especially small, or if they’re damaged or decayed. Crowns cover up and replace the entire outer surface of your tooth, protecting the underlying tooth structure. They’re shaped just like natural teeth, so once your crowns have been placed, the gap in your smile will be eliminated. ‍
• Invisalign – If you have a gap between your front teeth and you have other crooked or crowded teeth, the best option may be an orthodontic treatment like Invisalign. Invisalign is appropriate for most minor-to-moderate issues with your teeth and bite alignment. It allows you to close the gap in your smile without wearing braces.
  

Explore Your Options For Treating Diastema At Nashoba Valley Dental

Dr. Matthew Annese serves patients throughout Shirley, Groton, Lunenburg, and the surrounding areas with expert cosmetic dentistry services. If you have a gap in your front teeth or any other issues that make you feel self-conscious about your smile, don’t wait. Take the first steps toward a better smile by giving us a call or contacting Nashoba Valley Dental online, and scheduling a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Annese.